Out of all the amplifiers, speakers, tuners, and other electronic paraphernalia I’ve collected up over the years, there’s only one that’s really served its purpose beyond what I expected it to when I bought it. That’s my portable radio cassette deck. I have the classic in the field, Sony’s CF-550A Stereo Cassette-Corder Stereo FM/FM-AM package. Although it’s broken down a couple of times and had to be repaired, it’s still running nearly ten years after I took it out of the box. '

This portable cassette radio was the prototype of the dozens of models now sold by manufacturers, indeed the prototype for the battery operated stereo system with handle that’s seen in every audio and electronics store window around the world. While it isn’t lightweight, it isn’t portable, and provides all the necessary functions: plays cassettes in stereo, plays stereo FM radio, has AM, and can record stereo cassettes of FM radio broadcasts.

Like most other electronic types, there are so many variations on this theme that it isn’t easy to buy one of these systems, as I’ve noticed when friends ask, ‘I want to get one of those, but which one should I get?’ Ultimately it comes down to how much you want to spend and what color plastic soothes your eye, but there are a few guidelines that can be followed.

First, some of the lower priced units of this type are not stereo', so look carefully. The basic functions must include stereo cassette, record and reproduce, and, consequently, two speakers, and stereo FM radio.

Second, none of these machines are particularly light to carry around, so try hefting them off the counter before you buy, and don’t plan to carry them too far at one go.

Third, check to see what kind of batteries are used, and how many are needed. Most run on either batteries or AC, and for home use it’s easier and cheaper to plug them into the wall as the batteries don’t last all that long if you use it constantly. Some models have AC 120v/240v switches on the back for use while traveling and this is a decided plus.

Fourth, these machines don’t all sound, the same.. The size of the speakers, number of speakers, distance between the speakers, power of the built-in amp, and other factors determine the final sound. Compare by listening. You will find that the sound is also affected by where you place the machine in the room (close to a wall, a corner, on the floor, etc.).

NEW PRODUCTS

Fifth, competition has created many‘extras’ on certain models, including digital clocks (which don’t run when you’re using the unit on batteries), digital tape encounters, various function switches, choices of stereo enhancement, additional radio bands besides AM and FM, and the like. Some of these are useful, some cosmetic. It is better to buy for basic dependability and sound, than because you like the look of the switches and knobs.

Among the machines worth checking into before you buy are:

JVC’s RC-838JW, which includes four shortwave bands as well as FM stereo, and an elaborate four speaker system with choice of stereo sound reproduction to attempt to overcome the closeness of the stereo speakers inherent in this type of machine.

Superscope’s CRS-152B, which is quite inexpensive considering the "speakers instead of being built-in are in two detachable boxes so they can be separated at a distance to improve the stereo image.

Sony’s Deluxe CF-580, which has a four speaker matrix stereo system, can accept a turntable plugged into the back so you can play records through it, and for more money can be used with optional external speakers.

The new Sanyo machine, which is in an eyeappealing silver plastic, wider and lower than most other units with large speakers for its size and pricing around $160 if you shop around.

Of course just about every major audio manufacturer has a model or two in this area, so there’s a lot of comparison buying for those who have the strength. My only suggestion is-that you don’t pay list price on any of these since the competition is intense and you should be able to buy the unit you decide on at a reasonable discount. ©