QuantumFX J-114U Quantum FX J-114U AM-FM-SW1-SW9 Radio USB-SD Player

There are two speakers on this one, but there's no mention on here about it having stereo sound. I thought it would be mono, but it's not...not entirely anyway. The SD and USB slots play back in stereo (including though the headphone jack), but the FM isn't mpx compatible (it's mono).The radio tuner about average (it has the same exact tuner as another radio I got from here: the Supersonic SC-1089  SUPERSONIC 11 BAND AM/FM/SW RADIO WITH USB & SD CARD SLOT (SC-1089) . It's no DX receiver, but both FM and MW/AM are reasonably sensitive and selective (for the price). The MW/AM on this particular example tunes up to 1700 KHz (this being the second radio it's a safe bet they all do), so it does include the new "X band". The SW bands are about what you would expect for something in this price range: it's not going to win any contests, but it works reasonably well for what it is.The FM dial is a bit out of calibration, but it's not difficult to navigate. Also the tuning dial is the old backwards European style for some reason..right to left.The SD and USB slots work as they should and again in stereo (though it's a very basic player, and of course there is no readout) and it is SDHC (more than 2GB) compatible. My only complaint is that it does not scan through tracks. Holding down the "REW" or "FF" button raises and lowers the volume. This is a bit of a pain when playing back podcasts should you decide to stop playback. I use an easy to find and free program to split podcasts into 2 minute tracks, so the issue is not that big of a deal.Overall the sound quality is alright (not shrill or harsh at all), and it puts of a reasonable amount of volume. You'll have no problem hearing it outside at all. It also sound quite good though a pair of headphones and puts out enough power to seriously rock even the most inefficient 'phones...a nice touch.I felt a bit silly at first for picking up two radios that are so very much alike, but I'm glad I did. For the price it's hard to beat, and I love the idea of at long last having a real radio (not just FM) that will play back MP3 files as well, especially though speakers.

I was looking for a radio for my desk at work and found that it's really difficult to find a simple radio anymore that isn't attached to an alarm clock. I stumbled across this one and figured I'd buy it since it was so cheap. If it didn't work, I wasn't out much. I'm pleasantly surprised with it, but it does have a couple stumbles...Pros:- Small size.- Runs on batteries.- Sound is good and clear, especially when playing music from a SD card.- Cool 80s boombox look.- The MP3 feature is a nice addition for such an affordable radio. I stuck some MP3s on a 8 GB card and the songs played automatically.Cons:- The plug isn't polarized. Might not be a huge issue for some, but it's a bit iffy.- The radio tuner is WAY off. Hilariously so. I tuned to 104.1 and the tuner dial hovers around 88. You'll have to listen for your favorite stations by ear.- When playing MP3s, a bright, red light blinks on the front. A minor annoyance, but I'll cover it with electrical tape.- There's no fast-forwarding and rewinding of MP3s. You can only go to the previous song or skip to the next song.Other than those minor cons, this radio is worth the price if you're just looking for something simple that can pick up radio stations and play some MP3s.

This unit is the best I have found for playing music from SD or USB key (usually overnight). It shares this rating with the Supersonic 11 Band Radio which is identical (I own both).I power mine with a 6v DC power supply (3.5mm connector) rather than use the line cord or batteries. There is an output stereo jack labelled "Phone" which I use to feed the signal into a mini-stereo system whose CD drive is defunct and get somewhat better sound quality than is provided by the small speaker in the Quantum.I have compared this unit with the TomTop. I cannot make the TT recognize SD cards and the radio function is pretty useless. However the sound quality is quite impressive for a single tiny speaker. It will recognize a USB key, but only if you turn the unit off, remove the key, then turn it on again. Then when you reinsert the key it will be recognized. The volume is not adjustable. But with all these complaints I am listening to the TT as I write this! The quantum is in the bedroom.

Lets see. Not a great boom box as I had expected, I use it in my garage, does the trick, can play good radio stations, sometimes it gets out of focus and have to adjust the knob now and then for better clarity. For a garage radio, it does the trick, but if you're looking for a better sound, louder and blow your neighbors away, this is not the radio. I bought it mainly because I like the short wave option on it. I listen to it once in a while, when the weather turns cooler. So I'll rate it as OK.

Dislike D Batteries. Tuner could be better

I was shocked, this was/is a great little miniboombox for the money. It had a very solid heavy feel (without batteries), and sounds pretty good and operates great for an ol'audiophile. I purchased this unit basically as a throw away for my deck and for traveling outdoors, but now plan to take a little better care of it. My main purpose was basically a portable MP3 player with a little more oomph to it then my iPod or Cowon S9.Sound isn't perfectly pristine and would never be (S/N .00001 THD) but certainly better then I ever expected for something this size much less it's cost. MP3's play easily and well and the AM/FM has pretty good reception and gain. The only thing better would be a LCD digital display with digital tuning. I have little to no knowledge of Shortwave so won't comment here only that I could receive various stations.