Areaware Jonas Damon 2B Radio (BLACK) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)It seems that very few items that I purchase these days are exactly as advertised, but this one is. Everything about the Areaware 2B radio is exactly what one would imagine from the photos and product descriptions. If you're into this type of thing (artsy, minimalist, unapologetic low-tech), it's a great buy, based on my initial impression. I'll revisit this review after I've had the radio for a while.
I ordered the radio on December 9, 2010 and received it on December 15, 2010 with standard free shipping from CSN Stores through Amazon.com. The packaging was just as robust as the product itself, to the point that it's worth mentioning here. The radio was covered with a clear plastic sheet and protected by polystyrene in the inner box, which was protected on all sides by thick bubble wrap in the outer box. Everything arrived snug and secure.
As per the product description, the radio is intentionally overbuilt. It's very heavy, sturdy, and solid in every respect, including the knobs, connectors, and tuning dial (it's a rectangular cannonball). The craftsmanship is excellent. The matte black finish is very smooth and uniform, and I noticed no flaws or scratches. The package includes a detachable power cord and separate external FM and AM antennas. The simple instruction manual (also available as a PDF download) folds out into a large poster.
Using tubes, the radio does run warm, but even after several hours, it never got too hot. The FM sound is wonderful, and I've never heard mono sound so rich and full from such a small speaker (sampling both music and talk shows). The single speaker is much more authoritative in the low-end than I expected, and there's nothing chirpy about the high-end. The FM reception through the internal antenna is very good, and even in rooms full of computer and hi-fi equipment, I could easily receive my favorite stations. The AM reception through the internal antenna is hit-and-miss, but that's true of every AM radio that I've ever used in my home. Using an external AM antenna is a must for my location, and the one included works just fine. For those AM stations that do come in clearly, the sound is very good, by AM standards.
This radio isn't just a work of art; it performs its intended function as close to perfection as can be expected, at least right out of the box. It actually works, and it works very well, which isn't always the case with designer electronics. No doubt Jonas Damon is especially proud of this design. As for the radio's longevity, time will tell.


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2b radio designed by Jonas Damon Made out of Aluminum and MDF Dimensions: 8.75 x 12.75 x 7 inches Its three vacuum tubes broadcast signals in big, warm, radiant sound. Watch the tubes at work through the open back. MP3 compatible.

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