Hey there, fellow radio enthusiasts! I’ve always had a soft spot for small multiband receivers, and recently, I had the chance to try out the Raddy RF 757. Packed with features and priced at just $95, I was curious to see how it stacks up against well-known brands like Grundig and Crane.
First Impressions and Unboxing
After my trusty Grundig G6 got damaged, I was thrilled when Radiodity sent me the Raddy RF 757 for review. The shipping was impressively fast—it arrived in just five days. Inside the box, I found the radio, a charging cable, a wire antenna, headphones, and a manual. A quick tip: make sure to fully charge the radio before you start using it.
Build Quality and Design
The build quality of the RF 757 is pretty solid. The plastic case feels durable and well-constructed. However, the telescoping antenna is quite thin and could easily bend if you’re not careful. This is a common issue with many radios in this category. Despite this minor concern, the overall construction feels robust and reliable for regular use.
Display and Controls
Once you power it on, the wide LCD display immediately stands out. It clearly shows a lot of useful information, including battery level, volume, frequency, bandwidth, signal-to-noise ratio, and RSI. The orange backlighting is easy on the eyes, even in low-light conditions.
The controls are super intuitive, allowing you to operate the radio without constantly referring to the manual. The tuning knob on the side is particularly handy, showing that thoughtful consideration went into the layout. You can easily switch between bands or manually enter a frequency. The 2500mAh battery lasts for hours and is rechargeable via USB-C. Additionally, the RF 757 includes a built-in flashlight and SOS alarm, adding to its versatility.
Smartphone App Integration
One of the standout features of the RF 757 is its smartphone app, available for both iPhone and Android. You can connect via Bluetooth and control the radio’s functions through the app. This makes it incredibly convenient to select bands, change frequencies, adjust the volume, and more, all from your smartphone.
Sound Quality and Performance
The sound quality of the RF 757 is surprisingly good for its compact size. With seven EQ presets, you can tweak the audio to your liking, ensuring a pleasant listening experience. The volume is ample, providing plenty of power without much distortion, unless you crank it all the way up. The volume range from 0 to 30 allows you to find just the right level for any situation.
Reception and Additional Features
Reception across all bands is impressive, possibly even better than expected for a radio in this class. The RF 757 can tune into a wide range of frequencies, including AM, FM, SW, UHF, VHF, CB, and AIR. The included wire antenna significantly enhances shortwave reception, and connecting a proper antenna to the external port further improves performance without the overloading issues that some smaller radios experience. The inclusion of NOAA weather alerts is also a great bonus.
Final Thoughts
All in all, the Raddy RF 757 is a fantastic little multiband receiver. It’s portable, easy to use, and offers great sound quality. For $95, it’s a steal and definitely holds its own against bigger brands like Grundig and Crane. Whether you’re a seasoned radio enthusiast or just need something reliable for travel or camping, this radio has got you covered.