The R9994 is a reincarnated Roberts R984. This model has a
small loudspeaker, whereas the R984 was earphones-only. Like its predecessor, the R9994 offers FM, MW and LW
reception. With the plugs for the BBC Test Match Special and Radio Live on the
radio’s front, this model is obviously targeted at listeners to sprorts
programming on AM bands. The radio comes with earphones and a detachable belt
clip.
The radio has analogue tuning, so finding a station can be a
bit hit and miss, but it generally worked well for strong stations. Useful
Tuning and Stereo LEDs show when you are tuned to a strong station. There are
no presets with this radio.
Guide Price: £30
Suppliers: Simply Radios £30, O'Gormans £30
The earphones lead works as an FM aerial, so when using
earphones the lead needs to be extended to obtain the best reception. A
‘pigtail’ wire aerial is provided for FM when earphones are not being used. MW
and LW reception utilizes a separate aerial built into the radio.
Loudspeaker sound volume is obviously limited in a small
personal radio, but was perfectly adequate. Over earphones a slight hiss was
noticeable while listening on all bands. On FM, switching from FM stereo to
mono did not remove this.
Pros: Useful loudspeaker. Tuning indicator. Clear tuning scale. Belt clip
Cons: Background hiss noticeable on earphones. No presets. Small switches and volume control. No tone control
