I just received the radio and unboxed it. I always try do an initial test on everything that I purchase, to make sure it is working, even if I don't have immediate plans for it.I bought this to replace a Radio Shack Optimus, which is pictured. Even with cardboard isolating the terminals the Energizers still leaked. A gentle swab of vinegar on Q-tips didn't help as some of the electrical connectors had battery corrosion on them, and the radio won't turn on. Oh well, this was my go to radio that I would always carry when traveling.I was surprised to see that the Sangean is pretty much the same radio. Although, the build quality of the Radio Shack Optimus seems to be better.I hadn't gone through the manual so this was a simple test of the Sangean.This radio on fast scan in FM picked up all of the local broadcasters, even those from NYC, about 60-90 miles away. Manual tuning picked up stations on just about every frequency.On AM band, without a select antenna it picked up all the NYC clear channels. Slow tuning picked up all of the local low power frequencies, without any interference.I don't know how it was able to as there is not much room for a decent size ferrite bar.The sound was clear through both the external speaker and the headphones.Many have complained about the price but this out performed my XHdata 8O8, 328, 108, Quodosen 286, and the Reketris v115. It even did better than my Super Radio 3 with a select antenna loop.I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in a portable AM/FM radio. It is well worth the price.