Retekess TR618 AM FM Shortwave Radio w/MP3 Review

The Retekess TR618 is built like a tank. Featuring FM for some Sweet tunes, AM for feeding the Brain, and Shortwave to Mix it all up. A built in MP3 player is included to keep you entertained when you're not in the tuning mode. Dual Power, Built in Handle, a Clear and Accurate Dial, are some attributes I like on this portable.
▶ The Retekess TR618 at Amazon USA: amzn.to/3faeVTB
▶ The Retekess TR618 at Amazon CA: amzn.to/2O2y263
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(paid links) As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. There are no additional costs to you.
▶ The Retekess TR618 at eBay: bit.ly/RetekessTR618
(paid link) As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase. There are no additional costs to you.
Features I like about the Radio:
FM Reception is Above Average.
Clear and Accurate Dial.
Full Range Speaker Provides Excellent Sounding Audio.
MW is fantastic during the Daytime Hours.
Shortwave Band is workable, though limited.
Dual Power.
Simple and Easy to use Controls.
Built in MP3 Player, though limited.
Full Size SD card support.
Compact Design.
Carrying Handle.
AC Cord Plugs into the Side. Great for Counter Tops.
Headphone Jack, Above Average Quality on all the Bands.
Features that could be added or improved on:
Add Stereo to the FM radio and MP3 Player when using Headphones.
Expand Shortwave band from 3 to 22MHz.
Adjust AGC on the MW and SW bands.
Overall, this is a pretty solid radio. The price needs to be under $40 for me to recommend it to everyone. At the $50 price, you really have to like it's styling and FM performance, along with it's great daytime MW sensitivity.
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[@todderbert]

▶ The Retekess TR618 at Amazon USA: amzn.to/3faeVTB (paid link) As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. There are no additional costs to you. ▶ The Retekess TR618 at eBay: bit.ly/RetekessTR618 (paid link) As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase. There are no additional costs to you.

[@retekessradioamazon6255]

First of all, thanks todderbert for sharing videos. We carefully read the comments of each customer. Thank you very much for your suggestions on Retekess, we will upgrade and improve the next model. For price, our current price is 49.99 US dollars. Because it is the first batch of goods, the stock quantity is limited, we only have more than one hundred stocks, so the price is a little high, I hope everyone can understand. However, we will also give you some feedback. The next batch of inventory will only arrive in late August, at that time we will contact todderbert again and ask him to send our discount code to fans and friends as an exclusive coupon. Thank you again for your support! !

[@todderbert]

Thank you for providing these details for everyone :)

[@watershed44]

@kuntian wang Nice to see that a company listens to potential customers and actually responds! If you want to really find the target for classic shortwave portable radio fans with great tuner/receiver performance look at the Panasonic portable units from the early-late 1980s! Shortwave range must include 1.8-18 Mhz.

[@baneverything5580]

Please lower the shortwave range on these radios and others you sell. The shortwave band should begin at 2 mhz or 3 mhz instead of 6 mhz. I listen to programs on WWCR 4840 mhz and some stations at even lower frequencies. Too many modern shortwave radios start at 6 to 8 mhz and this is no good and often I choose not to buy an AM FM Shortwave radio for that reason. Thank you.

[@tenfourproductionsllc]

@@baneverything5580 To be honest, for them to do that, it needs to be divided into multiple bands (3-10mhz) and (10-18mhz) or more the better. It's already way too tight with (6 to 18mhz) all on one band.

[@deec2923]

It's a clean looking set, I do like it, but I hesitate to buy it because it lacks Bluetooth. Bluetooth is the option I would like to see. An optional tuner backlight would be useful too. The price wouldn't be unreasonable with those additions. I too used to listen on shortwave below 5mhz. 4.840mhz to be exact as someone else mentioned. However I no longer get SW reception where I am because I can't extend an outdoor antenna where I live, and that's why Bluetooth is important now, for streaming broadcasts I can't get by normal radio propagation. Thanks for listening to suggestions.

[@hielmyz]

Finally, this radio! I've been waiting for "proper" review for this radio, and Todderbert is the answer.

[@hadireg]

No one of the generation, who experienced the real receivers they're trying to mimic, would accept one of these... the standard of the vintage receivers is really high vs the means of those days... Stereo capabilities, rich warm sound, sensitivity, smooth continuous tuning with all the alignment hassle needed... Thanks for sharing !

[@torrmarc2004]

I bought this radio to use it for my mp3 listening. Looks and feels like quality. Liking it a lot.

[@stationplaza4631]

I look forward to using this radio I ordered from Amazon yesterday. Just like you, my decision to by this radio was for its ability to play mp3 and SD card audio files. The design is very practical and visually attractive.

[@mozilla2576]

Thanks! First time on this channel. Subscibed now.

[@DG-zp2wz]

Great review. I would like to see a daytime bandscan. A suggestion to improve the MP3 player: a random track setting.

[@Kuraio]

That's quite a looker. Would have been great of the lcd screen doubles as a frequency counter

[@user-cj7zl5jc6i]

Also would've been great if the radio was all analogue in the function of going through the stations

[@SidewaySmileyFace]

Something about this radio captures my interest. I like the features, the look and the build. The biggest drawback is the mp3 display. I prefer displays that show the mp3 song name and title info like the Retekess v115. Also random/shuffle for the mp3 player is a must. With those features I'd be a buyer if priced around $40.

[@hawaiifiles]

Good to know AM and SW is still strong and alive.

[@danesmith50]

Thanks for another great review! I completely agree about the price. Should definitely be under $40.

[@todderbert]

I appreciate the feedback. So does Retekess :)

[@deec2923]

I like its clean looks, and what it has. I almost decided it was on my shopping list and then, no BT. Maybe if they added Bluetooth to the MP3 format, it would be worth $40 to me. I need that. A soft optional backlight for the tuning band would be useful too. I like retro sets with golden dial lights. Especially the ones with the light in the tuner dial knob. There's a retro Prunus that almost checked all my boxes but no headphone jack. I listen with a headset most of the time. Thanks for the review, Todderbert.

[@WagnerESN]

Top teus vídeos muito explicativo parabéns pelo belíssimo trabalho.

[@hielmyz]

Nice tuning on SW, the stepped DSP tuning not to be appear here, feels like true analog.

[@zimianxcience4665]

Great review, I wish the tuning bar would not cover the numbers. Make it thinner transparent.

[@cicerofeliz]

Olá tudo bem? Eu moro no Brasil, muito bom o vídeo, parabéns!!

[@tvradio1972]

Sounds like a pretty decent radio. I agree with you about the price being too high. To it's credit, the SW goes a little below 6 MHz which means the Mighty KBC can be heard on it's fall/winter frequency (5960 KHz).

[@jckoibra2662]

But is the frequency reader accurate enough? What if you want to access a specific frequency, like 640 AM? I’m new to radio though that might be normal

[@tvradio1972]

@@jckoibra2662 I don't have this radio, but Todderbert may be able to answer that question.

[@prasadasgoa]

Thanks for the video. Retekess puts the price on its website as 19.99 - 39.99. USD. Shipping would be extra i think. Have sent them an inquiry mail.

[@dalesworld1308]

Got it and the SW and MW is not so great. But the FM reception is pretty fine - i get a few stations on this that my other radios won't pick up. Speaker sound is large and nice. It gets the big SW catches above 6000 fine and it holds them with a longwire, but the tuning with the DSP is fiddly. Wish it took double A's ...

[@mcsearg]

Amazon has a package deal of this one, along with the V115 for $54. Not a bad deal

[@paulukjames7799]

It will be hefty with the batteries and the wire wound transformer inside, on even when clicked off using 1.8 watts but still a good radio.

[@SergioMartinsnortwave]

Hi myfriend i hope to know how Is the Wave AM and FM in qualty sound and receptivity ,thanks so much.

[@corazinedorado6840]

good night friend listen to the radio 🇧🇷

[@highdesert50]

Since they were going for the techie receiver look, they might have instead placed the tuning knob on the front with a micro scale making it more consistent with some high end rigs. Maybe also invest a bit more for a 2.3 to 28.5 MHz capable IC and they would have their stereo too.

[@tenfourproductionsllc]

It would have to be divided into more shortwave bands if they did that, 6 to 18 all on one analog dial makes it hard to tune as it is. yea, but going down to 6mhz is a deal breaker in itself, too many stations like WWCR and WTWW can't be picked up on 5085 or 4840 or 3215

[@flynnstone3580]

Looks like I ordered the wrong one, wanted the V 115 with the aux record input.

[@BmcvideoDesign]

Hello. Verry good reviews in general! I think to buy this radio but here in Europe we are with more in FM stations. It would be nice to hear a little how fm are doing on this radio. I like verry much the C. Crane brand but here is verry expensive to buy one becouse off the shipping and becouse they don’t have a retailer (i didn’t found one). All the best from France.

[@Ashoka02]

What is the capacity of the SD card please?

[@ray_di_ohs739]

A very nice review once again I got this some weeks ago saw it on Amazon no reviews and bought because of the looks, close but no cigar, no FM Stereo, AM not very sensitive and even the FM here for me was not good at all, the addition of SW seemed to have been just an afterthought, not enough coverage at all. I would have to say if this radio performed as nice as it looks it would be a winner but in the end, it is just another pretty face that is way overpriced, I sent it back.

[@deec2923]

I never bought this because it didn't have Bluetooth. I'm back again though because it seems like it's a nice radio. I'm wondering if there's any way I can add Bluetooth to it through the purchase of a little transmitter. I did note that the other radio the tr626 does have Bluetooth so I'm thinking of getting that one.

[@JAROHEN]

muchas gracias por el video, estoy por comprar un buen radio, puedes dar el nmbre de ese dispositivo para mejorar la sintonia, donde se consigue?. Saludos desde Colombia.

[@raimundononato686]

Rádio muito bom. por Rio de janeiro gostei do vídeo

[@jeffking291]

I have a question about the CCPocket: I just got one, and it has some sort of internally generated sound on the MW Band. I’ve tried turning the screen off, and the the wide/narrow filter. My other radios don’t have it. Any ideas❓

[@todderbert]

move outside well away from neighbors who may have alarms, or boosted wifi repeaters, and check. If still there, check with another digital tuned radio. If it is across the entire band then you may want to contact C.Crane for a replacement, or return yours to the seller for another.

[@jeffking291]

todderbert Done all that. I’ll do more testing tonight. I did talk with C.Crane, And the place where I bought it. Thanks. ........

[@leepinnguin9682]

I have looked twice, I didn't not see you do the FM on this tape.

[@357bullfrog2]

On your Amazon store are these available ? If I buy a radio from now on I'd like to buy from someone I know.

[@todderbert]

They should be, but remember they link to Retekess who fulfills the orders. Your purchase will support my channel by Amazon giving 3-4% of the sale .

[@davehenderson6171]

I got it for about $40... works great

[@huntercarver1851]

I like it but 50 bucks is steep..

[@eddiedowning2571]

I just got mine yesterday and yes the price should be much cheaper

[@dougjones4007]

Lol I am considering this one also!🤔headphones also 🤷‍♂️

[@renutelecom]

Which is better for MW band between retekess tr618 & retekess tr613 ?

[@todderbert]

618 on FM and MP3, because of larger speaker. The 613 has a better MW circuit with no popping.

[@cykovisuals]

I’m still on the fence about getting this radio. That aside, what is the name/album of the metal songs you played? TIA!

[@beerrox711]

Then have a new model that can record onto a usb drive, the TR629 costs the same as this, not that this isn’t a good radio ( ive given them as gifts)

[@jckoibra2662]

But is the frequency reader accurate enough? What if you want to access a specific frequency, like 640 AM? I’m new to radio though that might be normal

[@todderbert]

With most modern analog dials you have to go by ear. Best to start out with a digital radio, like a Sangean model.

[@jckoibra2662]

@@todderbert Oh okay, thx.

[@Hunkiralyfi]

Is this a DSP radio, or just analog?

[@DEATHVIPER1777]

I’m thinking of buying one of these 618s. Do you still like it? Worth the money? Easy to use for an older guy? Thanks!! Great channel!💯💯

[@todderbert]

I like this radio, mainly for FM listening.

[@rasitopcu]

Sorry, I couldn't understand what was explained in the video. I have a question. Does this radio have bluetooth?

[@todderbert]

No Bluetooth. Just MP3 Player.

[@kadamsingh1949]

Where from to buy in India

[@aminulislam6418]

This redio rechargeable??

[@passager01]

Thanks for the test and opinions . That radio looks well made and efficient. Anyway the Retekess TR604 is cheaper , has a cute design and its speaker looks larger . I am hesitating between the two models.

[@todderbert]

The 604 if you don't need Shortwave, or a MP3 Player.

[@passager01]

@@todderbert Thank you for your reply .

[@guara212]

Good abraços Bruno Brasil minas gerais

[@axandio]

Where do you KEEP all these radios! Just wow. Are you receiving (excuse the pun) them for free for your efforts on reviewing?

[@todderbert]

I have to buy most of them, some come donated to the channel by viewers such as yourself ;)

[@axandio]

@@todderbert Sweet!

[@baneverything5580]

@@todderbert I tried to trick Chinese suppliers into sending me samples on one of their big radio dealer websites but my plan failed. LOL! Your reviews have helped me a great deal when choosing new radios. Actually, if not for your channel I`d only have two or three radios, God knows which ones, but instead I have a dozen small portable radios now and counting because of this channel. My latest is a $13.00 Dreamsky I got after seeing your review and WOW does it sound incredible! Great reception too, even on AM, but I don`t like DSP with AM and use it for FM and I love the incredible tone, bass and volume! BASS! IN A POCKET RADIO! Just watched your review of the analog AM/FM/Shortwave Tecsun radio in the $50.00 price range and it`s next on the list! LOL! Anyway, I saw the radio in this video on Amazon and came here to see your review. I`m only interested in true analog AM/SW radios for the most part and high performance digitals like the CCrane models, Sangean and SSB SW receivers. Without your great reviews I`d be lost because Amazon reviewers are amateurs. I trusted them just ONCE recently and am now the proud owner of the worst radio I`ve seen since the Dollar Store days in the 1990s....a $12.00 ZESGOOD with a 4.7 star rating. You reviewed it and hated it too. Maybe my 3 yo nephew will enjoy destroying it with a hammer. I guess it will make a good stocking stuffer for him come Christmas. It makes noises.

[@357bullfrog2]

Maybe if they'd left off the mp3 feature this radio would cone in under 30 dollars

[@retekessradioamazon6255]

Yes, you can take a look at Retekess TR604

[@todderbert]

My Review of the TR604: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpuqd3-VeNCJZpo

[@stevenk195]

To record off the radio. How could they miss that? That feature would make it gold.

[@beerrox711]

They now have The TR629 which can

[@craignehring]

I like this model, the lack of stereo is a deal breaker. The audio sounds decent... wait no flat Nokia battery hiding in there? Boo This radio could be so much more If only I thought it worthy as is and it "almost" in my cart... but not today

[@lancefarrer2725]

I mainly want it for my old time detectives on flash drive will this radio work for that?

[@todderbert]

Yes.

[@lancefarrer2725]

@@todderbert ty for your response

[@justincassidy4512]

I love your videos one person ask why a kid like me like radios I just do. What I think, it looks nicer than it really is, also why no dial light? Should be 29.99. That’s my opinion.

[@tiki1477]

Retekess tr613 very nice, you ?

[@Land0fAsh]

Is it possible to change the brightness on the screen?

[@todderbert]

No, it's a fixed brightness.

[@Land0fAsh]

@@todderbert I see. Thanks for the reply!

[@devchugani]

tuning knob should have been as big as volume knob

[@satamototo]

It have a potential, but too many drawbacks. Batteries (double 18650 with triple AA as backup, both chargeable via the AC would be great), control panel(lack of memory and alarm clock) etc...

[@reginstravels]

Why is this expensive?

[@ritmo1130]

This time we will wait for the improved version: better SW coverage, muting auto and manual, no USB player LOL !!

[@todderbert]

The company is reading these comments, so your suggestions may happen!

[@tenfourproductionsllc]

Bluetooth would be a much more useful feature than USB player.

[@TattiePeeler]

Nice radio. The aesthetics reminds me of late seventies/eighties Panasonic models like the RF-1105DLBE. There was a battery saver version (RF-1405) with rectangular buttons in the same place. Here you go: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJ2sYoabfZhgapo I think there are style cues inspiring the new model..

[@channel-dw7ei]

It would be nice if they would have put a jack for an external antenna in it as well... For 50 it seems like they would have added that feature at least...

[@MarchOfMonarchs]

i bought it and I was not impressed personally. It sounds really good only for FM. AM is okay but weird and SW is pretty bad. Buyer beware it is a really good super loud FM radio perfect for parties and thats about it. AM was more grainy than usual.

[@nickv4073]

I hate D batteries.

[@johnpainter5750]

Super radio but no Bluetooth? No good!

[@laxmirajam8827]

Why all these fake demos regarding the radio, s. Because all models using external fm am booster antennas. That, s why these radios looks very sensitive but with out booster antenna they don't, t even catch 200 km range stations. More over they don, t work inside the house. And if we switch on tube lights or tv sets they make terrible noise and no catching of stations. Under the street lights also same problem. Manfacturer must look into these problems first of all. Then every body buy radios like in olden days.