This radio sounds really good for a basic lower end radio with the option to work on AC or DC power. The ICF-24's audio quality is both clear and very balanced. Its not tinny at all, reception is fantastic on AM and FM. Build quality is typical for a mid 90's product, The plastics used are sturdy but not as good as today's Sony radios. The fit and finish on today's Sony radios is really good with very tight tolerances. This radio is just typical of the era using cleanly molded parts with good not great part fitment. Over all for the age of this radio its still a really good product. It does all the things a radio should do, but with the new Sony ICF-506 on the market it makes buying one of these kind of an after thought since the 506 is just as sensitive, sounds richer and fuller and lasts longer on 3 AA batteries (35 hours on 3AA batteries opposed to 25 hours on 4AA batteries), so if you find an ICF-24 for a cheap price buy it, you won't regret it. But if you really want somthing a little nicer then buy a brand new ICF-506.