This Mid Century Proton 320 was the Cadillac of clock radios in the early 1980’s. It originally cost $110, which was shocking back then. The cabinet design is classic (Proton having virtually started the "all-black" look in high end electronic components). It’s sleek and packed with features: Dual alarms, Ramp-up alarm/radio volume, an automatic display dimmer, separate Bass and Treble controls, and a HiFi 4 watt amplifier to effectively drive it’s 4" wide range speaker (see photos). The sturdy paper cone is flawless and so is the voice coil dust-cap. Plus, the surround is coated fabric instead of foam so it will last indefinitely.

 NEW LOWER PRICE - NO TAX

The first thing you will notice is its weight. At 4.5 pounds this is one hefty radio you won't smack off the nightstand turning the alarm off. No external power supply "brick" needed, a transformer regulated power supply is built-in. The turquoise color of the florescent digital display is period. It employs analog tuning without presets. It uses a single dangling wire antenna for FM reception.

 But the sound? The second you turn it on, air is felt puffing out the seams around the tuning dial from the bass notes! The bass is strong on this radio although you will probably opt to turn down for long-term listening.

 Reception-wise, it is excellent on FM with just the short dangling-wire antenna. All stations of interest are present (88.1, and up). It still has very good AM reception. Distant stations have some AM hiss, which can be tamed a little with the Treble control.

 This classic “first high-end clock radio” has been completely checked out and is fully functional.

 Features include: 

• Dual Wake Up Alarms with either buzzer or radio function that begins at a lower volume that gently increases rather than “Jolt” you from your sleep.
• Light sensor adjusts the panel lighting from high to low automatically.
• Sleep mode Snooze function.
• Battery backup (9 V) to maintain the time, alarm and date settings (not included).
• Adjustable Treble and Bass controls as well as volume and tuning dials.
• Push buttons for AM or FM and for Radio On / Off, Buzzer or Radio functions.
• One touch day / month current time and setting of the two alarms at different times with locking switch.
• Extra long 6′ original (non-polarized) power cord and external FM antenna wire.
• Measures 11″ W X 6″ H X 3″ D.

Manufacturer Specifications

• Type: Mono Radio
• Tuning Bands: FM, MW
• Tuning Scale: Analogue
• FM Tuning Range: 87.5 to 109 MHz
• MW Tuning Range: 525 to 1650 kHz
• Sensitivity: 1.8uV (FM), 320uV (MW)
• Signal to Noise Ratio: 66dB (FM), 50dB (MW)
• Distortion: 0.5% (FM)