Proton 300 AM/FM Tabletop Radio - W/ 301 Remote Speaker

Free Shipping (Contiguous U.S. Only)

General:
The Proton 300 is a high-quality, bi-amped tabletop radio released in the 1980s. Weighing in at around 20 pounds for the main unit alone, it features heavy-grade internal transformers and individual amplifiers dedicated explicitly to separate drivers, 20 watts to the woofer and 5 watts to the tweeter. Combined with its sensitive FM tuner and auxiliary inputs for modern sources, it punches miles above any standard plastic clock radio ever made and sounds genuinely awesome.

Proton was also the manufacturing force behind other legendary audio brands, sharing deep engineering roots with NAD and producing high-end tabletop electronics for companies like Nakamichi.

Best yet, this particular radio includes its exceptionally rare matching remote speaker, which opens up a remarkably wide, true stereo soundstage. In the shop, when we first switched this unit on, we all crowded around just to hear how effortlessly it fills a room.

Another interesting feature is its built-in preamp output, giving you the flexibility to use the main unit with a separate external power amplifier if desired. It is an ideal setup for a home office, study, or bedroom.

This unit also includes its original boxes and custom packing materials, ensuring safe transport.

SkyFi Cosmetic Notes:
Excellent condition with very minor signs of wear on the cabinet.

Ownership:
Single Owner

Connections:
RCA pre-outs, Captive power cord, Antenna outputs

General Sound:
Smooth, uncolored, undistorted natural and clean

Cosmetic Condition:
7/10 = Good. One or two minor scratches. Well Maintained. See our detailed rating description here.

Working Condition:
Working perfectly and tested in our lab.

Included:
Unit and box, linking RCA cable

Packing:
Original Manufacturers Packing

Specs:
- Type: AM/FM Stereo Table Radio with built-in speaker and amplifier
- Companion Unit: Designed for the Proton 301 bi-amplified active speaker to create a full stereo system
- Power Handling (Speakers/Amps): 30 watts RMS / 60 watts max
- Impedance: 4 ohms nominal
- Voice Coil Diameter (VCdia): 3/4 inch
- Frequency Response: 2,000 to 15,000 Hz (tweeter component range)
- Controls: Bass, treble, and individual tweeter adjustment controls
- Inputs: Auxiliary input for connecting external sources like tape or digital players

Dimensions:
420 x 75 x 288mm (16.54" x 2.95" x 11.34")

Weight:
35 lbs.

Approximate Age:
1982

Link to Manual:
Click Here

Recommended Cables:
Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects - Better

Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects - Best

Kimber Kable - BALANCED XLR Connectors - Better

Kimber Kable - BALANCED XLR Connectors - Best

Kimber Kable - Power Cords - Better

Kimber Kable - Power Cords - Best

Testing Process:
We start with a visual inspection of all internal components to make sure that there are no signs of heat stress or damage. Capacitors are checked for telltale signs of predictive failure including bulging, shrunken wrappers, or physical leakage. We also inspect the PCBs for discoloration from resistors or transistors that may have been running hot.

On vintage units we often spot check select capacitors for value and ESR. Vintage analog tuners also have moving parts related to the tuning gang and dial string. These parts are inspected for smooth operation.

If the unit passes visual inspection it is bench tested for a handful of key performance parameters using a Sencore SG80 AM/FM Stereo Analyzer. The SG80 allows us to “simulate” an ideal radio station using precision test signals instead of music. This device in conjunction with an oscilloscope allows us to properly evaluate the following parameters:

1) AM Reception (Where Applicable)
2) FM Mono Reception & Tuning Meter Function
3) FM MPX Reception (Stereo)
4) Dial Tracking: How accurately the tuner dial or display indicates the actual frequency of the broadcast being received.
5) Stereo Separation: A properly working stereo tuner will have minimal crosstalk between the left and right channel.
6) Sensitivity & Signal Strength Meter Function: By lowering the output of the SG80 we can simulate weak stations and determine how well the tuner will be able to pull in weak distant stations. This adjustment also helps us verify signal strength meter function.

If the tuner has acceptable performance related to the parameters above we connect the unit for listening tests with a simple dipole antenna. We listen for audio reproduction quality of local stations and evaluate how many stations the tuner can receive while we sweep through the dial.

We are looking to verify that the tuner can decode stereo on strong local broadcasts and pick up a wide variety of local stations at the bottom, middle, and top of the frequency band. At this point we also test convenience features such as muting, filters, built in oscilloscope function, etc.

We finish up with an extended listening test on our long term test rig. We tune in to a strong local station and monitor for drift over a minimum period of 2-3 hours.