Sanyo M2420

The M2420 (also written M 2420, and M-2420) was an AM/FM Radio Cassette Recorder manufactured by the Sanyo Corporation of Japan, in approximately 1977. Sanyo made many versions of this radio cassette with slight differences:

• M 2420
• M 2420 NE
• M 2420 FZ
• M 2420-2
• M 2420FG-2
• M 2420F
• M 2420-2F/H

The "F" suffix indicates sensitive AM/FM radio circuitry, and the "H" suffix indicates two short-wave bands. The basic M2420 model had AM/FM, tone control, condenser microphone, and auto-stop. Whilst other models had a counter, the basic model did not. Usually, these models were 12¾-inches × 7¾-inches × 3 5/8-inches in dimension, and mass 5 lbs. 12 ozs.

Whilst majority of the models simply state "M 2420" at the front, they wrote the precise model designation on the badge at the back or in moulded lettering. In this article, the photographs are of M 2420FG-2. If your model has an "F" suffix, then it is more desirable as it has a sensitive radio.

This earlier Sanyo model has a manufacturing origin of Japan, and the build quality is extremely good with a generous amount of plastic. This model has very high quality sound and you could expect clear bass and treble through the 2-watt loudspeaker output. For Sanyo, these were very much on the higher end of their range and they used advanced manufacturing technology to set themselves apart from the rest.

Cost/eBay

Having a manufacturing origin of Japan makes this unit worth a little more than others are. This model would have been selling throughout the world in mass, but very few would have survived as they were low-cost and the plastic damaged easily. It has some good things going for it such as a thick drive belt and excellent transport mechanism that is reliable. The audio has nice bass and treble, and sounds decent on a beach or picnic. The versions with sensitive AM/FM are worth having in your collection if you are a radio enthusiast. A good working one in decent condition could fetch approximately twenty pounds, and one in mint condition in its original box considerably more.

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