This is a cool portable radio. Yes it's old school. No digital tuning, no alarm clock, no pre-sets etc. It does not pretend to be state of the art. You are buying a classic. In my sample, the radio's components are well done - smooth, and put together well. What really sets this radio apart is the quality of the sound it produces. Clear, bright and as loud as any reasonable person should need. I listen to NPR and it sounds like the people are in the same room with me - very nice. Music is also reproduced to my satisfaction. I have a Sangean that is a nice radio with bells and whistles. However, the quality of sound is muffled and the volume level is very limited. I can't fully comment on the RCA's AM reception because I prefer FM broadcats and rarely listen to AM. However, the AM reception seems on par with my Sangean. I believe this is a well done product that will appeal to many people looking for a solid performing table top radio.