Sensor RT-1246

This boombox had several other names, like Helix HX-4631, GPX 990, and Great GCR-8560. It makes a good visual impression, with big 8-inch woofers, VU meters, and shiny chrome knobs. It is 595mm wide, 357mm tall with the handle down (415mm with the handle up), and 160mm deep. The weight is 15.8 lbs (7.2kg) without batteries. It has a Function switch with settings for Radio, Tape, and Phono/Aux. I think it sounds surprisingly good for a cheap Taiwanese box. It doesn't have a Loudness switch, but it doesn't need it, because it's got plenty of bass and treble early in the volume curve. The Stereo Wide setting is decent as well. With that being said, it doesn't sound as "precise" as a JVC, Sanyo or Panasonic. I think it sounds similar to a Rising 20/20 or a Lasonic 931 (but probably not as much power).

The photo below shows all 3 versions of the RT-1246. One is all silver, the other is half silver half gray, and the last one is the rare RT-1246E model with LED meters instead of needle meters. This one is really cool because it has one meter for input levels and another for output levels.

It's too bad these radios were so poorly built. Open it up and you'll discover lots of empty space, with thin, cheap wires hanging unsecured. There are several common problems with this model:
1) The VU meters are often frozen. You can try cleaning the needle pivot with alcohol, but that doesn't always work.
2) The decorative metal trim around the meters often falls off and becomes lost.
3) The tape door mechanism is poorly designed. It often sits crooked or gets broken off. If it's missing, a JVC M70 door will fit.
4) After disassembly, the upper edge of the case is difficult to reassemble, so it often gets bent by impatient owners.
5) The antennas get broken easily. You can buy the FS-12H antenna from Russell Industries, it fits.