SuperSonic SC-1198BT Retro Multi-Function Bluetooth Speaker with AM/FM/SW Radio - Rechargeable, USB, SD, Micro SD
SuperSonic SC-1198BT Retro Multi-Function Bluetooth Speaker with Rechargeable Battery
At a Glance
- What it is: A retro-styled Bluetooth speaker with a three-band AM/FM/shortwave radio and a real analogue volume knob
- Key spec: 2 x 3W RMS (6 watts total), 100 Hz to 16 kHz
- The differentiator: SHORTWAVE. A 3-band tuner (FM, AM and SW 5.9-18.0 MHz) with a telescopic antenna - almost nothing else in this category has it
- Power: Built-in rechargeable 6V / 1400 mAh battery, or 4 x D cells, or straight from the wall
- ⚠ Before you buy: The rechargeable battery runs about 2 hours. Keep it near an outlet, or load 4 D batteries (not included) for long sessions.
SuperSonic's SC-1198BT is a radio that happens to speak Bluetooth. The knob is analogue, the antenna is telescopic, and the tuner covers FM, AM and - unusually - shortwave, from 5.9 to 18.0 MHz. So it streams from your phone in the kitchen, plays MP3s off a USB stick or an SD card in the workshop, and at night it pulls in stations from the other side of the world. It runs off its rechargeable pack, four D batteries, or the wall.
Key Features
- Three-band radio: FM 87-108 MHz, AM 520-1620 kHz and SHORTWAVE 5.9-18.0 MHz, with a telescopic antenna
- Bluetooth: Stream from any phone, tablet or laptop within about 10 metres
- USB, SD and micro SD: Plug in a stick or a card full of MP3s and play them straight - no phone required
- Analogue volume knob: A real knob with a real detent. It is the most satisfying control on any speaker under fifty dollars
- Three ways to power it: The built-in rechargeable pack, 4 x D batteries, or AC from the wall (110V/60Hz - 220V/50Hz)
- Retro cabinet: 10.8 x 5.1 x 7.3 inches and 4.5 lb of proper wood-and-grille styling
Before You Buy
The honest limits, so this arrives as the product you pictured.
- Battery life is about 2 hours: SuperSonic's own specification says 2 hours per charge. Some listings elsewhere claim six. Two is the manufacturer's number, and it is why this speaker is happiest near an outlet or loaded with D cells
- 6 watts total, not a party speaker: 2 x 3W RMS is a kitchen, workshop, bedside or patio speaker. It is not for a backyard party
- D batteries are NOT included: If you want long battery sessions, buy four D cells separately
- No aux input: Sources are Bluetooth, USB, SD/micro SD and the radio. There is no 3.5 mm line-in
What's Included
- 1 x SC-1198BT retro Bluetooth speaker
- 1 x USB charging cable
Perfect For
- Kitchens and workshops - the radio and a USB stick, no phone needed
- Shortwave listening and radio hobbyists
- Bedside listening, where an analogue knob beats a touch panel at 6am
- Garages, sheds and patios
- Anyone who misses radios that looked like radios
Full Specifications▼
Power & Performance
- Model: SC-1198BT
- Output: 2 x 3W RMS (6W total)
- Frequency response: 100 Hz - 16 kHz
- Battery: Built-in rechargeable, 6V / 1400 mAh
- Play time: approximately 2 hours per charge
Care & Compatibility
- Sources: Bluetooth, USB, SD, micro SD, AM/FM/SW radio
- Bluetooth range: up to 10 m
- FM: 87 - 108 MHz
- AM: 520 - 1620 kHz
- Shortwave: 5.9 - 18.0 MHz
- Alternative power: 4 x D batteries (not included) or AC 110V/60Hz - 220V/50Hz
Dimensions & Materials
- Dimensions: 10.83 in x 5.11 in x 7.28 in
- Weight: 4.54 lb
- Antenna: Telescopic
- Volume: Analogue rotary knob
Warranty
- Term: 90 days parts and labour
Frequently Asked Questions▼
How long does the battery last?
About 2 hours per charge, which is SuperSonic's own published figure. Some retailers advertise 6 hours - that is not the manufacturer's specification. For long sessions, run it from the wall or fit four D batteries.
Does it really receive shortwave?
Yes - 5.9 to 18.0 MHz on a telescopic antenna, alongside FM and AM. It is genuinely a three-band radio, which is rare in a Bluetooth speaker.
Can I play music from a USB stick?
Yes. It reads USB, SD and micro SD, so a card or stick of MP3s plays directly with no phone in the loop.
Is there an aux input?
No. The sources are Bluetooth, USB, SD/micro SD and the radio.
How loud is it?
2 x 3W RMS - 6 watts total. That is a kitchen, workshop or bedside speaker. It fills a room; it does not fill a garden.
Care & Use▼
- Charge fully before first use.
- Collapse the telescopic antenna before moving or storing the speaker.
- Wipe the cabinet with a dry cloth. Do not use solvents on the grille.
- Remove D batteries if the speaker will be stored for a long period.
- Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from damp.
Why Choose SuperSonic?▼
SuperSonic has spent two decades building the audio and video gear that actually gets used - the karaoke rig at the party, the soundbar under the bedroom TV, the portable radio in the workshop. It is not boutique hi-fi and it does not pretend to be. SuperSonic publishes full specification tables on its own site, which is why we can tell you the exact wattage and the exact port list rather than repeating a marketing line, and every SuperSonic product carries a 90-day parts and labour warranty.
Shipping & Warranty
Backed by a 90-day parts and labour warranty from SuperSonic. Ships fast from CurbGo with tracking.