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Sony

Sony WM-FX290 Stereo Cassette Player FM/AM Weather

★★★★★4.0 (250 reviews)

Classic portable cassette player with digital FM/AM/Weather tuner and up to 35 hours of playback on a single AA battery.

$228.00*
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jun 28, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

The Sony WM-FX290 is a portable stereo cassette player that pairs analog tape playback with a surprisingly capable digital radio tuner. Its digital synthesized FM/AM/TV/Weather band tuner supports 40 station presets — 24 FM, 5 AM, 7 TV audio, and 4 Weather Band — and features Digital Auto Preset Scanning to find and store stations automatically. Whether you are listening to music on cassette or catching a weather forecast on the radio, the WM-FX290 keeps things simple and accessible.

Designed for true portability, the player draws up to 35 hours of use from a single AA battery, making it one of the most efficient personal audio devices of its era. The Mega Bass sound system boosts low-end frequencies for a fuller listening experience through headphones, while the Automatic Volume Limiter System (AVLS) provides hearing protection during longer sessions. A Local/Distant (DX) switch lets you optimize radio reception depending on signal strength in your area. The WM-FX290 is a straightforward, no-frills player built for reliability and long-lasting portable audio enjoyment.

Key Features

Features a TV Audio Tuner and Convenient Weather Band

Digital Synthesized FM / AM Tuner

Operates Up to 35 Hours on 1 AA Battery (Not Included)

Digital Auto Preset Scanning

40 Station Preset Tuning (7 TV / 4 WB / 24 FM / 5 AM )

Specifications

Brand
Sony
Model
WM-FX290
Format
Stereo Cassette Player
Tuner
Digital Synthesized FM/AM/TV/Weather Band
Station Presets
40 (24 FM / 5 AM / 7 TV / 4 WB)
Battery Life
Up to 35 hours (1 AA battery, not included)
Scanning
Digital Auto Preset Scanning
Bass Enhancement
Mega Bass Sound System
AVLS
Yes
Local/DX Switch
Yes
ASIN
B0001MMH9E

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Exceptional 35-hour battery life on a single AA battery makes it very economical to run
  • 40 station presets across FM, AM, TV audio, and Weather bands offer wide radio coverage
  • Mega Bass enhancement adds fuller low-end response for more enjoyable listening
  • Slim, lightweight design is easy to carry in a pocket or bag

👎 Cons

  • Cassette tape format limits music library to physical tapes, which are increasingly hard to find
  • No built-in speaker — requires headphones or an external speaker for audio output
  • TV audio tuning is based on analog TV broadcasts, which have been discontinued in many regions
  • Playback is limited to cassette and radio with no auxiliary input for external devices

Frequently Asked Questions

It features a digital synthesized tuner covering FM, AM, TV audio, and Weather Band frequencies, with 40 station presets across all bands.
The player operates up to 35 hours on a single AA battery, though actual life varies depending on volume level and feature use.
Yes, the Mega Bass sound system enhances low-frequency response for richer audio when listening through headphones.
AVLS caps the maximum output volume to help protect your hearing during extended listening sessions. It can be toggled on or off.
Yes, Digital Auto Preset Scanning automatically finds and stores available radio stations, making initial setup quick and convenient.

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