Lasonic TRC-920
Moderator
I'm not sure I'm an expert on 931's. I have all the 931 generations. One thing for sure is, all radios, no matter the model or brand can have slight sound differences. I have had multiples of the same model radio that all sounded slightly different. I think this has to do with either variations in manufacturing or in the way they were treated and stored over a 35 year life.
With that said, it's absolutely possible to get a 2nd gen that sounds better than the 1st gen and vise versa. But even with that said, I haven't gotten a 931 that sounded bad (that wasn't a busted down parts box).
The 1st gen's are slightly heavier, a little more solidly built, have a heavier plastic case, which could lead to better bass. My eye likes the look of the 2nd gen better, but that's all personal taste. The 1st gen tend to cost a little more as they are a little rarer to find in good condition.
The 3rd gen's or "Okay", nothing to right home about, but if you find one cheap, it's a good walkin' 'round box.
In the end, I think it's a matter of taste, you can't really go wrong with either 1st or 2nd gen.
My only real advice is, find one with all the lower deck keys. Lasonic made 931's with at least 3 different deck keys and there is one that is super rare and if you're missing a few of those, it could be a long time until they show up to complete your project.
Good luck and please post up pictures of what you end up getting!
With that said, it's absolutely possible to get a 2nd gen that sounds better than the 1st gen and vise versa. But even with that said, I haven't gotten a 931 that sounded bad (that wasn't a busted down parts box).
The 1st gen's are slightly heavier, a little more solidly built, have a heavier plastic case, which could lead to better bass. My eye likes the look of the 2nd gen better, but that's all personal taste. The 1st gen tend to cost a little more as they are a little rarer to find in good condition.
The 3rd gen's or "Okay", nothing to right home about, but if you find one cheap, it's a good walkin' 'round box.
In the end, I think it's a matter of taste, you can't really go wrong with either 1st or 2nd gen.
My only real advice is, find one with all the lower deck keys. Lasonic made 931's with at least 3 different deck keys and there is one that is super rare and if you're missing a few of those, it could be a long time until they show up to complete your project.
Good luck and please post up pictures of what you end up getting!
