WM-F509

The WM-F509 is the radio-equipped counterpart to the WM-509, pairing the same cable-mounted remote control concept with FM, AM, and TV-band reception in a similarly compact metal-framed body. Auto-reverse, Dolby B noise reduction, Dynamic Bass Boost, and an amorphous head all carries over, keeping it firmly in the refined end of Sony's everyday portable range. The tuner simply broadened what was already a very commuter-friendly design.

What makes the F509 notable is that the radio is a natural extension of the control philosophy instead of an unrelated add-on. Once Sony had already moved basic interaction onto the headphone cable, adding live broadcast listening just made the player more adaptable to the way people actually moved through the day. It is not especially dramatic, but it is very well resolved.