Sony ICF-5500 FM/AM Multi Band Receiver (1972) – The first receiver in the “Skysensor” series from Sony.
Radios such as this one sparked a surge in the popularity of listening to shortwave broadcasts. Tuning is done through a large film dial that reinforces the image of a precision instrument. A matte black finish was used, fitting for such “hardcore” equipment. This matte black came to define the visual identity of the “Skysensor” series and later models.