It appears to employ the same SSB tuning system as the PL-880, which is truly a breeze. In order to optimize costs, China would need to build in quantities of hundreds-of-thousands rather than tens-of-thousands, so it's understandable that you will not have lots of radio choices and pricing will not necessarily be where you want it. But it is a unique hobby that can be very enjoyable, and to many of us, well worth the price for the entertainment experience. Thanks for your inspiration, Gilles.
I can add that the similar Tecsun H-501, which has the second speaker, which I obtained through a Chinese vendor, works very well. I use a copy from the internet of the 990x in English to use with my H-501. W2CH
As someone who owns (too many) radios I have to appreciate your opening comment that IF you had no other radios and had to purchase a new radio, the Tecsun PL-990 would be a great choice. IF, like me, you already own a number of great receivers, such as the Tecsun PL 880, the Eton Elite Executive, the HDATA 808, etc. there is no reason to spend this much money on the 990. To me, the Tecsun 990 does (only slightly) more than the previously mentioned radios are capable of doing.
Nice radio. I have the pl 880. Nice form factor to it. I also own a Grundig satellite 750 radio too. Love them both. Great to listen to. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
I have the 990x as well. I do wish it had a) RDS and b) 3 separate external antenna jacks instead of one. I'd easily give up the Bluetooth speaker and SDcard/MP3 functionality for those.
my pl-660 is my favorite radio at present, it simply works amazing, sideband and sync are some of the best offered anywhere in the world out of any era
I had the 660 a long time ago but sold it, think I have to get one of these as I am wanting a proper portable again. I do like that it uses 18650's since I already have a lot of other stuff that uses them. The cherry on top for me would be that it had USB C instead of micro, it would help make it more versatile with it using lithium instead of alkalines.
Good points but AM Dxing [ listening to clear Distant mediumwave is nice - still some good programs - I need low static for that - am trying Eton Elite Field now - if it had the SYNC of the Elite Executive and a little more sensitivity and SSB - and a few more bandwidths $240. would be fine. On Elite Exec the SYNC was great but speaker had no bass nor treble less than G3 ...curious how good the 990x is on AM .
Me fez comprar um PL 990 hoje. E uma antena 30 a 30000. Espero ter a sua felicidade. Assim que receber desfaço do pl660 que tenho ha anos. Micro SD card, Bluetooth e poder ser o áudio do meu laptop derrubou o pêndulo da balança em queda livre. Seus vídeos ajudam. 73 !
I don't see a reason to spend $100+ for this radio over the Tecsun 880 or triple the price over a Tecsun 680 or 660. Reception wise, they are equals at best and audio wise, they are equal.
I’ve watched many of your videos trying to determine the best price point ($200 or less) for a SW radio that doesn’t mute when tuning and has SSB. I have yet to find it. Does one exist? Thank You for your time putting these videos together.
Yeah, something is seriously wrong at the Sangean Co. when they come out at that price with so many bugs. The last version at $150 cheaper was still overpriced considering the distortion and deafness. I don't understand why they can't get it right. 909x/x2 is a radio w/ beautiful display and ergonomics and *might* be worth it if the performance were even on the level of Tecsun's sub-$100 offerings
Something about that soft mute on f.m. sangean 909x2, doesn't sound right, I don't like it on a.m. never mind f.m. I like my radio static and all, if its there pick it up.
I just bought a 990 on the strength of your review and I have to agree with your conclusion: it's a great radio.
It appears to employ the same SSB tuning system as the PL-880, which is truly a breeze. In order to optimize costs, China would need to build in quantities of hundreds-of-thousands rather than tens-of-thousands, so it's understandable that you will not have lots of radio choices and pricing will not necessarily be where you want it. But it is a unique hobby that can be very enjoyable, and to many of us, well worth the price for the entertainment experience. Thanks for your inspiration, Gilles.
You peeled the sticker off!
I can add that the similar Tecsun H-501,
which has the second speaker, which I
obtained through a Chinese vendor, works very well. I use a copy from the
internet of the 990x in English to use
with my H-501. W2CH
Radio is our hobby I have a Pl 600 n a Pl 680 the only difference is the 680 has the air band
As someone who owns (too many) radios I have to appreciate your opening comment that IF you had no other radios and had to purchase a new radio, the Tecsun PL-990 would be a great choice. IF, like me, you already own a number of great receivers, such as the Tecsun PL 880, the Eton Elite Executive, the HDATA 808, etc. there is no reason to spend this much money on the 990. To me, the Tecsun 990 does (only slightly) more than the previously mentioned radios are capable of doing.
Lastest firmware syncs perfectly
Great comments and review. Thanks!
We all appreciate your comments. I have my SW receivers, but if I ever need to purchase another, I go to your channel for unbiased reviews. 👍
I'd be interested in your views on the 'hidden' features
Personally, do not need bluetooth at all.
In fact, I think that is completely unnecessary.
Great radio, of course.
Nice radio. I have the pl 880. Nice form factor to it. I also own a Grundig satellite 750 radio too. Love them both. Great to listen to. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Thank you. I love my 880, especially how it fits for travel. I wish it had syncD, though.
I have the 990x as well. I do wish it had a) RDS and b) 3 separate external antenna jacks instead of one. I'd easily give up the Bluetooth speaker and SDcard/MP3 functionality for those.
This is a beautiful radio.
Watching you videos made me look afresh on my PL-660 as I"m using mostly SDRs these days
my pl-660 is my favorite radio at present, it simply works amazing, sideband and sync are some of the best offered anywhere in the world out of any era
I had the 660 a long time ago but sold it, think I have to get one of these as I am wanting a proper portable again. I do like that it uses 18650's since I already have a lot of other stuff that uses them. The cherry on top for me would be that it had USB C instead of micro, it would help make it more versatile with it using lithium instead of alkalines.
Good points but AM Dxing [ listening to clear Distant mediumwave is nice - still some good programs - I need low static for that - am trying Eton Elite Field now - if it had the SYNC of the Elite Executive and a little more sensitivity and SSB - and a few more bandwidths $240. would be fine. On Elite Exec the SYNC was great but speaker had no bass nor treble less than G3 ...curious how good the 990x is on AM .
Would you recommend this radio for emergency situations or observing world events or do you prefer something else?
I want the radio stand! where can I get one of those? 😀
I believe it is 3d printed
As always excellent review regarding the Tecsun PL-990x, and Radio hunting in general... LM
watch hamrads comparison of the grundig 800 to the h501, very simular...
Gilles your Pl 990x mw lw fm SW ssb 5 bands receiver is cool
What makes this better than the pl880?
Me fez comprar um PL 990 hoje. E uma antena 30 a 30000. Espero ter a sua felicidade. Assim que receber desfaço do pl660 que tenho ha anos. Micro SD card, Bluetooth e poder ser o áudio do meu laptop derrubou o pêndulo da balança em queda livre.
Seus vídeos ajudam. 73 !
Gilles I want Pl 990x mw lw fm SW ssb 5 bands receiver
I too have the fantasy about that radio, I have the 880.
I don't see a reason to spend $100+ for this radio over the Tecsun 880 or triple the price over a Tecsun 680 or 660. Reception wise, they are equals at best and audio wise, they are equal.
hi please tell me steps of selectivity available tnx
I have a PL-380, I figured I'd order this one for a backup ;) Really though, time for an upgrade.
Where can you buy one in the USA? Having a problem finding one ONLINE available here in the USA.
Anon Co is where you buy it. will take less than a week to get to you and much better price than overpriced Amazon radios
I’ve watched many of your videos trying to determine the best price point ($200 or less) for a SW radio that doesn’t mute when tuning and has SSB. I have yet to find it. Does one exist? Thank You for your time putting these videos together.
Tecsun 660 or 680. Unfortunately most new radios have gone DSP.
Yeah, something is seriously wrong at the Sangean Co. when they come out at that price with so many bugs. The last version at $150 cheaper was still overpriced considering the distortion and deafness. I don't understand why they can't get it right. 909x/x2 is a radio w/ beautiful display and ergonomics and *might* be worth it if the performance were even on the level of Tecsun's sub-$100 offerings
sangean's new radio is a looker, but boy oh boy they dropped the engineering ball didn't they?
are the bugs fixed?
No S meter??
It would be nice, wouldn't it?
I read somewhere there is a setting for either S meter or signal/ noise. Check into it… may be an option.
I sold it, then I bought it again !!!...
Something about that soft mute on f.m. sangean 909x2, doesn't sound right, I don't like it on a.m. never mind f.m. I like my radio static and all, if its there pick it up.
In real terms radios are cheaper than they've ever been. The H-501x in the 80s would've been £1,000
There's alot of choice if you wanna spend 330 euro (!)
Thats the price in Europe.
Anon Co is where you get it and it will come to almost half that price
@@OfficialSWLchannel 273 incl. shipping and taxes, but yeah, its cheaper. I was not familiar with that, thanks
Just ordered mine and was a little more then $40 cheaper than Amazon.