Hey Tom I just got this radio on amazon for 164 refurbished from Amazon I got it in white and I love the big lcd screen in this radio. I know this radio is not perfect but has so much pluses then negatives it was worth getting. I will compliment my executive elite ,tecsun 880 and tecsun 600 along with Sangean 405. Only thing I wish the Sangean 405 had a external antenna jack. Thank you for the nice videos and viewpoints you offer.
The Sangean sounds better. It is a good bit more expensive. It is not a true portable, in my opinion, because it requires an external antenna. For the money, and portability, the 680 is a good deal. Tecsuns have quality control issues, though. Nice show, Tom!
Great video just wanted to comment on your coax and plug you might want to reduce it down to a lighter cable, what was going through my mind while watching the video was if that cable takes a good wack it could mess up your radio inside, take care.
Hi, Tom. I've had a Radio Shack DX398 since the late 1990's. The signal on shortwave drops about 3db when the AC adapter is unplugged and on battery power, even with new batteries. Do you know what could be wrong with it? I was thinking of upgrading to a new Sangean 909x but don't want the same problem.
For the brightest sounding MW, LW or SW audio on the Sangean ATS-909X the tone control should be set to "NORM", not "MUSIC". I noticed that you selected "MUSIC" at 3:59 into the video. The "MUSIC" setting works best on FM reception with the audio cranked up.
In my experience the Tecsun radios are prone to overloading on an external antenna. You end up with a bunch of memory slots that are just noise when using ATS tuning. Sometimes you can get by turning the gain selector to Local but really you need a preselector. You may also notice imaging of local AM stations if you are close to a transmitting station. I find the ATS-909X handles this much better and you can get by without a preselector. With that being said the ATS-909X doesn't have ATS tuning on SW, wish it did.
Just a note - Preacher-lady Melissa Scott (University Network) - her programming has had distorted audio for some time now, on all her frequencies. It's not a defect in our radios, she needs to fix it at her end.
I have a Sangean ATS-909 (the older one). Great radio, but far more radio than I will ever use. Well made great reception but not sure if it’s worth the extra $ 100.oo.
I liked your video. Very useful as usual, sir. My search currently shows the PL-680 at $169 and PL-660 around $129 (the Sangean ATS-909x is above $265). I have the PL-310ET - very sensitive radio but the tuning still annoys me. I want to experience a smooth feel on the tuning dial, and none of the silences as I progress up or down the dial. In any event, would you advize getting the PL-660 or the PL-680? I am a SW broadcast listener, and don't really care much about the MW and Air band features.
Steemit OneAzania Hi there! I just have to comment. Dial-wise, I suggest the Sangean ATS 909x. Just keep it in a clean environment. Overtime, dust will collect on the inside so cleaning is necessary.
@@mcdus78 If it's not too late to give you a reply Sangean CA is offering refurbished 909X radios for $120 including shipping & a 3 month warranty. I have one since about 2 months & it even outperforms my 5 year old 909X. I use external antennas ( 3 of them through an antenna switch & an antenna tuner, all random length - 2 outside & the other inside) & if the band is even slightly open it receives signals very good.
Can you explain more about the antenna and the connector in the antenna cable and where it is connected to the radio. Does it work with the old radio model 1990, with thanks
These radios have an external antenna jack on the side of the radios. The antenna I used was an G5RV outside antenna brought in with shielded coax RG-8 cable which has PL-239 connector. This connector needs a adapter of SO-239 to 1/8 mono plug to connect to radio.
Hi-Dee-Ho Tom! I fully enjoy your comparison videos. Thumbs up; I like the Sangean but not the white color, radios should be BLACK in my humble opinion~
Sangean makes some damn good recievers I've had several , but my ATS 405 I bought for 90 bucks is the best one out there for under 100 bucks imo. The 909 is probably a bit better but kinda pricey.
Have you tried to compare the Sangean 909x with the modified version of the same radio sold by RadioLabs? that they RadioLabs says that they add extra filters to make it more sensitive. I own both versions and I cannot tell the difference! If anything, the Sangean 909x mod seems LESS not MORE sensitive on shortwave. But maybe I am wrong. Would appreciate an expert opinion.
I just got the Sanger’s ATS 909X, but could not receive any shortwave. Any suggestion? BTW, I live in east LA County, CA suburban area. Thanks in advance.
Get yourself a MLA-30 Magnetic Loop Antenna, they sell on eBay for about $35 shipped. You won't be disappointed, the bands will come alive and has very low noise. You'll also need an adapter or to to get from the antenna's SMA connector to the 1/8" (3.5mm) jack that plugs into the Sangean's antenna input. There are now several vids posted on this great affordable antenna.
sangean 909x truly impressive radio to Back is indented to help hold. Sometimes feel the 909x has problems with consonants r ,. Maybe that's "muffled" ? Has inspired me to study differences between Dual Conversion (sony 7600, Kaito ka1103) digital (tecsun PL-380) etc Due to major problems with MS only use telescoping antenna, not external
I have no experience with the Skywave SSB but the price seems a little high for that type of radio. On the other hand I love the 909x especially the display however is does not receive shortwave very good with its telescopic antenna. It does great with a simple external antenna,
Please help me with your opinion, I want to buy two radio and I am in doubt between a Tecsun PL 660 or PL 680 ??? what would be your suggestion? and another Tecsun PL 880 or Sagean ATS 909 ?? can you please help me with your opinion ??
I am no expert but I would get the 680. Keep in mind that these radios from China can vary in quality so get one that can easily returned or exchanged.
I have had very good experience with the 909. If you are listening to shortwave, you will need to use an external antenna and right now band conditions are not very good.
hamrad88 *_I have a sony ICF-SW 7600 GR. Sony receives better signal from sangean ats909x on MW and SW. For the FM band, both sangean and Sony are good._*
It depends on what features you want and if you can easily return it if you don't like it. No sure which one you are referring to but applies to both radios.
I sold my Tecsun PL-880 and S-8800, the performance on the Tecsuns on SSB is just horrible and the DSP and filtering are worthless if the sound quality is rubbish. Even the New Tecsun 990 sounds bad. One example is even if you're not interested in listening to Ham Radio operators SSB has an incredibly useful function on LW/MW/SW, say there's a station you want to listen to on one of the bands but there's another stronger station close by, then switch to USB/LSB and tune the BFO until the sound is as natural as you can get it and in most situations it eliminates the interfering station or noise source, you can't do this on the DSP versions of the Tecsuns because SSB performance is so bad and tecsun should have disabled SSB and not advertised it as SSB, they should have sold the radios much cheaper without SSB because of the shocking performance and they add a significant cost having SSB. The background noise is also higher on the Tecsuns. After selling the PL-880 and S-8800 I bought the PL-680 and it's a much better radio, much lower background noise and sounds so good. Just yesterday I bought the 909x and should have it in 3 days, it may have less sensitivity on the telescopic antenna but on most radios you only hear a fraction of the stations with the telescopic antenna anyway so why use this when you're not going to be able to hear many stations ? Just 20-30 feet of wire can and will make a significant difference attached to the antenna or use a proper externally mounted antenna, for my portables I use the wonderful Bonito MA 305 whip up 20 feet in a tree, I have the H-155 coax grounded at the base of the tree to bleed off any static and the difference compared to telescopic antenna is just amazing. The performance of this tiny antenna is nothing short of amazing. So, yes, I will never again buy a Tecsun DSP radio and shame on Tecsun for not fixing the distortion and high background noise, they should cost half the price because of this, the PL-880 is out a long time and they could have fixed it but they didn't bother.
Hi Tom, which one would you rather listen to for extended periods (i.e.: better speaker audio)? Thanks!
Sangean for sure.
Hey Tom I just got this radio on amazon for 164 refurbished from Amazon I got it in white and I love the big lcd screen in this radio. I know this radio is not perfect but has so much pluses then negatives it was worth getting. I will compliment my executive elite ,tecsun 880 and tecsun 600 along with Sangean 405. Only thing I wish the Sangean 405 had a external antenna jack. Thank you for the nice videos and viewpoints you offer.
I am confused. Which radio did you get?
I got the Sangean ats 909 x
@@shawnj6279 Super.
The Sangean sounds better. It is a good bit more expensive. It is not a true portable, in my opinion, because it requires an external antenna. For the money, and portability, the 680 is a good deal. Tecsuns have quality control issues, though. Nice show, Tom!
I sold myTecsun PL-660 and keep the Sangean ATS-909x. but later bought the Tecsun PL-880
Thanks for the update.
Toms radio room I am thinking of getting sangean ATS 90 9x radio Receiver at HAM Radio OuTLET
Great video just wanted to comment on your coax and plug you might want to reduce it down to a lighter cable, what was going through my mind while watching the video was if that cable takes a good wack it could mess up your radio inside, take care.
Good point. I only used this setup for this video and maybe other radios while testing.
Toms radio room your sangean ATS 90 9 x radio Receiver is cool
Thanks and have a great day.
Hi, Tom. I've had a Radio Shack DX398 since the late 1990's. The signal on shortwave drops about 3db when the AC adapter is unplugged and on battery power, even with new batteries. Do you know what could be wrong with it? I was thinking of upgrading to a new Sangean 909x but don't want the same problem.
I have not experienced that on any of my radios. Sounds like a bad component causing an internal voltage drop.
Tecsun PL 680 Is great redio !
Nice Receiver
For the brightest sounding MW, LW or SW audio on the Sangean ATS-909X the tone control should be set to "NORM", not "MUSIC". I noticed that you selected "MUSIC" at 3:59 into the video. The "MUSIC" setting works best on FM reception with the audio cranked up.
Thanks
In my experience the Tecsun radios are prone to overloading on an external antenna. You end up with a bunch of memory slots that are just noise when using ATS tuning. Sometimes you can get by turning the gain selector to Local but really you need a preselector. You may also notice imaging of local AM stations if you are close to a transmitting station. I find the ATS-909X handles this much better and you can get by without a preselector. With that being said the ATS-909X doesn't have ATS tuning on SW, wish it did.
Thanks for the information. I have found that most radios with this type of function end up with a lot of just noisey channels in the memories.
Good one pops
Thanks
Just a note - Preacher-lady Melissa Scott (University Network) - her programming has had distorted audio for some time now, on all her frequencies. It's not a defect in our radios, she needs to fix it at her end.
Thank you very much for providing that information.
+jjensen2492 Perhaps... but then not as much as main stream media.
She needs a new Mic ....
I have a Sangean ATS-909 (the older one). Great radio, but far more radio than I will ever use. Well made great reception but not sure if it’s worth the extra $ 100.oo.
Tom, another good test "target" is All India Radio VIA the Bengaluru transmitter site on 6165.0 kHz from 1430Z till fade out.
Thanks for the suggestion. I will give it a try.
I liked your video. Very useful as usual, sir. My search currently shows the PL-680 at $169 and PL-660 around $129 (the Sangean ATS-909x is above $265). I have the PL-310ET - very sensitive radio but the tuning still annoys me. I want to experience a smooth feel on the tuning dial, and none of the silences as I progress up or down the dial. In any event, would you advize getting the PL-660 or the PL-680? I am a SW broadcast listener, and don't really care much about the MW and Air band features.
Steemit OneAzania Hi there! I just have to comment. Dial-wise, I suggest the Sangean ATS 909x. Just keep it in a clean environment. Overtime, dust will collect on the inside so cleaning is necessary.
The Sangean is now available for $197 and the Tecsun PL-660 has dropped to $110 (July 2019).
jeffw1267 Great! I’ll check ‘em out.
@@mcdus78 If it's not too late to give you a reply Sangean CA is offering refurbished 909X radios for $120 including shipping & a 3 month warranty. I have one since about 2 months & it even outperforms my 5 year old 909X. I use external antennas ( 3 of them through an antenna switch & an antenna tuner, all random length - 2 outside & the other inside) & if the band is even slightly open it receives signals very good.
Glenn USAret Wow that’s a good deal. I’ll check it out! I really want a 909x eversince. Thanks for the info.
Losing your memory is tough. But when your hard drive goes...YOU'RE SUNK.
Can you explain more about the antenna and the connector in the antenna cable and where it is connected to the radio. Does it work with the old radio model 1990, with thanks
These radios have an external antenna jack on the side of the radios. The antenna I used was an G5RV outside antenna brought in with shielded coax RG-8 cable which has PL-239 connector. This connector needs a adapter of SO-239 to 1/8 mono plug to connect to radio.
you make good videos,but-Tecsun is better
Thanks
Hi-Dee-Ho Tom! I fully enjoy your comparison videos. Thumbs up; I like the Sangean but not the white color, radios should be BLACK in my humble opinion~
You can get it black rascist.
Good job Tom
Thank you very much.
Sangean makes some damn good recievers
I've had several , but my ATS 405 I bought for 90 bucks is the best one out there for under 100 bucks imo. The 909 is probably a bit better but kinda pricey.
i realize it is pretty randomly asking but do anybody know of a good website to watch new series online?
@Alexzander Ellis flixportal xD
@Zyaire Karson thanks, signed up and it seems like they got a lot of movies there :D I really appreciate it !
@Alexzander Ellis happy to help =)
Have you tried to compare the Sangean 909x with the modified version of the same radio sold by RadioLabs? that they RadioLabs says that they add extra filters to make it more sensitive. I own both versions and I cannot tell the difference! If anything, the Sangean 909x mod seems LESS not MORE sensitive on shortwave. But maybe I am wrong. Would appreciate an expert opinion.
Sorry, I do not have the modified version. Have a great day.
I just got the Sanger’s ATS 909X, but could not receive any shortwave. Any suggestion? BTW, I live in east LA County, CA suburban area. Thanks in advance.
Right now the shortwave band it dead due mainly to the solar cycle. To get anything on shortwave on any radio right now you need an outside antenna.
Get yourself a MLA-30 Magnetic Loop Antenna, they sell on eBay for about $35 shipped. You won't be disappointed, the bands will come alive and has very low noise. You'll also need an adapter or to to get from the antenna's SMA connector to the 1/8" (3.5mm) jack that plugs into the Sangean's antenna input. There are now several vids posted on this great affordable antenna.
sangean 909x truly impressive radio to Back is indented to help hold. Sometimes feel the 909x has problems with consonants r ,. Maybe that's "muffled" ?
Has inspired me to study differences between Dual Conversion (sony 7600, Kaito ka1103) digital (tecsun PL-380) etc
Due to major problems with MS only use telescoping antenna, not external
Hi Tom this is Mark from PA. I was wondering what are your thoughts about the Sangean ats-909x and the new CC Crane Skywave SSB.
I have no experience with the Skywave SSB but the price seems a little high for that type of radio. On the other hand I love the 909x especially the display however is does not receive shortwave very good with its telescopic antenna. It does great with a simple external antenna,
Thank you!
Is
hi its ray great video sometimes l use a Barlow wadley xcr 30 which l think is the best portable ever made with its own whip antenna have you used one
Please help me with your opinion, I want to buy two radio and I am in doubt between a Tecsun PL 660 or PL 680 ??? what would be your suggestion? and another Tecsun PL 880 or Sagean ATS 909 ??
can you please help me with your opinion ??
I am no expert but I would get the 680. Keep in mind that these radios from China can vary in quality so get one that can easily returned or exchanged.
@@hamrad88 thanks 73
I'm hearing the 909 rts is more liked.
909x Has Unbeaten sound Quality.
$95 is a steal for a great radio.
Agree. Have a great day.
*-I was disappointed in the sangean ATS 909X. What was your experience?*_
I have had very good experience with the 909. If you are listening to shortwave, you will need to use an external antenna and right now band conditions are not very good.
hamrad88 *_I have a sony ICF-SW 7600 GR. Sony receives better signal from sangean ats909x on MW and SW. For the FM band, both sangean and Sony are good._*
My PL680 kicks the Sangeans ass for half the money!
19:00
Now 680 cost 200$ :-)
yes. the. San. shortwave☺
Is this radio worth getting for $218 dollars
It depends on what features you want and if you can easily return it if you don't like it. No sure which one you are referring to but applies to both radios.
Explained to the wife a couple years ago, it is YOUR channel that has stolen my Social Security checks...I am INNOCENT! :-)
📻🙂
sangean is faaaaaar better vs tecsun.... especially on SSB
Thanks for your comment and have a great day.
Sound volume of your vid is very weak, need headphones to hear this. Later.
I hear him loud & clear.
I sold my Tecsun PL-880 and S-8800, the performance on the Tecsuns on SSB is just horrible and the DSP and filtering are worthless if the sound quality is rubbish. Even the New Tecsun 990 sounds bad.
One example is even if you're not interested in listening to Ham Radio operators SSB has an incredibly useful function on LW/MW/SW, say there's a station you want to listen to on one of the bands but there's another stronger station close by, then switch to USB/LSB and tune the BFO until the sound is as natural as you can get it and in most situations it eliminates the interfering station or noise source, you can't do this on the DSP versions of the Tecsuns because SSB performance is so bad and tecsun should have disabled SSB and not advertised it as SSB, they should have sold the radios much cheaper without SSB because of the shocking performance and they add a significant cost having SSB.
The background noise is also higher on the Tecsuns.
After selling the PL-880 and S-8800 I bought the PL-680 and it's a much better radio, much lower background noise and sounds so good.
Just yesterday I bought the 909x and should have it in 3 days, it may have less sensitivity on the telescopic antenna but on most radios you only hear a fraction of the stations with the telescopic antenna anyway so why use this when you're not going to be able to hear many stations ? Just 20-30 feet of wire can and will make a significant difference attached to the antenna or use a proper externally mounted antenna, for my portables I use the wonderful Bonito MA 305 whip up 20 feet in a tree, I have the H-155 coax grounded at the base of the tree to bleed off any static and the difference compared to telescopic antenna is just amazing. The performance of this tiny antenna is nothing short of amazing.
So, yes, I will never again buy a Tecsun DSP radio and shame on Tecsun for not fixing the distortion and high background noise, they should cost half the price because of this, the PL-880 is out a long time and they could have fixed it but they didn't bother.
Thanks for the report and I have to agree with you.