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I got spoiled by the waterfall spectrum display you get with SDR software, its much more like a scientific instrument than all the radios discussed in this video. If I was ever to purchase a stand-alone shortwave receiver I would require the waterfall display as mandatory.
Got the Tecsun S-2000 aka Eton Elite 750. Thought it was pretty decent till I got a Malahit DSP2 SDR (Chinese version) which blew it away with the waterfall display and built-in noise reduction, comparably excellent sensitivity, and a whole bunch of menu-driven options.
I have quite a few radios but my favourite is the Tecsun s2000 aka Grundig , Eton etc . Great audio . Very sensitive . So easy to use . Low noise floor , and a great looker . I recently bought a Tecsun 501 x . It's ok but battery life is terrible . Spends more time on the charger than being used . Batteries in the s2000 last ages . Interesting video . Well done .
This is a pretty good video. Most are just way off. I may disagree with a couple of your choices, but generally good choices. I’m very familiar with all of these. Concerning the KAITO KA-600: there are 2 versions. One version DOES TAKE “AA”BATTERIES. The other KA-600-L , has a higher capacity rechargeable battery and does not take other batteries. The Sangean ATS-909x, has a problem in that the radio is a bit deaf, using the Whip antenna. The ATS-909x2, has the same issue. One really must use an external antenna, plugged into the antenna jack on the side. This is a problem that goes WAY back to the original ATS-909/ Radio Shack DX-398. The have never fixed this issue. The ETON/Grundig 750[ and Tecsun variant], is not a bad radio, but it’s an old design that has been around for decades. For the PRICE, one can do better with the Tecsun H-501x, or even the Tecsun PL-990. [ or -880]. For a large table radio, it doesn’t receive anything more that most modern $100.oo+ Portable SW radios. The PL-880 is a fantastic radio, but it is a bit different than the PL-680/ PL-660 / PL-600, which are completely PLL radios [ Non-DSP-based], whereas t 880 does employ a DSP chip, it does it completely differently so there is no “muting “ between frequencies, like on basic DSP-based radios. COOL. 📻🙂
The grundig /tecsun radio is a piece of garbage. It has no good filters and is super wide. You cant separate close stations with it. For the price its junk. Why would you call this the top 5 ? Didnt you try the radio before reviewing it?
The KA600 can work with 3-AA batteries and 600mah rechargeable battery. You are thinking of the KA600L which has a rechargeable 2000mah battery and no option for AA batteries
there's only one and its a Vintage Steepletone MBR7 upgrade it with a 4 ft modern airband aerial and its a Beast.. will pick up anything awsome british engineering
I had the Tecsun PL-880 and I couldn't get ONE SW station from my house, but with the XHDATA D109 I received a solid 30 station with just the standard antenna. So the $40 XHDATA D109 outperforms the $180 Tecsun PL-880. The XHDATA D109 also has equivalent sound quality. I returned the Tecsun PL-880 and kept the much superior XHDATA D109.
These radio models come and go so fast that the reviews are often too late to obtain the reviewed products they speak of. Furthermore, the operation of various radios on a production line can vary dramatically which can render a recommended model unusable in some cases. If you find a radio you like that is the key.
Newbie for these types of radios and 2 things I’m looking for in SW radios that’s hard to find is if it’s using a data charger is usb-c vs micro usb connection as micro is temperamental in any other device I’ve owned, and looks to be the charger port of choice for pretty much everything post 2024. Second is NOAA bands cause we have enough severe weather events it would be good in any radio that costs a few hundred. I’d like a quality radio vs emergency mediocre one. Any suggestions?
The Kaito Voyager Pro does in fact work using three AA batteries. It clearly shows that on the website, as does several other RUclips channels that review this radio.
I'm sorry both receivers went dead on you, question would be is it possible you did something to harm each...I've two 660's and going strong after 13 years...One is on the night stand and one used for field work...Best new era receiver for the money in my book...
The second Tecsun I bought, a 660, was bad. But I had a PL-390 that was outstanding. Given the Quality Control that Tecsun employs, I’m inclined to agree with the other comment to you. Possibly you did something, or someone did something. I now have 18 different Tecsun radios: PL-600, PL-660, PL-680, PL-880, PL-390, R9700DX, DR-910, R9702, R-9710, R-233, R-217, …… Many are years old and do see much use. The PL-660 is one of the best selling SW radios in the world. And extremely few complaints. Sorry you had trouble. ((* I also only charge the rechargeable batteries in the radio if I have to. I use dedicated external battery chargers- not very expensive either)). 📻🙂
You basically ignored the most important non-feature of the Sangean--- the lack of a finger indentation for ease of use. The radio could be cheap or expensive, but if tuning is a bitch, people will hate it and do.
@@matturner6890 If you are too ignorant to realize the purpose of these threads, let me clue you in: people are permitted to express their opinion and unless you have something constructive to say in your response, sit back and simply F. off.....
@@WhollyOutdoor That Satellit 750 , does it mute in between frequency steps while tuning? I had a Eaton Satellit Grundig Edition that did, it drove me nuts.
Consider buying a used high end ham radio transceiver. A good one has excellent stability and frequency readouts... Consider Kenwood and yazo..... The new SDR ham rigs are quite good also and the price guess sometimes free from a used basement.
A gamble, unless the buyer, either really knows electronics, or knows the history of and has tested the radio to make sure it works - and will be reliable for future. Someone who may be just getting into SW may also be entirely lost with complicated radios. Another factor is price. Most people do not have $500-$800 to spend on a used radio. - so I do disagree. 📻🙂
Try an old guy who is giving away his precious radios he cared for all that time and now he cannot sell so he gives to a person like you. Just be nice.
Well. I own a TECSUN PL-330 - not listed in this video, but it SHOULD be IMHO - and a XHDATA-219. I have to say I really enjoy both. While the PL-330 is a far more capable radio with SSB and other features, I really enjoy the D-219. Easy to use, decent sound quality and its reception on all bands is very good - including shortwave. Both the PL-330 and the D-219 are DSP radios meaning that they have digital innards, not analog. Some prefer true analog circuitry for reasons I will skip over for now. Suffice to say that DSP radios can offer a lot of function for much less money. The D-219 has an analog type display and controls so don't be confused by that. But I will also say that there is something intrinsically satisfying for me about using the analog controls. But remember that right now the D-219 can be bought on Amazon for about $11.00. So I think one gets a great deal for those $11 from the D-219. It's not fair to compare a $11 radio head to head with a $75 - $200 radio. -
All 3 are pretty equal. The Tecsun is still Analog, while the XHDATA radios are DSP-based with analog dials. Pretty much just a matter of personal preference. None are very “powerful “, but all will work fine for mostly strong stations. 📻🙂
Well ... the AM and FM is not all the radio .... Shortwave is another world and fun ... and most of the SW radio stations and HAM signals are not streaming on the web.
►Try a FREE Lesson to get your Ham Radio Licenses HERE: bit.ly/HamRadioPrep
►Get a $10 discount for any order you make on Radioddity from this link: radioddity.refr.cc/WhollyOutdoor
Tecsun pl 330 in top 5. Very good radio!
You need to employ more panning and zooming.
There were moments when you failed to do that and we could actually see what you were talking about.
I got spoiled by the waterfall spectrum display you get with SDR software, its much more like a scientific instrument than all the radios discussed in this video. If I was ever to purchase a stand-alone shortwave receiver I would require the waterfall display as mandatory.
Got the Tecsun S-2000 aka Eton Elite 750. Thought it was pretty decent till I got a Malahit DSP2 SDR (Chinese version) which blew it away with the waterfall display and built-in noise reduction, comparably excellent sensitivity, and a whole bunch of menu-driven options.
@@TheIpadkiller The Malahit DSP2 is now on my Christmas wish list!
I have quite a few radios but my favourite is the Tecsun s2000 aka Grundig , Eton etc . Great audio . Very sensitive . So easy to use . Low noise floor , and a great looker . I recently bought a Tecsun 501 x . It's ok but battery life is terrible . Spends more time on the charger than being used .
Batteries in the s2000 last ages .
Interesting video . Well done .
Thanks for sharing!
This is a pretty good video.
Most are just way off.
I may disagree with a couple of your choices, but generally good choices.
I’m very familiar with all of these.
Concerning the KAITO KA-600: there are 2 versions. One version DOES TAKE “AA”BATTERIES. The other KA-600-L , has a higher capacity rechargeable battery and does not take other batteries.
The Sangean ATS-909x, has a problem in that the radio is a bit deaf, using the Whip antenna. The ATS-909x2, has the same issue. One really must use an external antenna, plugged into the antenna jack on the side. This is a problem that goes WAY back to the original ATS-909/ Radio Shack DX-398.
The have never fixed this issue.
The ETON/Grundig 750[ and Tecsun variant], is not a bad radio, but it’s an old design that has been around for decades.
For the PRICE, one can do better with the Tecsun H-501x, or even the Tecsun PL-990. [ or -880].
For a large table radio, it doesn’t receive anything more that most modern $100.oo+ Portable SW radios.
The PL-880 is a fantastic radio, but it is a bit different than the PL-680/ PL-660 / PL-600, which are completely PLL radios [ Non-DSP-based], whereas t 880 does employ a DSP chip, it does it completely differently so there is no “muting “ between frequencies, like on basic DSP-based radios.
COOL.
📻🙂
Sangean 909x2❤ only ❤
The grundig /tecsun radio is a piece of garbage. It has no good filters and is super wide. You cant separate close stations with it. For the price its junk. Why would you call this the top 5 ? Didnt you try the radio before reviewing it?
The KA600 can work with 3-AA batteries and 600mah rechargeable battery. You are thinking of the KA600L which has a rechargeable 2000mah battery and no option for AA batteries
I'll keep my Yaesu FRG7700 thanks. No key pad to bungle things up.
Cool thanks for sharing!
there's only one and its a Vintage Steepletone MBR7 upgrade it with a 4 ft modern airband aerial and its a Beast.. will pick up anything awsome british engineering
i want the pl 880 and the Sangean 909x2
Why are you talking so fast?
what do you think about the Roadstar TRA-2989?
I had the Tecsun PL-880 and I couldn't get ONE SW station from my house, but with the XHDATA D109 I received a solid 30 station with just the standard antenna. So the $40 XHDATA D109 outperforms the $180 Tecsun PL-880. The XHDATA D109 also has equivalent sound quality. I returned the Tecsun PL-880 and kept the much superior XHDATA D109.
Thanks, very informative.
These radio models come and go so fast that the reviews are often too late to obtain the reviewed products they speak of. Furthermore, the operation of various radios on a production line can vary dramatically which can render a recommended model unusable in some cases. If you find a radio you like that is the key.
I've had two kaito radios and both have literally just fallen apart. Pieces just falling off. No more kaiti for me.
Newbie for these types of radios and 2 things I’m looking for in SW radios that’s hard to find is if it’s using a data charger is usb-c vs micro usb connection as micro is temperamental in any other device I’ve owned, and looks to be the charger port of choice for pretty much everything post 2024. Second is NOAA bands cause we have enough severe weather events it would be good in any radio that costs a few hundred. I’d like a quality radio vs emergency mediocre one. Any suggestions?
The Kaito Voyager Pro does in fact work using three AA batteries. It clearly shows that on the website, as does several other RUclips channels that review this radio.
Thank you for all, fron Tunisian South Matmata Troglodytes
Had a Tecsun PL660 and then a PL880. Both went stone dead within 18 months. Will never buy Tecsun again.
I'm sorry both receivers went dead on you, question would be is it possible you did something to harm each...I've two 660's and going strong after 13 years...One is on the night stand and one used for field work...Best new era receiver for the money in my book...
The second Tecsun I bought, a 660, was bad. But I had a PL-390 that was outstanding. Given the Quality Control that Tecsun employs, I’m inclined to agree with the other comment to you. Possibly you did something, or someone did something.
I now have 18 different Tecsun radios:
PL-600, PL-660, PL-680, PL-880,
PL-390, R9700DX,
DR-910, R9702, R-9710, R-233, R-217, ……
Many are years old and do see much use. The PL-660 is one of the best selling SW radios in the world.
And extremely few complaints.
Sorry you had trouble.
((* I also only charge the rechargeable batteries in the radio if I have to. I use dedicated external battery chargers- not very expensive either)).
📻🙂
All the cool stations I used to enjoy have quit transmiting to my area. What good is a new radio?
These animations and camera shots are kind of sick. Well down.
Eton Elite 750 is a great radio
So really nothing new in 2023 ?
smartphones and digital radios seem to be killing-off the portables, which is a shame
You basically ignored the most important non-feature of the Sangean--- the lack of a finger indentation for ease of use. The radio could be cheap or expensive, but if tuning is a bitch, people will hate it and do.
Yawn
@@jamesgregory2918 Who asked you ?
@@99991ray Same question to you with your first comment!
@@matturner6890 If you are too ignorant to realize the purpose of these threads, let me clue you in: people are permitted to express their opinion and unless you have something constructive to say in your response, sit back and simply F. off.....
@@matturner6890 same answer then...
Please, which is your opinion about the CC Crane Skywave 2 ?
Fix the effect gate on the voice thanks. Soft limiter.
Thanks for the information.
For me the Pl-600 is greater than the PL-880 because I can use standard batteries in it.
Well it depends on preferences I guess, thanks for sharing!
@@WhollyOutdoor That Satellit 750 , does it mute in between frequency steps while tuning? I had a Eaton Satellit Grundig Edition that did, it drove me nuts.
Der soll den Kaugummi aus den Mund nehmen
Consider buying a used high end ham radio transceiver. A good one has excellent stability and frequency readouts... Consider Kenwood and yazo..... The new SDR ham rigs are quite good also and the price guess sometimes free from a used basement.
A gamble, unless the buyer, either really knows electronics, or knows the history of and has tested the radio to make sure it works - and will be reliable for future.
Someone who may be just getting into SW may also be entirely lost with complicated radios.
Another factor is price. Most people do not have $500-$800 to spend on a used radio.
- so I do disagree.
📻🙂
Try an old guy who is giving away his precious radios he cared for all that time and now he cannot sell so he gives to a person like you. Just be nice.
Thanks!
德生pl600
XHDATA D-219, D-328, D-368 and Tecsun R-9012 which is best?
Well. I own a TECSUN PL-330 - not listed in this video, but it SHOULD be IMHO - and a XHDATA-219.
I have to say I really enjoy both. While the PL-330 is a far more capable radio with SSB and other features, I really enjoy the D-219. Easy to use, decent sound quality and its reception on all bands is very good - including shortwave.
Both the PL-330 and the D-219 are DSP radios meaning that they have digital innards, not analog. Some prefer true analog circuitry for reasons I will skip over for now. Suffice to say that DSP radios can offer a lot of function for much less money.
The D-219 has an analog type display and controls so don't be confused by that. But I will also say that there is something intrinsically satisfying for me about using the analog controls. But remember that right now the D-219 can be bought on Amazon for about $11.00.
So I think one gets a great deal for those $11 from the D-219. It's not fair to compare a $11 radio head to head with a $75 - $200 radio.
-
All 3 are pretty equal.
The Tecsun is still Analog, while the XHDATA radios are DSP-based with analog dials.
Pretty much just a matter of personal preference.
None are very “powerful “, but all will work fine for mostly strong stations.
📻🙂
cool
Human voice?
No. And the battery rating on the Tescan made no sense. It's another compgen video
Excellent video.
Glad you liked it!
Motor mouth much? Gravel voice much?
Who bought radios in 2023? Every Smartphone is a radio now.
Well ... the AM and FM is not all the radio .... Shortwave is another world and fun ... and most of the SW radio stations and HAM signals are not streaming on the web.
Cut few repeaters out, and your smart phone will be useless. Even cheapest SW radio will work better than smart phone.
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