good shortwave radios?

[ponderbear]

If a couple hundred dollars isn't much, the Sony 2010 is hard to beat in the portable zone.

Or more than 200, now that it's discontinued. At 300 or so it puts it in the same price category of a Grundig Satellit, which SQ wise far outclasses the 2010.

If you want something paperback sized, I like my Grundig YB-400. I've owned a Sony SW7600G, SW7600GR, and one-time Sangean TOTL ATS-909, all about the same size and continuous coverage SW with FM and AM. The 400 ultimately was the keeper. All have their reception foibles, especially the 909 which pretty much requires an external antenna for decent reception. The 400 is not perfect but it's in the ballpark of the best (the 7600), with the added feature of great audio quality for the size. It makes a big difference when all the power is out and you're turning to your radio for information as well as a little entertainment.

For longer lasting power, choose one with a crank, although I have yet to find one those I like; or a bigger portable like the 2010, one that has room for D cells. Older analog units like the Sony SW5500 or the Panasonic RF-2200 will last a pretty long time on 4 D cells or so.

[compucat]

For a new portable, try the Kaito 1102. It is not expensive, quite small and even has a BFO. It comes with three AA rechargeable batteries that can be recharged in the set.

For vintage shortwave sets, go with Hallicrafters. I have a restored S-53A and I just love it.

[JimJ[VT]]

Originally Posted by ponderbear

If a couple hundred dollars isn't much, the Sony 2010 is hard to beat in the portable zone.

Or more than 200, now that it's discontinued. At 300 or so it puts it in the same price category of a Grundig Satellit, which SQ wise far outclasses the 2010.

If you want something paperback sized, I like my Grundig YB-400. I've owned a Sony SW7600G, SW7600GR, and one-time Sangean TOTL ATS-909, all about the same size and continuous coverage SW with FM and AM. The 400 ultimately was the keeper. All have their reception foibles, especially the 909 which pretty much requires an external antenna for decent reception. The 400 is not perfect but it's in the ballpark of the best (the 7600), with the added feature of great audio quality for the size. It makes a big difference when all the power is out and you're turning to your radio for information as well as a little entertainment.

For longer lasting power, choose one with a crank, although I have yet to find one those I like; or a bigger portable like the 2010, one that has room for D cells. Older analog units like the Sony SW5500 or the Panasonic RF-2200 will last a pretty long time on 4 D cells or so.

The YB400PE was my first SW radio...I liked it

Then I got my amateur radio license and a Yaesu FT840...and got addicted to it