good shortwave radios?

[Pio1980]

Longwire radio, New, all-mode: Icom R75. Biggest bang for the buck desktop base rig. I call mine "The Postman" 'cuz it always delivers. The $ point of rapidly diminishing returns for new at ca $600.
Longwire radio, Used: Icom R75, Drake R-8. Ca $450 with patient shopping, the best bench radios for the money at the $ point of rapidly diminishing returns.

Portable, new: (no SSB reception) Redsun/Kaito RP2100/ or CCRadio-SW with upgraded AM BCB. Highly rated for the bux at ca $120-$150.
Sony ICF-7600GR w/synch AM and SSB reception. The benchmark-best current small all-wave portable, ca $150.
Kaito/DEGEN 1103, budget priced over-acheiver w/SSB reception. Good small port with most for least $, ca $80.
Portable, used: Sony ICF-2010, Sony ICF 7600G, both with AM synch and SSB reception. Benchmark-best in respective classes. Sangean ATS-803(A)/R-S DX-440 and variants, honorable mention for execptional value at sub-$100 used.

Portable vintage: Zenith Trans-Oceanic 3000 BCB-SWBC AM/FM. Analogue tuning.
They really don't make anything like this anymore, handwired with all-American made parts and plug-in transistors. Once the best portable DX radio, period. Still relatively plentiful and affordable if one accepts a working example that isn't otherwise perfect. I like mine a lot and use it on AC to avoid having to load in 9 'D' cells. If you want classic vintage without maintainance issues this is it.

"Stickshift" (analogue knob-and-dial) tuned older sets like the older portables and tube sets have their own charm but are more like fishing blind than going direct to frequency with a precise numbered read-out. Tube radios have their very special maintainance requirements, a heavy tube set needs to have competent local technical service available. Fortunately I can service my own R390A (70lbs) and Hammarlund Super Pro 210X /Sig Corps BC-1004-C (120+lbs). Lightweight tube sets generally don't deliver the goods well enuff to satisfy in the long term. I wouldn't recommend toobz for noobz without a local mentor regardless, too many pitfalls to mention.
S.B.

[Fisherdude]

Pio1980, excellent post!

[stuartk]

Originally Posted by Pio1980

Kaito/DEGEN 1103, budget priced over-acheiver w/SSB reception. Good small port with most for least $, ca $80.

After looking at the various options, I decided to go with one of these.

Thanks to everyone for all their advice and comments.

[Fisherdude]

We'll be waiting for your review after you get it!

[Pio1980]

Originally Posted by stuartk

After looking at the various options, I decided to go with one of these.

Thanks to everyone for all their advice and comments.

Good choice! You'll find out if it's for you and how much with something that is capable of decent performance on-the-cheap.

A worthwhile acessory; http://www.passband.com/
http://www.amazon.com/Passport-World.../dp/0914941666

Best Rgds & a Great Holiday season to you, yours, and all!
S.B.