Rambler wrote:

(Tom Welch) wrote in message . com...
I would suggest you buy a Grundig
Mini World 100 PE pocket radio

The Grundig was on my short list, but I am leaning away and towards a
digital that would be about the same size. BTW, Brookstone carries the
radio also for $30.

Another alternative, is the Yaesu VR-120D.
Ham Radio Outlet had this radio for $120
last time I looked, a lot cheaper than
the Yaesu VR-500.

OK, I went by this establishment today to look at the VRs. I explained
what I was looking for and the sales person pushed me towards a
Grundig eTraveler. I told him that you all had suggested the Yaesus
and he said "Those are no good for shortwave, they are receivers." I
asked him to explain the difference and he said "You want a radio that
you can listen to. Those receivers are for enthusiasts."
Can you explain the difference here to me? I realize that the
receivers cover a much broader spectrum than the world band radios do.
But is the sound quality really crappy? Will I need to go back to
school to learn to use it?

Is a receiver not just a shortwave, scanner, and nautical radio all
rolled into one?

A VR-120D sounds interesting...weather band, shortwave,sideband, new
frequencies to learn about in the future...

But it seems like a line has been drawn between these radios and
normal shortwaves that people rarely cross.

What gives?

Rambler



I think "what gives" is the salesman had instructions from his boss
on what they need to push because of the profit margin, and maybe the
Yaesu ain't it. That is no reflection on how good a radio it may be.

Shortwave ain't Dolby Surround high fidelity by any means. Assuming
good reception and decoding of the signal, a receiver can give you some
definite advantages for listening, but as far as audio quality,
shortwave is, well, "shortwave". His comment that the Yaesu was "no
good for listening" because it is a receiver is nonsense. At best, he
figured you'd play with the SW bands for 20 minutes the first day, and
listen to FM from that time forward.
At worst - and I still think this is it - he was trying to steer you
toward something with a better profit margin, or perhaps the store was
overstocked with, and wants to clear out. His comment about "no good
for listening"
is nonsensical, and also implys he thinks you are a moron - which you
obviously aren't, you've done your homework well.

Bottom line: Buy what YOU really want. And unless you can't beat
the price, don't buy it there.

Tony


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