Hi "Old Timer,"

I have read some good things about RadioLabs "Super 909," but have
never been tempted myself, as this radio, no matter what they do to it,
does not have the synchronous selectable sideband circuitry that the
Sony has (and which puts the Sony head and shoulders above ANY radio
which does not have it).

This circuit totally eliminates selective fading distortion (where the
sideband[s] are out of "sync" with the carrier; this makes announcers
sound as though they have a bad cold and renders them unintelligible)
and can eliminate or minimize adjacent-channel interference.

The "Super 909" is also much more expensive than the Sony.

I personally have owned two Sangean radios (the 808A and the 606AP)
which did not "hold up" well for me (I threw away the 808A after it
"died" and have "retired" the 606AP after five years of traveling with
it and having it start to "act up;" these things can't be fixed).

However, it is worth a try as it does have a good reputation and I
believe RadioLabs to be reliable, though I have never personally dealt
with them. You can fill us all in with your experience after you
receive the radio.

Frankly, though, as I've stated, I believe the Sony ICF-SW7600GR to be
the finest small portable world band receiver available new at the
present time. (I fully agree with another message here that its speaker
is not as good as it should be, though it's adequate for news and talk
shows; running it through your existing stereo system is an easy and
inexpensive "fix.")

Best of luck,

Joe