Double conversion, triple conversion, quadruple conversion, sets that
sell for $50.00, sets that sell for 10,000.00! Antennas 3 inches long,
100 feet long, 3 inches high, or 3 miles high! For a beginner, none of
it really matters. What DOES matter? EXPERIENCE. That is all.

There is no substitute for time and experience and there is no
"short-cut," either. And that applies to ANYTHING worth doing!

If a beginner is truly interested in the hobby, he or she should just
do a little research, perhaps on this group, or, better, in PASSPORT
and WRTH, and make a reasonable choice in radios and antennas. It isn't
too hard. Most of them out there are pretty good. I, as does everyone
else here, have my opinions, but, in the end, for a beginner, it just
doesn't matter, within reason.

Then, as he/she becomes EXPERIENCED with the radio they have,
REGARDLESS of what it is, and with short wave listening in general, why
any future equipment "upgrades" will take care of themselves.
Just my thoughts.

Best,

Joe