Dear "Cuhulin,"
It's a pity that the gentleman who started this thread is insistent
upon comparing just the Grundig S350 and the GE Superadio III, both of
which are, in my opinion, mediocre RF designs and, what is worse,
they're poorly constructed (the S350 in China and, though my early III
model was made in Maylaysia, nowadays I'm sure that the GE Superadio is
made in China as well and to a pretty poor construction standard - even
my Maylaysian-made one, indeed all of my samples, is certainly no
barn-burner).
That's not to say that ALL products made in China are poor, however.
Some are good - the Sony ICF-SW35 for example - but most ARE poor. They
do not hold up over the long haul, at least in my personal experience.
(I evidently have had the same experience with Sangean models that you
have had; they just don't last. I won't buy any more of their products;
I work too hard for my money as I'm sure you do.)
The Sony ICF-SW7600GR is made in Japan and to a very high and
consistent construction standard. I know. I own two (2) ICF-SW7600G
models (the predecessor to the current model) and three (3) ICF-7600GR
models. Yes, I have read that a few people have had quality-control
"issues," but I have not. All five, which were purchased from Universal
Radio, arrived in perfect condition and have remained that way. All are
in current use. The oldest is seven years old and the youngest is three
years old.
You won't go wrong in buying the radio from J&R Music World. I have
dealt with them for many years and have always found them fair and
reliable. Their packing is first-rate. If you do unfortunately happen
to get a "dud," they'll exchange it for you right away and with minimal
inconvenience on your part. And, at least in the case of the '7600GR,
right now their price can't be beat.
Please let us all know your impressions of the radio when you do get
it. Remember - it's not "perfect;" most notably its image-rejection is
not all it should be, but, by and large, it is a superb instrument and,
as I've stated, in my opinion it is the best small portable radio being
made today.
I wish we could persuade the creator of this thread to reconsider, but,
of course, his choice is his choice and that's nobody's business but
his own.
I hope he'll be happy with whichever of those two radios he buys, but
I'm afraid I believe he'll regret his purchase. I hope I'm wrong in
this assessment.
I do wish you the very best of luck with the ICF-SW7600GR and I hope it
brings you many hours of entertainment and enjoyment.
Best,
Joe (Opinionated but Lovable!)
P.S. I do have to disagree with you about the Select-A-Tenna. Yes it is
priced higher than it need be, but, at least in my experience, it works
very well indeed, especially with the Sony radio. It looks "cheap," but
it holds up. Mine is about ten or twelve years old, I believe. (Maybe
older.) I bought it from the Herrington catalog.
Opinions do vary, that is for sure. I think I will pick up my phone
and
order a Sony 7600GRradio from J&R tonight or in the morning. I want to
try one out.
cuhulin
|