"jb" wrote in message news
On Sat, 10 Dec 2005 17:34:45 +0000, Sanjaya wrote:
There have been many, many posts in rec.radio.shortwave about the virtues of the 1103.
I'd recommend it to anyone interested in a quality, low cost SW portable.
See if this helps you out... http://makeashorterlink.com/?B2D012B4C
I've seen lots of comments regarding the 1103 and the 1102, not as many
for the 1101. Cost is a concern here and I am able to get the 1101 for
about $20us (shipped) less than the others.
What I am really interested in is the SW comparison between the three.
Joeb
I don't have an 1101, but I do have a Degen DE1102 and DE1103. Both were cheaper
than the Kaito versions, but I gave up the US warranty of the Kaito versions. Both have
been great and have had no problems, though the 1103 was manufactured after August 2004
when they fixed a problem some radios had with the tuning knob.
There's a review of the 1101 here
http://www.radiointel.com/review-kaitoka1101.htm
Part of the review says this:
quote
Shortwave..this is where the KA1101 really shines. The 1101 breaks its shortwave coverage into two
bands. 3 - 10 MHz is called SW1. 10-26.1 MHz is the SW2 band. Up/down steps are 5 kHz and there is
no fine tuning capability. Reception is exceptional just off the whip antenna. In the late afternoon
on the east coast, I was easily receiving stations in the 16, 22, 25, 3, 41 and 49 meter bands. WWV
on 15 MHz was fairly good copy. The wide/narrow filter is effective on shortwave as does the
DX/Local attenuator control. Note that the 1101 does not receive single sideband. The 1102 model
does, however.
As you tune through the 12 defined "shortwave bands", the band is shown on the display (i.e., 19 M).
I found the 1101 to be the equal of the Sangean 606 and the Radio Shack DX-375/396. The use of the
included extended antenna wire plugged into the external antenna jack improved reception slightly.
Perhaps this is more of a benefit in weaker signal areas. I also tried a real external longwire
antenna. It created an overload situation for the 1101. end quote
The 1102 and 1103 have SSB capability, the 1101 doesn't. The 1103 has better speaker sound than the
1102 and 1101. (Though I don't have an 1101 this is easily assumed due to the size of the radios)
The 1103 has detractors who hate the ergonomics. I had no problem with them. Five minutes of using
the radio and it wasn't an issue.
The 1103 is the most sensitive SW off the whip antenna I've ever used.
Speaking for myself, as owner of a 1103, 1102, Sony 7600GR (great radio, but 3 times the cost of the
Degens), YB400 and other portables, and knowing what I know now about all of them, I'd not hesitate
to purchase or recommend an 1103. No contest. Performance per $$$ spent is hands down the best with
the DE1103.
If you can't raise the extra $20 get the 1101. If you can find a way to buy an 1103 that is what you
should do.
Note the above comment about the manufacture date though. There was a small piece of paper included
with NIB models showing the date, and the DE1103s after August 2004 had an additional round sticker
on the front.
Note also that these are my opinions. Some other people who contribute to this group share the same
opinions. Still others will disagree strongly. In fact, you will be judged as unpatriotic for
spending any amount on a radio made in China. Get what you can afford and enjoy it : )