Paul Ciszek wrote:
I realize that this is the wrong sort of "radio" newsgroup, but I
cannot find any newsgroup dedicated to consumer AM/FM receivers. I
figure you folks would have opinions on the relative merits of
digital vs. analog tuners.
Which is better for pulling in a weak, distant radio station: a
top-of-the-line analog tuner, or a digital tuner with quartz crystal
oscillator, phase locked loop, etc.?
I am seeking a "good portable radio". None of the portables that I
have owned have been able to pull in weak stations as well as my
no-name car radio. Now, according to what I was told in some courses
over a decade ago, I thought the "best" radio receivers used a quartz
crystal local oscillator and phase locked loop to "lock on" to the
received signal. However, the high end radios people have been
refering me to (like the Tivoli Portable Audio Lab) have analog
tuners. I have to admit that part of the charm of a digital tuner
is the laziness it allows: key up 1340kHZ or 91.5MHz and you're
there.
I doubt that my no-name car radio was expensive even when the car
was new. There should be a portable radio out there that works at
least as well. Any recommendations? It wouldn't necessarily have
to have a speaker; headphones would be fine.
One of the BEST things I have seen to improve AM radio reception is the
Select-a-Tenna (
http://www.selectatenna.com/). Tune your portable radio
to the frequency, place the Select-a-Tenna next to the radio and adjust
the Select-a-Tenna for best reception. No wires to connect, no
batteries or power to plug in to. There are now other models of
Selectatenna that are powered or can connect with wires to you receiver
but I have been using one for years on a very inexpensive portable radio
and I can pick up stations loud and clear that I couldn't even hear
without it.
I am not affiliated with the company that makes them, nor do I sell
them. I just have one and am impressed with its performance.
Please note this is for the AM broadcast band only.
--
I have never met a liberal street cop.