Greetings: I am not sure exactly what you expect from a radio that
is just a bit bigger then a deck of cards. No one should expect the
performance of a average size portable or tabletop rig. I own several
radios, my Panasonic RF-2200, and a Sony ICF-2002, Eton E5, and others.
Can my Degen DE11 compete with them?? Not a chance. They outperform the
DE11/KA11 by miles. But read on. The DE11/KA11 is not intended to equal
their performance. I don't expect it to do so. I purchased a Degen DE11
on eBay, and I am very pleased with its performance and build. Is it
perfect? Not a chance. But I have yet to hear of a perfect radio. Does
it leave anything to be desired? Of course. I would love for it to have
syncronous detection, mutiple bandwidths, double conversion etc. But
HEY! Look at the size of this thing, and tell me you really expect that
in something this tiny. I think it's quite a deal that it is totally
digital, with a number of scanning features, and lots of memories,
nicely lit digital display etc. No, it is not a re-done KA1102.
Who-ever told you that really has the wrong information. It is a very
much up-graded DE105/KA105. The back of the radio is identical, and it
is just a couple millimeters thicker. The telescopic antenna of course
is not very long when extended of course. Again, that is to be expected
given the radio's size. It benefits from clipping an extra ten to
twenty feet of wire to the antenna, or plugging in the wire extension
antenna that comes with it. Much more and you would probably get
overload on a radio this tiny. But I find it receives quit well on all
bands, again, taking into consideration it's size. Better then I
expected for a radio so small.
I think it has, for its size, great sensitivity and selectivity.
And in my opinion, the build is more then adequate. As far as
construction, it is at least equal to the KA1102, or Eton E5. I bought
a little digital camera case that gives it great protection, fits it
like a glove, and has a small pouch that holds the extended wire
antenna, and a couple of spare rechargable batteries. I would not
hesitate to take it camping and hiking. It takes up just a small little
spot inside my back-pack.
At home, I will listen to my Panasonic, Sony or Eton. I love those
radios. But for a quick get-away to the backwoods on a camping, hiking
or canoeing trip,or an emergency evacuation where space and weight are
considerations, I would take the little Degen DE11/Kaito KA11 before
any of them. I ordered a second one yesterday.
Best regards