The DX-160 is comparable to the Hallicraters S-85 - a $120 general coverage
receiver ala 1958.

The DX-160 is analog and single conversion. That means the dial calibration
is not great nor is the image rejection very good above about 12 MHz. Also,
the selectivity is average.

For listening to short wave broadcast stations below 12 MHz, the DX-160 is
adequate. Really not that bad. But, it lacks a noise blanker, any
rejection tuning and is generally just ok.

The modern true short wave radio will have digital tuning, double
conversion, excellent stability and image rejection and generally lack all
of the qualities that boatanchor lovers covet.

R-390A receivers are big and heavy, but they lack the instability, poor
calibration and poor image rejection of many of the true boat anchors. We
tolerate those owners in this group merely because the receivers are very
heavy and have sharp corners, which makes a great anchor. In addition, they
probably can be used for anchors for months before the electrical quality is
affected.

Colin K7FM