I agree with the writer who suggested a new radio purchase, as opposed to
used.

My experience with used portables of this type (Sony 2010, Panasonic RF45B)
hasn't been good. There's a reason someone wants to get rid of something in
this price range...not quite poor enough to simply throw away, but not quite
good enough to keep using, so, "...hey! I'll put it on eBay, and see what
it'll fetch."

That said, of the three you mention, my only experience has been with the
Sangean 909/DX-398. I've carried one in my suitcase for more than ten
years. It's been around the world several times, to some really strange
places, and is my trusty companion, music-maker, alarm clock and timepiece
everywhere.

Good enough for some fun DXing in quiet (RF-wise) places, able to handle
staying in hotels with lots of FM transmitters on top of the building and
right across the street.

And it's extremely easy on batteries.

I did find a YB400 on sale for my mom, a talk radio addict, played with it a
little, and she liked it a lot...but she doesn't listen to anything critical
like long distance SW. It seemed fine to me, but I didn't spend much time
with it.

I'd suggest spending a buck or two more for a regulated power supply, to
reduce buzz on LW/AM/SW frequencies.

Have fun.

-- Doug Boynton




"Dave" wrote in message
...
Hi all,

My wife and I are big public radio fans and we're looking to purchase
a portable world radio. While price isn't a huge issue for us, we
generally prefer to purchase used when possible. Having searched the
online classifieds in my area the contenders, in order of asking price
(highest to lowest), a

1) Radio Shack DX-398 / Sangean ATS-909
2) Radio Shack DX-440 / Sangean ATS-803A
3) Grundig YB 400 PE

At a minimum, the radio will be used as an alarm for 1.5hrs each
morning while I get ready for work (local FM station) and general
listening during the day/evening. The radio will be run with an AC
adapter and will replace both an inexpensive clock-radio that has poor
FM reception and a dead travel radio. Having spent a little time as a
youth listening to SW broadcasts, it would be interesting to try it
again now that I'm a little older.

Thanks,
Dave