There is a very interesting SDR (software defined receiver) on the
market, the SDRPlay Radio Spectrum Processor 2 Pro.

Plug in the antenna, plug the receiver into a USB port on your computer,
load the free software and you are ready to go.

This device receives from 1kHz (!) to 2 GHz,is in a package that is
about 1.5 X 3.3 X 4.2 inches. It receives AM, FM, CW and synchronous AM,
great for listening to shortwave broadcasts. Also works with other free
software to receive RTTY, PSK and the JT modes.

The October QST magazine has a great review of this device, although you
have to be a member of the ARRL to see the article on their web site.
It is manufactured in the United Kingdom but sold in the USA by Ham
Radio Outlet (www.hamradio.com)

I have no association with the manufacture or Ham Radio Outlet. I
mention this only because it may be of interest to the shortwave
listening community. Oh, the price? $170-$192, free shipping, includes
necessary software.

Here are some of the features from the Ham Radio Outlet site:

The SDRplay RSP2pro is a powerful wideband full-featured Software
Defined Receiver which covers all frequencies from 1 kHz up to 2GHz.
This enhanced version of the popular RSP1 provides three software
selectable antenna inputs, & new stability and clocking features ideally
suited to industrial, scientific & educational applications. Combined
with the power of SDRuno Receiver Software this versatile receiver can
monitor up to 10MHz of spectrum at a time. The RSP2pro is enclosed in a
rugged black painted steel case for industrial users.

What's really exciting is that SDRplay offers an open API, allowing
developers to create new demodulators or applications around the platform.

Amateur Radio Operators will enjoy all modes of operation for the Ham
Bands ranging from experimental LF, through all the HF bands, VHF, UHF
and up to the 23cm band.

With the SRDplay RSP2 general coverage receiver, you can enjoy exploring
the rest of the RF spectrum as well!
Key Features:

Continuous coverage from 1 kHz to 2 GHz
Up to 10 MHz visible bandwidth
Powers over the USB cable with a simple type B socket
12-bit ADC silicon technology (not another 8 bit dongle!)
10 high-selectivity, built in front-end preselection filters
Software selectable multi-level Low Noise Preamplifier
SDRuno—World Class SDR software
Open API for new apps development
2 x SMA Software Selectable Antenna Inputs
1 x High Impedance Input for long wire antennas
Software selectable MW /FM notch filters
Highly stable 0.5PPM TCXO trimmable to 0.01PPM
24MHz Reference clock input / output connections
4.7V Bias-T (Port B only)
Rugged metal case