On 26 Jul 2006 13:03:02 -0700, "Gus" wrote:

Hi everyone,

I'm new to this list and shortwave (SWL). I have an interesting twist
to the age old question, "what's a good first radio" (Yes, I did search
the group before deciding to post).

Okay, I decided I wanted to get into shortwave listening (after hearing
an NPR report on numbers stations). I'm primarily interested in
listening to major broadcasts (BBC, VOA, VOR, VOK, Radio Netherlands,
etc.) and maybe the occasional numbers station, if I can find one.

In terms of electronics, I tend to subscribe to two schools: buy the
absolute best OR buy the cheapest thing that will get the job done
(middle of the road stuff tends to be over priced given the feature
set). Well, after a little reading, I opted to buy the Sony
ICF-SW7600GR. I received the '7600GR a few days ago, and the radio
appears to work well.

The '7600GR was relatively expensive, and I'm not sure if I'll use it
enough to really reap the benefits of having a top-quality portable.
The Kaito KA1101 (Degen DE1101) got a favorable review in the 2006
_Passport to World Band..._ and at other SWL sites online, and I'm
beginning to wonder if I should have went the "cheapest thing that will
get the job done" route, especially since I'm so new to SWL.
Furthermore, I'm thinking of getting an antenna, and the Sony AN-LP1
(which apparently pairs well with the '7600GR) is about $105 delivered
from Japan (on eBay). I can order a KA1101 with the KA31 antenna for
about $100 delivered, which will save me well over $100 (more like
$160) when compared to the '7600GR + AN-LP1 combo.

On to my question, should I return the '7600GR? Will I notice a big
(unfavorable) difference in performance in the KA1101? Is SSB and sync
lock really necessary for my interests. I'm having a hard time with
this decision, so any input or recommendations are welcome---$160 is a
lot of money for me, especially if the KA1101 will work well enough for
my purposes.

Thanks,

Gus


I just received the Kaito 1103 and Sony 7600GR. I actually like the
Kaito better. The ergonomics become intuitive once you have spent a
little time with the radio, and the much more expensive Sony does not
perform any better in my admittedly unscientific tests. If I were
doing it over again I would get the 1103 with the active loop antenna.
It works great for SSB as well--good enough to receive WEFAX, etc.
Just my $.02. --Steve