Kurt wrote:
Hi everyone. I'm in need of a shortwave radio that I could use outside that
has a large enough speaker with clear sound to be heard from 20 feet away or
more. I have been using an old Zenith Royal 3000 but i have lost the knob
to change the bands, plus it has seen better days and is in terrible
condition, though suitable for when I am doing yardwork, shopwork, etc. I
was wondering if there are any newer radios out there that have comparable
sound quality to the Royal 3000 (grundig s-350, et. al??) or if I should try
to find a knob somewhere and stick with the oldie until it dies?
I know durability is an issue as well, since nothing built recently can
compare with the 3000 but I can accept that just as long as the radio is
large enough so I don't accidentally step on it, forget it, etc.

The Grundig 350 or the latest radio from Redsun RP2100 should fulfill
your needs for a good sounding radio with enough strength to be heard.
Take a look at the reviews on www.radiointel.com

If all you are missing is a knob on a utility radio for the backyard I
would find a replacement and make the Zenith work. If it otherwise
does the job why spend over $100.00 on a new radio to get grunged up in
the backyard.

I've never heard the Royal 3000, so I can't give you a comparison.