The following questions have probably been addressed before, and if
there's a FAQ or other source that would answer them, I would appreciate
getting it. Basically, I would like to get a SW receiver sensitive and
selective enough to receive foreign stations broadcasting news,
commentary, music, etc., from countries such as China, Iran, France,
Russia, etc. I don't think I need one sufficiently selective for HAM
reception, but would like one with which I could pick up the national
stations from a number of countries fairly reliably. (Apparently, BBC is
no longer broadcasting directly to North America, and is only available
via the web.)

I now have a Radio Shack portable that sold originally for around $150,
but I haven't been able to use it conveniently. - It is controlled with
multiple pushbuttons, which to me were a hassle. I think I prefer to
have a dial of some sort, because it seems to make it more convenient to
scan a band for signals that are reasonably strong. (I also miss the old
green "eyes" that used to narrow down, or open up, when you centered on
a strong signal. - But I'll be happy for a needle, or whatever.) Another
problem with the RS portable is that it seems to use up batteries quite
fast. - Perhaps I was doing something wrong.

1. Does anyone have suggestions for a table model (could be portable,
but not required) suitable for this kind of use for perhaps $100 - $200?

2. Some sets selling on EBay seem interesting, but several of the
sellers refuse to give any warranty whatsoever. (Not even a DOA
guarantee.) That seems pretty unreasonable to me. In this price range,
would it make more sense to buy a cheaper new receiver rather than take
a chance on an Ebay sale?

3. If I prefer analog tuning of some type, am I typically limited to
buying older, used equipment in this price range?

4. Are there sources other than EBay that I should consider?


Models that I have seen that seem to be good compromises include the
Panasonic RF-4900 or RF-B600, the RF 2800?, etc., or the Radio Shack
DX-394. Also, some of the cheaper, used Hallicrafters, or the
solid-state Trans Oceanics, seem like reasonable buys. However, I don't
want to get involved with checking out all the chokes, capacitors, etc.

Thanks for any suggestions.

Jim