voyager2007 wrote:
Hi again
I'm fairly new to shortwave and am finding it very interesting.
I've bought myself a few radio's that seem to sound ok according to the web,
what do you think of them, are they ok for a newcomer to sw
Eton E5
Sangean ATS818
Sangean 909
Sony SW77
cheers
voyager




The tendency for newcomers is to buy a radio with the intention of
buying the most performance, the Best radio, and the most feature laden.
Spend their money one time, and not look back. Until the next big thing
comes along.

The truth is, in practical terms, it doesn't really work that way.

Any radio will get you started. Buy one, listen to it. That's your
starting place in the hobby. And it will likely be a place you enjoy for
some time before your interests develop or evolve.

Now, to buy your first, you'll want to read the reviews, get input
from hobby practitioners, and get some hands-on in brick and mortar
stores, if you can.

And buy the one you want. Not the one that everyone insists on. Buy
what you want, you won't regret it. Buy quality, you won't regret it.
Balance the two.

Naturally, you'll want 'the best' radio. But that's a term that has
no meaning. Fact is, that every radio has an application, or a range of
applications for which it's better suited than others. And for you, the
best radio will depend on what you prefer to listen to. That, you may
not know until you've been at the hobby for awhile. And it will change
from time to time. Most serious SWL's have more than one radio. Each
good at it's specific applications.

So, get started. Read what interests you, listen to what you like,
and begin your journey that way. Buy your hardware accordingly. You'll
never make a mistake, and you'll have a great deal of fun.


Now, of the radios you've presented as options...for a starter
radio, any of them will get you up and running. I've never recommended
Sony, for a number of reasons, but I"m by no means the last word. Eton,
similarly has left a bad taste, but they seem to have begun to turn a
different path, lately. My recommendation would be either (or both if
you're already hard core) of the Sangeans. 818 and 909 are good
performers, with a nice balance of features. Ear pleasing audio, and
fairly rugged. These two are well established in the hobby. They're also
like Dynaco audio gear--upgradeable, if you're good with a soldering
iron, and they lend themselves to experimentation.

But as a practicality, don't worry about it. Any of them will get
you started. Once you're on your way, your choices will become obvious,
along whichever path your interests take you.

Welcome to Shortwave.