Newbie ?:Are Kaito radios any good?
 

I recently bought a Kaito KA11 Am/Fm/SW radio. It is small, has
digital tuning and scanning and I thought it would be a nice radio to
start out with. I think I made a mistake.

I have never had such a hard time programming a radio. You have to
keep taking the batteries out and then try and hit certain keys within
a second or two once you put them back in. Ths sound quality is not
that good either.

While I can get a few things on SW, lots of stuff on FM (even though
it does not sound that good) I cannot get anything on AM except
static. It has a metal anntenna and also comes with an external wire
antenna. Is that what I am supposed to use to get AM stations? I sure
hope not as my other radios only use the telescoping antennas and AM
comes in fine. Any ideas on why I cannot get any AM stations with this
when I can with cheaper pocket radios? Here is what I have and
hopefully someone here can give me your thoughts on this radio:

http://www.radiointel.com/review-kaitoka11.htm

Lastly, I cannot afford alot. Can someone recommend a good small radio
I could carry with me, something that offers digital tuning, manual or
auto scanning and memory to set lots of favorite channels?

Thanks,
Haci

Newbie ?:Are Kaito radios any good?
 

Hi Hacci

Go to the reviews of shortwave radios on www.eham.com and look at the
reviews of the Kaito 1103. I think that you will be pleasantly
surprised

Newbie ?:Are Kaito radios any good?
 

On Apr 13, 5:11*pm, Hacienda de Ville ferrante276-
wrote:
I recently bought a Kaito KA11 Am/Fm/SW radio. It is small, has
digital tuning and scanning and I thought it would be a nice radio to
start out with. I think I made a mistake.

I have never had such a hard time programming a radio. You have to
keep taking the batteries out and then try and hit certain keys within
a second or two once you put them back in. Ths sound quality is not
that good either.

While I can get a few things on SW, lots of stuff on FM (even though
it does not sound that good) I cannot get anything on AM except
static. It has a metal anntenna and also comes with an external wire
antenna. Is that what I am supposed to use to get AM stations? I sure
hope not as my other radios only use the telescoping antennas and AM
comes in fine. Any ideas on why I cannot get any AM stations with this
when I can with cheaper pocket radios? Here is what I have and
hopefully someone here can give me your thoughts on this radio:

http://www.radiointel.com/review-kaitoka11.htm

Lastly, I cannot afford alot. Can someone recommend a good small radio
I could carry with me, something that offers digital tuning, manual or
auto scanning and memory to set lots of favorite channels?

Thanks,
Haci

Also take a look at the reviews of Kaito and Degen radios including
the DE1103 on www.Radiointel.com Degen and Kaito are essentially the
same receiver but branded differently for different markets.
Additionally, take a look at receivers from Redsun.

Best of luck in the search and be sure to post your choice.

Newbie ?:Are Kaito radios any good?
 

Perhaps you got a bad one that slipped past quality control
inspection. My KA11 gets quite a bit on AM, as well as FM and SW for
the size of radio that it is.
The telescopic antenna and extra wire is only for FM and SW. There
is an internal ferrite bar antenna that is for AM as in most radios of
this type. You must turn the radio around to get the best reception as
the ferrite bar is directional.

Among my collection of radios, the KA11 is one of my favorites in
the "tiny" category. Along with the Eton E100. My KA11 pwerforms very
well for its size and I'm very happy with it.

As for sound.. the smaller the speaker the worse the sound. This is
the same for all radios. And remember that the KA11 is about the size
of a deck of cards. Take any tiny little radio with a tiny speaker and
compare the sound with a radio that is much bigger and has a lot
bigger speaker. The smaller the speaker... the worse the sound. 99
times out of a 100.

If your money is limited... you might want to look at the Kaito
KA1101 which has great reviews on the internet and in Passport to
World Band Radio. Passport to World Band Radio is a book you shoulde
get hold of. They test all the radios out there and report on them.

Another one, with SSB is the Kaito KA1102. A great little radio.
Both the 1101 andf 1102 are bigger then the KA11, and being bigger
with more controls they sound better and pull in more stations.

Degen has these same radios with the DE prefix instead of KA.

I don't have the Kaito KA1103... but I have the Eton E5 which was
the replacement for the 1103. Katio sold the design, but it is still
produced in the same Chinese factory as the rest. Grundig also has
this radio.. selling it as the G5

The internals of the E5 and side panels and back panel is the same
as the 1103 and come out of the same molds. The difference is that the
E5 gets rid of the fake analog dial, making room for a common sense
control layout. It is much more friendly ergonomically.

All these radios are radios I own, along with others like the Sony
ICF7600D, the Eton E100 and a Panasonic RF2200.
They all perform very well for me, including the Kaito KA11. Just
don't expect a tiny little single conversion radio to perform and
sound like a larger more expensive radio that has a larger speaker,
dual conversion, multiple bandwidths etc. They won't.
Best of luck.

Newbie ?:Are Kaito radios any good?
 

Oh yes,,,, you were mentioning size..... from small to large.....
Kaito KA11, Eton E100, Kaito KA1101, Kaito KA1102, Kaito KA1103
(Grundig/Eton G5/E5 is the same size as the 1103.)

If small size is important, you might not want to go larger then
the Kaito KA1101. On backpacking trips, my KA11 or Eton E100 goes into
my pack. My larger radios stay home.

Newbie ?:Are Kaito radios any good?
 

On Apr 13, 2:11*pm, Hacienda de Ville ferrante276-
wrote:
I recently bought a Kaito KA11 Am/Fm/SW radio. It is small, has
digital tuning and scanning and I thought it would be a nice radio to
start out with. I think I made a mistake.

I have never had such a hard time programming a radio. You have to
keep taking the batteries out and then try and hit certain keys within
a second or two once you put them back in. Ths sound quality is not
that good either.

While I can get a few things on SW, lots of stuff on FM (even though
it does not sound that good) I cannot get anything on AM except
static. It has a metal anntenna and also comes with an external wire
antenna. Is that what I am supposed to use to get AM stations? I sure
hope not as my other radios only use the telescoping antennas and AM
comes in fine. Any ideas on why I cannot get any AM stations with this
when I can with cheaper pocket radios? Here is what I have and
hopefully someone here can give me your thoughts on this radio:

http://www.radiointel.com/review-kaitoka11.htm

Lastly, I cannot afford alot. Can someone recommend a good small radio
I could carry with me, something that offers digital tuning, manual or
auto scanning and memory to set lots of favorite channels?

Thanks,
Haci

HdV - Look on eBay for some Made-in-China Radios. ~ RHF
You can usually buy them at a lower cost.

* Degen Radio Shortwave
http://search.ebay.com/%20Degen%20Shortwave%20Radio

* Tecsun Radio Shortwave
http://search.ebay.com/%20Tecsun%20Shortwave%20Radio

* Redsun Radio Shortwave
http://search.ebay.com/%20Redsun%20Shortwave%20Radio

Note - Many of the "Kaito" Brand Shortwave Radios
are just re-named Chinese made Radios.

* Kaito Radio Shortwave
http://search.ebay.com/%20Kaito%20Shortwave%20Radio

Plus - There are the "Sangean" Brand Shortwave Radios
from Taiwan : Many of which are now 'Made-in China'

* Sangean Shortwave Radio
http://search.ebay.com/%20Sangean%20Shortwave%20Radio

MORE . . .

* Grundig and Eton Shortwave Radio
http://search.ebay.com/%20Grundig%20Shortwave%20Radio
http://search.ebay.com/%20Eton%20Shortwave%20Radio

* Sony Shortwave Radio
http://search.ebay.com/%20Sony%20Shortwave%20Radio

FWIW - If you can afford it the Sony ICF-SW7600GR AM/FM
Shortwave Radio at $130~$150 is well regarded by many.

* Sony ICF-SW7600GR AM/FM Shortwave Radio
http://cgi.ebay.com/_W0QQitemZ160229070142
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listi...X/ref=dp_olp_2

hope this helps ~ RHF

Newbie ?:Are Kaito radios any good?
 

Hi,
I certainly appreciate everything all of you are suggesting. I
started playing with my Kaito KA11 hoping that I could try and get
some things as I do like the size of it. Today, I am going to take it
out as see if I get AM on the outside. If not, something is definitely
wrong with this radio.
When I scan the SW bands, I am disappointed as I get nothing except
two different broadcasts, both religious. I was hoping to get the BBC
and other things. Apparently that is not to be, at least not in my
apartment. I will try outside and see what happens and post later what
I found out.
On some of the models you guys recommended, I saw different SW bands
covered. This radio has coverage of 5.80-18.10. Is that good or should
I try and get one that covers the whole spectrum. With what this
covers, should I be getting more than I am and does the BBC fall
within this range.
Again, please know I sincerely appreciate the help you are giving me
and thank you for allowing me to ask what may appear to some as stupid
questions. :)

Haci

SWL -Newbies- Using Your "Kaito" AM FM Shortwave Radio for the FirstTime
 

On Apr 14, 7:17*am, Hacienda de Ville ferrante276-
wrote:
Hi,
* I certainly appreciate everything all of you are suggesting. I
started playing with my Kaito KA11 hoping that I could try and get
some things as I do like the size of it. Today, I am going to take it
out as see if I get AM on the outside. If not, something is definitely
wrong with this radio.
* When I scan the SW bands, I am disappointed as I get nothing except
two different broadcasts, both religious. I was hoping to get the BBC
and other things. Apparently that is not to be, at least not in my
apartment. I will try outside and see what happens and post later what
I found out.
* On some of the models you guys recommended, I saw different SW bands
covered. This radio has coverage of 5.80-18.10. Is that good or should
I try and get one that covers the whole spectrum. With what this
covers, should I be getting more than I am and does the BBC fall
within this range.
* Again, please know I sincerely appreciate the help you are giving me
and thank you for allowing me to ask what may appear to some as stupid
questions. *:)

Haci

HdV,

SWL -Newbies- Using Your "Kaito" AM FM Shortwave Radio for the First
Time

First - Take the Radio and the Owner's Manual out and sit
down and Handle the Radio along with Reading the Manual.
-Tip- Insert the Batteries into the Radio.

Kaito KA11 Digital AM FM Shortwave Radio
http://www.kaitousa.com/KA11.htm
http://www.radiointel.com/review-kaitoka11.htm
http://www.universal-radio.com/CATAL...able/0011.html

Kaito KA11 AM FM SW Radio Controls
http://www.universal-radio.com/CATAL...e/0011cont.jpg

Kaito KA11 AM FM SW Radio Specifications
http://www.universal-radio.com/CATAL.../0011spec.html

OK so when you take your Radio 'outside' :

1 - Make sure that the "DX/Local" Switch is in the DX position.
http://www.universal-radio.com/CATAL...e/0011side.jpg

2 - For FM Band Radio reception Extend the Radio's
Whip Antenna fully Straight-Up.

3 - For AM/MW Band Radio reception the Radio uses
it's built-in AM/MW Ferrite Rod Antenna :
* Collapse the Radio's Whip Antenna.
* Rotate the Radio around for the Best reception of
each Radio Station Peaking and Nulling the signal.

4 - For Shortwave Radio reception use :
http://www.universal-radio.com/CATAL...e/0011side.jpg
* Outdoor Antenna Socket and plug-in the
* Soft-Wire or Reel Antenna**; and extend the Antenna
Wire Up and Away from the Radio into the Air.
http://www.kaitousa.com/radioimages/KA11F.jpg
http://www.universal-radio.com/CATAL...le/0011sys.jpg

For Day-Time Shortwave Listening with the
Kaito KA11 AM FM SW Radio try :
25m Shortwave Band : 11,500 - 12,200 kHz
22m Shortwave Band : 13,510 - 13,900 kHz
19m Shortwave Band : 15,000 - 15,700 kHz

For Night-Time Shortwave Listening with the
Kaito KA11 AM FM SW Radio try :
49m Shortwave Band : 5,800 - 6,400 kHz
41m Shortwave Band : 6,900 - 7,400 kHz
31m Shortwave Band : 9,100 - 9,990 kHz

** 23 Foot Reel {Roll-Up} Shortwave Antenna
http://www.kaitousa.com/Antenna.htm
http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/sw_ant/3184.html

Newbie ?:Are Kaito radios any good?
 

Dont leave that Kaito plugged in when you leave your house.It might burn
your house down.
cuhulin

Newbie ?:Are Kaito radios any good?
 

Hello: The best thing to do if you already haven't done so is to
get a shortwave frequency guide with broadcast times for international
broadcasters, and the frequencys they broadcast on. Popular
Communications magazine, and Passport to World Band Radio have such
timetables. There are other sources also.
Also you will get much better reception at around sunset and
later.....daytime is not the best.
Reception is always better outside. Or string the wire around your
window...... If you have a lot of emi/rf souirces in your home...
that will make things worse.

My KA11 is as good little radio for its size.,.... I can pick up a
surprisingly high number of stations on all bands....

So I am still wondering if you got a bad KA11 that slipped past
their quality control inspectors. If you have your bill and the
warranty is in effect, I would think of taking it back and trying
another one or two. The only thing is... being in a store full of
electronics... and possibly with a lot of shielding in the building...
even the best radio might get next to nothing in reception on SW.

Get a couple of issues of Popular Communications..... get Passport
to World Band Radio.... do some searches on the sites that others have
mentioned here.... There is some learning to do as far as finding out
how to increase your reception with your radio.

Perhaps a short outdoor antenna would be good for you.... you
wouldn't want it very long with such a small radio.... you could
easily overload it.

Best of luck....
Cato

(Greetings Cuhulin...... I use all my radios with re-chargeable
batteries, except my Panasonic RF2200 that I have plugged in in the
back room. I don't like to leave anything plugged in that doesn't
really have to be plugged in. Is it the wall-wart that comes with the
Kaito? How about a better wall-wart? Would that stop the hazard?)

Newbie ?:Are Kaito radios any good?
 

RHF has certainly put a lot of useful info here to help a newbie
with the KA11. Many thanks to him....

Cato

Newbie ?:Are Kaito radios any good?
 

Dear Sir,

If you recently bought this radio from a reputable dealer, take it or
send it back for replacement (NOT repair) under warranty. It certainly
sounds to me as though your radio is defective. I should hope that a
replacement unit will perform better and to your satisfaction.

Best,

Joe

On Apr 13, 5:11 pm, Hacienda de Ville ferrante276-
wrote:
I recently bought a Kaito KA11 Am/Fm/SW radio. It is small, has
digital tuning and scanning and I thought it would be a nice radio to
start out with. I think I made a mistake.

I have never had such a hard time programming a radio. You have to
keep taking the batteries out and then try and hit certain keys within
a second or two once you put them back in. Ths sound quality is not
that good either.

While I can get a few things on SW, lots of stuff on FM (even though
it does not sound that good) I cannot get anything on AM except
static. It has a metal anntenna and also comes with an external wire
antenna. Is that what I am supposed to use to get AM stations? I sure
hope not as my other radios only use the telescoping antennas and AM
comes in fine. Any ideas on why I cannot get any AM stations with this
when I can with cheaper pocket radios? Here is what I have and
hopefully someone here can give me your thoughts on this radio:

http://www.radiointel.com/review-kaitoka11.htm

Lastly, I cannot afford alot. Can someone recommend a good small radio
I could carry with me, something that offers digital tuning, manual or
auto scanning and memory to set lots of favorite channels?

Thanks,
Haci

Newbie ?:Are Kaito radios any good?
 

Friends,
I am in a hurry to get to school, but I wanted to post this: today,
I tried my Kaito KA11 outside while in different places throughout the
city and nothing. No AM reception and no SW reception at all, just
static. Unfortunately, I bought this from Ebay and here is what the
guy posted in his ad:

This radio is BRAND NEW and UNUSED. I haven't even had it a week. I
ended up getting a different travel radio.

A very thorough review of the radio can be found he
http://www.radiointel.com/review-kaitoka11.htm

Shipping only $3.49 within the USA!
----------------------------------------------------
I think I am going to write him again. He told me that he had no
problem with it and was able to pick up AM stations, yet in his ad he
states it never has been used.

I also think I am going to contact Ebay about it. I paid $39.95 and
the $3.49 shipping. I am not sure contacting Kaito will do any good as
I have the registration card here and was excited and wanted to try it
out. I am upset as I cannot afford a lot and I think this guy knew of
the problems and that is why he sold it.

Btw, I did as you guys suggested and went out and bought 2008 edition
of The Passport to World Band Radio, today. I got a coupon from Barnes
and Noble for 25% off any one item, plus my buddy is a member so I got
another 10% off and got the book for just a little over $16! Now if
only I had a radio to use with it...

Thanks friends,
Haci

Newbie ?:Are Kaito radios any good?
 

Hi,
It is me again. I forgot to include this in my last post. I did
e-mail the seller and will include my initial e-mail and then his
response. You decide if he seems honest or not:

(My e-mail)

Hello,
I won the auction from you for this radio. However, I am having
problems getting any stations on AM. Can you explain why that
might be? I do like the radio, but I will tell you, I have never
had one this hard to program and operate. I know that is not your
fault, but I wish it were easier. I must be doing something wrong.
Any ideas, please? Thanks.
-----------------------------------------------
(His response)

Hello,

I played around with that radio for about an hour one afternoon just
to see what it could do. I got AM stations no problem but I am right
in Chicago so the signals are strong. I didn't try to pull in any
distant stations. Shortwave seemed to work well - also FM was good.
Other than that I can't add anything more about that particular radio.
There are some radio forums online where someone might be able to help
out more with that model.

I have a Kaito KA1103 too which I like a lot but is too big (for me)
for traveling. Their radios are quality but I agree there are some
unusual features and controls. Especially the KA1103. The manuals
are funny too - very bad translations into English! I hope you have
luck with it and get it working the way you want it. It seems like a
cool little radio.

John W.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Any advice?
thanks,
Haci

Newbie ?:Are Kaito radios any good?
 

Friends,
I have been looking around for different radios. I sort of like this
one. Anyone know anything about it:

http://www.universal-radio.com/catal...able/0550.html

Thanks,
Haci

Newbie ?:Are Kaito radios any good?
 

I wouldn't buy a Kaito ''radio''
cuhulin

Newbie ?:Are Kaito radios any good?
 

On Apr 15, 9:32*am, Hacienda de Ville ferrante276-
wrote:
Friends,
* I have been looking around for different radios. I sort of like this
one. Anyone know anything about it:

http://www.universal-radio.com/catal...able/0550.html

Thanks,
Haci

The Grundig YB 550 is identical to the Tecsun PL-230. You can find a
review of the radio here at RadioIntel.com.
http://www.radiointel.com/review-tecsunpl230.htm

As others here have mentioned, the KA1103 is supposed to be a worthy
performer. Costs more but you might give it a look.

Newbie ?:Are Kaito radios any good?
 

On Apr 16, 8:00*am, junius wrote:
On Apr 15, 9:32*am, Hacienda de Ville ferrante276-

wrote:
Friends,
* I have been looking around for different radios. I sort of like this
one. Anyone know anything about it:

http://www.universal-radio.com/catal...able/0550.html

Thanks,
Haci

The Grundig YB 550 is identical to the Tecsun PL-230. *You can find a
review of the radio here at RadioIntel.com.http://www.radiointel.com/review-tecsunpl230.htm

As others here have mentioned, the KA1103 is supposed to be a worthy
performer. * Costs more but you might give it a look.

The Kaito KA1103 has terrible ergonomics including a fake "looks
cool" analog screen that takes up room that could have gone to a
common sense control layout. (volume control is weird for example.)

They redesigned it and sold the design to Grundig/Eton.
The improved radio came out as the Grundig G5 ands Eton E5. I
bought one and it's a great radio. But the 1103/G5/E5 size is too big
for my backpacking trips.
Price has dropped quite a bit and it can be had for less then $100
at some places. Much better ergonomics, common sense controls. Rumours
of a slight increase of sensitivity over the 1103.

Newbie ?:Are Kaito radios any good?
 

On Apr 15, 3:58*pm, wrote:
What do they call that little round L whatever it is label? that America
sticks on Approved (or used to anyway) house hold approved
items/products? Guess what? (say, what?) Chinkland Commie Chicoms are
fakeing them little stickers and they are planting them on all kinds of
burn your house down items.Lay off of Kaito!
cuhulin *

Yes Cuhulin.. but the problem is... you will have a terrible time
trying to find less expensive new shortwave radios that aren't made or
at least assembled in China these days,,,
You have to be willing to shell out some big bucks for pricey
exotic professional class radios to get radios that are not made in
China.
Those kind of radios are not any good for traveling or backpacking.
And they are out of the range of those of us who don't have lots to
spend on radios.
Even Sony stuff is made or assembled in China now.

Turns out that many of us are stuck.... having to buy a radio from
Commie China if we want a radio.... I wish it wasn't that way.,...

The Kaito radios I have seem to be very good radios... I use
batteries, not the wall wart....not worried about a fire. My KA1102
seems to be at least as good as my older Sony ICF 7600D (ICF2002) that
was built in Japan.
(when I was a kid the expression.. "Made in Japan" was an insult.
Japan used to have a reputation of making cheap junk)

I don't like the fact that I can't buy a good European or North
American or Japanese made radio unless it is an older used one.
Much rather buy from those sources then from a communist
country...not a lot of choice any more.,...

Even a company like Grundig or Eton.... all their radios are made
in China now...

Newbie ?:Are Kaito radios any good?
 

On Apr 16, 7:12*am, Cato wrote:
On Apr 16, 8:00*am, junius wrote:





On Apr 15, 9:32*am, Hacienda de Ville ferrante276-

wrote:
Friends,
* I have been looking around for different radios. I sort of like this
one. Anyone know anything about it:

http://www.universal-radio.com/catal...able/0550.html

Thanks,
Haci

The Grundig YB 550 is identical to the Tecsun PL-230. *You can find a
review of the radio here at RadioIntel.com.http://www.radiointel.com/review-tecsunpl230.htm

As others here have mentioned, the KA1103 is supposed to be a worthy
performer. * Costs more but you might give it a look.

* The Kaito KA1103 has terrible ergonomics including a fake "looks
cool" analog screen that takes up room that could have gone to a
common sense control layout. *(volume control is weird for example.)

* *They redesigned it and sold the design to Grundig/Eton.
* *The improved radio came out as the Grundig G5 *ands Eton E5. I
bought one and it's a great radio. But the 1103/G5/E5 size is too big
for my backpacking trips.
* *Price has dropped quite a bit and it can be had for less then $100
at some places. Much better ergonomics, common sense controls. Rumours
of a slight increase of sensitivity over the 1103.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Cato,

Interesting "Info" on the Kaito KA 1103 Radio
http://www.universal-radio.com/catal...able/0028.html

to Grundig G5 / Eton E5 Radios
http://www.universal-radio.com/catal...able/3005.html

evolution in Ergonomics and Performance.

~ RHF

Newbie ?:Are Kaito radios any good?
 

Dear Cato,

The Sony ICF-SW7600GR is still Made in Japan - and to a very high
construction standard too, not even to mention its excellent
performance. It can still be purchased new for $150.00 or less.

Best,

Joe

On Apr 16, 10:29 am, Cato wrote:

... you will have a terrible time
trying to find less expensive new shortwave radios that aren't made or
at least assembled in China these days,,,
You have to be willing to shell out some big bucks for pricey
exotic professional class radios to get radios that are not made in
China.
Those kind of radios are not any good for traveling or backpacking.
And they are out of the range of those of us who don't have lots to
spend on radios.
Even Sony stuff is made or assembled in China now.

Turns out that many of us are stuck.... having to buy a radio from
Commie China if we want a radio.... I wish it wasn't that way.,...

The Kaito radios I have seem to be very good radios... I use
batteries, not the wall wart....not worried about a fire. My KA1102
seems to be at least as good as my older Sony ICF 7600D (ICF2002) that
was built in Japan.
(when I was a kid the expression.. "Made in Japan" was an insult.
Japan used to have a reputation of making cheap junk)

I don't like the fact that I can't buy a good European or North
American or Japanese made radio unless it is an older used one.
Much rather buy from those sources then from a communist
country...not a lot of choice any more.,...

Even a company like Grundig or Eton.... all their radios are made
in China now...

Sony ICF-SW7600GR AM/FM Shortwave Radio : Yes It Is StillMade-in-Japan
 

On Apr 17, 10:53*am, Joe Analssandrini
wrote:
- - On Apr 16, 10:29 am, Cato wrote:
- - Even Sony stuff is made or assembled in China now.

- Dear Cato,
-
- The Sony ICF-SW7600GR is still Made in Japan
- and to a very high construction standard too,
- not even to mention its excellent performance.
- It can still be purchased new for $150.00 or less.
-
- Best,
-
- Joe

Ditto That Joe,

Sony ICF-SW7600GR AM/FM Shortwave Radio :
Yes It Is Still "Made-in-Japan"

Matter-of-Fact : Says So Right On My Radio ;-}

The Sony ICF-SW7600GR AM/FM Shortwave Radio at
$130~$150 + S&H is well regarded by many Shortwave
RadioListeners (SWL) who used a 'portable' SW Radio
for Travel and On-the-Go.
http://www.universal-radio.com/CATAL...able/0360.html
Plus at home in the Radio Shack it can handle a moderate
size outside Radndom Wire Antenna very well.

=PS= STILL MADE IN JAPAN TO HIGH QUALITY STANDARDS

* eHAM Reviews for Sony AM/FM Shortwave Radio
-aka- World Band Receiver - Model : ICF-SW7600GR
http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/1534

* Review of the Sony ICF-SW7600GR AM/FM/SW Radio
http://www.mwcircle.org/res-receiver-sonysw7600gr.htm
-from- Radio Netherlands Worldwide (RNW)
-by- Thomas R. Sundstrom { Sony ICF-SW7600GR }
-hosted by- Medium Wave Circle

* Sony Shortwave Radio
http://search.ebay.com/%20Sony%20Shortwave%20Radio

* Sony ICF-SW7600GR AM/FM Shortwave Radio
http://cgi.ebay.com/_W0QQitemZ160229070142
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listi...X/ref=dp_olp_2


this one's a real 'sony' and that's no baloney ~ RHF

Newbie ?:Are Kaito radios any good?
 

On Apr 16, 10:29*am, Cato wrote:
On Apr 15, 3:58*pm, wrote:

What do they call that little round L whatever it is label? that America
sticks on Approved (or used to anyway) house hold approved
items/products? Guess what? (say, what?) Chinkland Commie Chicoms are
fakeing them little stickers and they are planting them on all kinds of
burn your house down items.Lay off of Kaito!
cuhulin *

* Yes Cuhulin.. but the problem is... you will have a terrible time
trying to find less expensive new shortwave radios that aren't made or
at least assembled in China these days,,,
* *You have to be willing to shell out some big bucks for pricey
exotic professional class radios to get radios that are not made in
China.
* *Those kind of radios are not any good for traveling or backpacking.
And they are out of the range of those of us who don't have lots to
spend on radios.
* *Even Sony stuff is made or assembled in China now.

* * Turns out that many of us are stuck.... having to buy a radio from
Commie China if we want a radio.... I wish it wasn't that way.,...

* The Kaito radios I have seem to be very good radios... I use
batteries, not the wall wart....not worried about a fire. My KA1102
seems to be at least as good as my older Sony ICF 7600D (ICF2002) that
was built in Japan.
* (when I was a kid the expression.. "Made in Japan" was an insult.
Japan used to have a reputation of making cheap junk)

* *I don't like the fact that I can't buy a good European or North
American or Japanese made radio unless it is an older used one.
* Much rather buy from those sources then from a communist
country...not a lot of choice any more.,...

* *Even a company like Grundig or Eton.... all their radios are made
in China now...

Have you considered that the Made in Japan label may represent
something entirely different than what you think it does?

It would be worth looking into the percentage of Japanese made content
is required to allow use of that label. (It isn't 100%) Given that a
lot of electronic components are coming from China, Taiwan and other
non-japanese localities I would not be at all surprised if a fair
portion of that radio is not from Japan.

I'm fascinated at the attention we give to the Made In Japan label
now. Some people view chinese goods as unfovorably now as some people
viewed japanese made goods in the 1950's. Reality notwithstanding.

Newbie ?:Are Kaito radios any good?
 

If you go clothes shopping at a store and the little label on the
clothes says, Made In America, chances are only the label(s) were Made
In America.Some people think Holland is a Country, especially them
wimmins at the Goodwill store when they turn over a Made In Holland
article/item/bricabrac.I tried to tell them wimmins before that Holland
isn't a Country.Actually, there is a North Holland and a South Holland
in the Nederlands.(Netherlands) I just can't convince them wimmins
Holland is not a Country.My 1914 Ford T Model Car was Made In America,
except for the reproduction tires which were Made In India.My 1948
Willys Jeep was Made In America.My 1978 Dodge Van was Made In
America.(www.devilfinder.com Tom McCahill Test the Jeep) My 1961
Sachs Hercules Moped (it has bicycle pedals on it) was Made In
Germany.My little Australian Blue Heeler Cattle Dog (she owns the couch)
www.cattledog.com www.acdca.org was Made In Raymond,Mississippi,
eight miles Southwest of doggy's couch.
cuhulin

Newbie ?:Are Kaito radios any good?
 

On Apr 17, 1:53*pm, Joe Analssandrini
wrote:
Dear Cato,

The Sony ICF-SW7600GR is still Made in Japan - and to a very high
construction standard too, not even to mention its excellent
performance. It can still be purchased new for $150.00 or less.

Best,

Joe


Yes... sorry... I made a mistake..... I had read an article some
time ago about Sony, and China....turns out they just get a lot of
their parts from China now,,, although they still put them together in
Japan.

Newbie ?:Are Kaito radios any good?
 

On Apr 17, 2:11*pm, Bart Bailey wrote:
In

posted on Wed, 16 Apr 2008 07:29:46 -0700 (PDT), Cato wrote: Begin *



* Even a company like Grundig or Eton.... all their radios are made
in China now...

Nope, not all, as if it should matter.

Uhmm... the Eton E5 and Grundig G5 are made in China (Looking at the
back of my E5 "designed in California, made in China".

The Eton E100....... on the back of the radio it says..... Made in
China.

As of 2001, many of the suppliers to Sony had already shifted
production to China, where labor costs at the time, (2001) were 1/30th
of the costs in Japan.

Sony itself now gets many parts from China.

Sony to Shift Parts Supplies to China People's Daily,
Business, Thursday, September 27, 2001, updated at 13:44(GMT+8)


Outsourcing?

Newbie ?:Are Kaito radios any good?
 

Dear Cato,

You are quite correct. In fact, when I opened my Made-in-the-UK AOR
AR7030 Plus soon after purchasing it (just to see what it looked like
inside), I was surprised to see several of the parts had "China"
printed on them.

I suppose that, with electronics, it's like with bicycles: certain
necessary parts are manufactured in one country only due to the fact
that it is uneconomical for companies to try to compete. In other
words, sales of a particular item are so low (and so specialized) that
it does not pay for someone to try to compete with an established
supplier, hence there is a virtual monopoly existing for that
particular part(s).

Nowadays, it seems that the countries of choice for certain low-
production, highly specialized electronic components are China and
India.

Frankly, there is nothing wrong with this. In fact, with such
products, it is possible for competition to actually raise prices.
Since the components do not actually "show," no one is the wiser
(unless you're like me - somewhat curious).

The Sony ICF-SW35, recently discontinued, was entirely made in China.
And I have to tell you (I own two of them, both purchased in April
2001) that they are made to the same high standard as any other Sony
radio. Mine are kept, winter and summer, in the glove box of our cars
(just to have with us whenever we might want to have a radio handy).
The batteries are removed. Whenever I do reinstall the batteries, the
radio just works. That's pretty robust, in my opinion.

While I have not opened up any of my Sony ICF-SW7600GRs, I am certain
that many, if not most, components therein are sourced in China. But,
I tell you frankly, that the ICF-SW7600GR (and its predecessor model
ICF-SW7600G)
is assembled better than any other compact shortwave receiver I have
personally seen recently, certainly better than any current Chinese-
assembled one (with the exception of the aforementioned ICF-SW35).
And, in general (especially due to the presence of a synchronous
detection circuit), the '7600GR outperforms most, if not all, others
in its class as well.

That, of course, is not to say that the Chinese-assembled radios can
not be made in a robust fashion. I think the Chinese (and Indian)
factories are just as capable of producing as high-quality electronics
as anyone. It's just that, so far at least, most of the importers, and
thus the factories supplying products to the importers'
specifications, seem more concerned with "low price" rather than "high
quality." (Research the quality problems with the Grundig Satellit 800
and the Eton E1, for example.)

One of these days, the Chinese government (and possibly the Indian
government as well) is going to realize the "negative" impressions
this sort of thing gives to their country and, like the Japanese
government many years ago, they will mandate that only high quality
(and government approved) products are allowed to be exported, at
least until such time as the actual manufacturers themselves insist on
producing only high quality products.

But, to get back to the general gist of this post, if one can afford
$150.00 (or sometimes less), the very best compact shortwave portable
radio currently being manufactured is, in my personal opinion, the
Sony ICF-SW7600GR.

Best,

Joe.

On Apr 17, 8:31 pm, Cato wrote:

The Sony ICF-SW7600GR is still Made in Japan - and to a very high
construction standard too, not even to mention its excellent
performance. It can still be purchased new for $150.00 or less.

Yes... sorry... I made a mistake..... I had read an article some
time ago about Sony, and China....turns out they just get a lot of
their parts from China now,,, although they still put them together in
Japan.