On Mon, 30 Jul 2018 00:54:21 -0400, Michael Black wrote:

+AD4 For low end receivers, the DSP receiver in one IC is probably a step up,
+AD4 but that doesn't mean they'll compare well to a more expensive receiver
+AD4 using traditional methods.
+AD4
+AD4 Michael

I'm thinking an inexpensive DSP radio, tuned to 455 kc, might be the Q5er
of the 21st Century.

So if I were to spend say 2x what the Degen would run or say less than $200 - what would be a good buy for a portable? AM/FM/SW

On Mon, 30 Jul 2018 19:04:12 -0700, N9NEO wrote:

+AD4 So if I were to spend say 2x what the Degen would run or say less than
+AD4 +ACQ-200 - what would be a good buy for a portable? AM/FM/SW

I can't give a solid recommendation based on personal experience. I do
know the DE1103 isn't the same radio it was and the reports that they
started cheapening it up years ago are credible.

I think the reports from the WRTH are generally trustworthy. My newest
WRTH is the 2014 edition. Unfortunately, that edition doesn't have
detailed reports on portables, just a summary chart with prices and star
ratings.

In 2014, the DE1103 was the lowest ranked of 11 portables at two stars.
The Tecsun PL 310 and PL 380 were the highest ranked at four stars.

On Mon, 30 Jul 2018, Frank wrote:

On Mon, 30 Jul 2018 00:54:21 -0400, Michael Black wrote:

For low end receivers, the DSP receiver in one IC is probably a step up,
but that doesn't mean they'll compare well to a more expensive receiver
using traditional methods.

Michael

I'm thinking an inexpensive DSP radio, tuned to 455 kc, might be the Q5er
of the 21st Century.

Yes. And other than the BC-453, there haven't been a lot of small
receivers that tune the LF band except more recent portables.

Though, make sure the portable you use allows for variable selection, and
not all of them have a BFO, so no SSB/CW and no synchronous detection.

Michael