Barry Carlton wrote:
So, is it possible for either of the "imports" to run properly here ?
Are there any other options I should be considering ?
or should I just buy the outback 2 ?

Running any of these radios from batteries would solve the mains voltage
problem. Really I wouldn't think the frequency difference between 50Hz
and 60Hz would be an issue, though to be honest I've never tried an
American radio on 50Hz. Battery life on a Superadio 2 is pretty
amazing, even when I use them in the house I usually don't bother
plugging them into the mains.

Here in the States, you can buy voltage adaptors that allow you to
operate American 120v equipment from overseas 240v mains; aren't they
available in Australia as well?

I have heard mixed reviews of the C. Crane radio. It's being pushed by
talk-radio hosts (whose shows are generally carried on MW stations; MW
interference levels in the USA, with over 5,000 stations, are pretty
severe and regular consumer radios often can't provide comfortable MW
listening at night..); about half of DXers who buy them like them, the
other half doesn't...

The Superadio 3 had some quality-control and dial-calibration issues in
early models. Newer ones are reported better.

I'm not familiar with the Outback 2 - sounds like it might be especially
designed for the Australian market. Of the other three, I'd say the
Superadio 2 is the best of the bunch - if you can find one.

Among American designs, you often have to trade off audio quality for
distant reception. Again, this is because of the high interference
levels here at night.

It may be more than you want to spend, but the Grundig YB-400PE is a
pretty decent performer for MW DX and can definitely be set to 9KHz steps.
--
Doug Smith W9WI
Pleasant View (Nashville), TN EM66
http://www.w9wi.com