Reccommenedations on radios
 

Hi,
I am planning to get back to SWL after being away from it since the Radio
Shack DX300 was the new thing. Don't know a thing about whats good and whats
not good in radios any more. I'm looking to spend $200-300 or thereabouts
for a radio, new or used. Any good online sellers that are reputable? I see
a lot of Grundig 800s on ebay, any good? Seems like too many of them for
sale there.
Any opinions would be most appreciated.
Thanks,
Bob

the satellit 800 is the absolute BEST for the money if you buy one in
the $300 range.

what are my qualifications to say that ?

check out my web site http://home.comcast.net/~maghakian




BMC wrote:
Hi,



I am planning to get back to SWL after being away from it since the Radio
Shack DX300 was the new thing. Don't know a thing about whats good and whats
not good in radios any more. I'm looking to spend $200-300 or thereabouts
for a radio, new or used. Any good online sellers that are reputable? I see
a lot of Grundig 800s on ebay, any good? Seems like too many of them for
sale there.
Any opinions would be most appreciated.
Thanks,
Bob

"BMC" wrote in message
...
Hi,
I am planning to get back to SWL after being away from it since the Radio
Shack DX300 was the new thing. Don't know a thing about whats good and
whats
not good in radios any more. I'm looking to spend $200-300 or thereabouts
for a radio, new or used.
Any good online sellers that are reputable?

Yes, several of the Ham radio dealers have shortwave radios.
Universal,
Ham Radio Outlet,
Grove,
Amateur Electronic Supply,
others

I see
a lot of Grundig 800s on ebay, any good?

A good radio for program listening. Has FM broadcast also.

Seems like too many of them for
sale there.

Many of those you see are from a few regular dealers selling radios
constantly. Look at the completed auctions to see that most get at least one
bid. This indicates there is demand to match the number of radios seen.


Any opinions would be most appreciated.
Thanks,
Bob



$200 to $300 won't find a new desktop radio. It is more than enough to allow
your to consider portable radios.

Look at the information he
http://www.rnw.nl/realradio/rx_current.html

Also look at the information from the dealers listed above.

What's good in a radio depends upon what you want to listen to, your
listening environment, available antennas, etc.

Depending upon what you want to do, an older used radio may work, or a new
computer controlled radio, or perhaps the best radio for you does not yet
exist.

You'll find lots of opinions in the archives of this group and also in some
of the Yahoo groups. Spend the time to read through the posts. You'll see
the differing opinions on radios and be able to form some more specific
questions that you can post here.

Hope this helps.

craigm

"Mike Maghakian" wrote in message
...
the satellit 800 is the absolute BEST for the money if you buy one in
the $300 range.

what are my qualifications to say that ?

check out my web site http://home.comcast.net/~maghakian




BMC wrote:
Hi,



I am planning to get back to SWL after being away from it since the
Radio
Shack DX300 was the new thing. Don't know a thing about whats good and
whats
not good in radios any more. I'm looking to spend $200-300 or
thereabouts
for a radio, new or used. Any good online sellers that are reputable? I
see
a lot of Grundig 800s on ebay, any good? Seems like too many of them for
sale there.
Any opinions would be most appreciated.
Thanks,
Bob




Mike,

But, you don't have the 800 on your collection page.

craigm

"craigm" wrote in message
...

"Mike Maghakian" wrote in message
...
the satellit 800 is the absolute BEST for the money if you buy one in
the $300 range.

what are my qualifications to say that ?

check out my web site http://home.comcast.net/~maghakian




BMC wrote:
Hi,



I am planning to get back to SWL after being away from it since the
Radio
Shack DX300 was the new thing. Don't know a thing about whats good and
whats
not good in radios any more. I'm looking to spend $200-300 or
thereabouts
for a radio, new or used. Any good online sellers that are reputable?
I
see
a lot of Grundig 800s on ebay, any good? Seems like too many of them
for
sale there.
Any opinions would be most appreciated.
Thanks,
Bob




Mike,

But, you don't have the 800 on your collection page.

craigm


Yeah! But I see there is one in a gazillion pieces with a new speaker ;P

I'll bet it sounded nice when he got it back together, though!

-- Stinger

I haven't put all the pictures up yet but if you read the article on
upgrading the 800 on my web page, that is my 800






craigm wrote:

"Mike Maghakian" wrote in message
...

the satellit 800 is the absolute BEST for the money if you buy one in
the $300 range.

what are my qualifications to say that ?

check out my web site http://home.comcast.net/~maghakian




BMC wrote:

Hi,



I am planning to get back to SWL after being away from it since the

Radio

Shack DX300 was the new thing. Don't know a thing about whats good and

whats

not good in radios any more. I'm looking to spend $200-300 or

thereabouts

for a radio, new or used. Any good online sellers that are reputable? I

see

a lot of Grundig 800s on ebay, any good? Seems like too many of them for
sale there.


Any opinions would be most appreciated.




Thanks,
Bob




Mike,

But, you don't have the 800 on your collection page.

craigm

I believe you can see the top of one in a couple of the pictures.

On Sat, 24 Jan 2004 12:30:00 -0600, "craigm"
wrote:


"Mike Maghakian" wrote in message
...
the satellit 800 is the absolute BEST for the money if you buy one in
the $300 range.

what are my qualifications to say that ?

check out my web site http://home.comcast.net/~maghakian




BMC wrote:
Hi,



I am planning to get back to SWL after being away from it since the
Radio
Shack DX300 was the new thing. Don't know a thing about whats good and
whats
not good in radios any more. I'm looking to spend $200-300 or
thereabouts
for a radio, new or used. Any good online sellers that are reputable? I
see
a lot of Grundig 800s on ebay, any good? Seems like too many of them for
sale there.
Any opinions would be most appreciated.
Thanks,
Bob




Mike,

But, you don't have the 800 on your collection page.

craigm

From: "BMC"


I am planning to get back to SWL after being away from it since the Radio
Shack DX300 was the new thing. Don't know a thing about whats good and whats
not good in radios any more. I'm looking to spend $200-300 or thereabouts
for a radio, new or used

Unlike others, I'm not a real big fan of the SAT800. It's great for program
listening of major broadcasters, but is kind of a disappointment for DXing.
Display hash, high noise floor, and just not that sensitive.

From someone more interested in chasing weaker-powered signals not beamed at
the US, I might make the following suggestions:

1. Look for a used Drake R8. Lacks selectable sideband sync, but great radio.
I hear of people snagging them for $350.
2. Icom R75. I've seen used ones going for a little over $400. New ones for a
little over $500.
3. Sony 2010. Used going for between $250-300. Incredible, will be a market for
some time to come. Fragile, however.
4 NRD-525. Radio went for over $1200 new, but used ones starting to slip below
$400. Built to withstand Armageddon.
5. Ten Tec RX-320. Fascinating radio. Cheap new at around $300. Requires a
computer, so if you can deal with compuer-generated RFI you will go bonkers
over the bells and whistles available in free 3rd party software. 32
bandwidths, pass-band tuning, and database interface is overwhelming.
6. Palstar R30. Sensitive, low noise floor. Barebones, with few bells and
whistles, not even a keypad. Hard to find used.
7. A Sony SW-77. Very sensitive off just the antenna rod for those without the
chance for an external antenna. More sensitive than the SAT800, with less
quality audio and much less weight and size.

But, hey, compared to the DX300 a $150 Sony 7600GR will be a great way to get
back into the hobby.


Michael Bryant, WA4009SWL
Louisville, KY
R75, S800, RX320, SW77, ICF2010K,
DX398, 7600G, 6800W, RF2200, 7600A
GE SRll, Pro-2006, Pro-2010, Pro-76
(remove "nojunk" to reply)

From: "BMC"


I am planning to get back to SWL after being away from it since the Radio
Shack DX300 was the new thing. Don't know a thing about whats good and
whats
not good in radios any more. I'm looking to spend $200-300 or thereabouts
for a radio, new or used

Bob,

I agree with most of Michael Bryant's list.

One you might also consider is the Kenwood R-5000. Spend some time looking
around on Google.

Good luck & enjoy the one you choose.

73, Ken

As Mike points out, a $150 The 7600 GR , with an external antenna may be the
cheapest way to get back into the hobby.

I owned a 7600 G, Sold it, now miss its superior sound on headphones.
It's Sensitivity & selectivity are also quite good.

Dan ( R-75, Sangean 606A, Jwin Jx M-14 )




In article ,
ojunk (Michael Bryant) writes:


From: "BMC"


I am planning to get back to SWL after being away from it since the Radio
Shack DX300 was the new thing. Don't know a thing about whats good and whats
not good in radios any more. I'm looking to spend $200-300 or thereabouts
for a radio, new or used

Unlike others, I'm not a real big fan of the SAT800. It's great for program
listening of major broadcasters, but is kind of a disappointment for DXing.
Display hash, high noise floor, and just not that sensitive.

From someone more interested in chasing weaker-powered signals not beamed at
the US, I might make the following suggestions:

1. Look for a used Drake R8. Lacks selectable sideband sync, but great radio.
I hear of people snagging them for $350.
2. Icom R75. I've seen used ones going for a little over $400. New ones for a
little over $500.
3. Sony 2010. Used going for between $250-300. Incredible, will be a market
for
some time to come. Fragile, however.
4 NRD-525. Radio went for over $1200 new, but used ones starting to slip
below
$400. Built to withstand Armageddon.
5. Ten Tec RX-320. Fascinating radio. Cheap new at around $300. Requires a
computer, so if you can deal with compuer-generated RFI you will go bonkers
over the bells and whistles available in free 3rd party software. 32
bandwidths, pass-band tuning, and database interface is overwhelming.
6. Palstar R30. Sensitive, low noise floor. Barebones, with few bells and
whistles, not even a keypad. Hard to find used.
7. A Sony SW-77. Very sensitive off just the antenna rod for those without
the
chance for an external antenna. More sensitive than the SAT800, with less
quality audio and much less weight and size.

But, hey, compared to the DX300 a $150 Sony 7600GR will be a great way to get
back into the hobby.


Michael Bryant, WA4009SWL
Louisville, KY
R75, S800, RX320, SW77, ICF2010K,
DX398, 7600G, 6800W, RF2200, 7600A
GE SRll, Pro-2006, Pro-2010, Pro-76
(remove "nojunk" to reply)

MWB,

Good List. (I may Steal It :o)

ftck~ RHF
= = = Felix the Copy Kat !
..
..
= = = ojunk (Michael Bryant)
= = = wrote in message ...
From: "BMC"


I am planning to get back to SWL after being away from it since the Radio
Shack DX300 was the new thing. Don't know a thing about whats good and whats
not good in radios any more. I'm looking to spend $200-300 or thereabouts
for a radio, new or used

Unlike others, I'm not a real big fan of the SAT800. It's great for program
listening of major broadcasters, but is kind of a disappointment for DXing.
Display hash, high noise floor, and just not that sensitive.

From someone more interested in chasing weaker-powered signals not beamed at
the US, I might make the following suggestions:

1. Look for a used Drake R8. Lacks selectable sideband sync, but great radio.
I hear of people snagging them for $350.
2. Icom R75. I've seen used ones going for a little over $400. New ones for a
little over $500.
3. Sony 2010. Used going for between $250-300. Incredible, will be a market for
some time to come. Fragile, however.
4 NRD-525. Radio went for over $1200 new, but used ones starting to slip below
$400. Built to withstand Armageddon.
5. Ten Tec RX-320. Fascinating radio. Cheap new at around $300. Requires a
computer, so if you can deal with compuer-generated RFI you will go bonkers
over the bells and whistles available in free 3rd party software. 32
bandwidths, pass-band tuning, and database interface is overwhelming.
6. Palstar R30. Sensitive, low noise floor. Barebones, with few bells and
whistles, not even a keypad. Hard to find used.
7. A Sony SW-77. Very sensitive off just the antenna rod for those without the
chance for an external antenna. More sensitive than the SAT800, with less
quality audio and much less weight and size.

But, hey, compared to the DX300 a $150 Sony 7600GR will be a great way to get
back into the hobby.


Michael Bryant, WA4009SWL
Louisville, KY
R75, S800, RX320, SW77, ICF2010K,
DX398, 7600G, 6800W, RF2200, 7600A
GE SRll, Pro-2006, Pro-2010, Pro-76
(remove "nojunk" to reply)

..

From: (RHF)

Good List. (I may Steal It :o)

Please feel free to do so. A Google search will produce many lists I've posted
with more specific comparisons between most of those receivers.

Mike

On Sat, 24 Jan 2004 11:48:26 -0600, "BMC" wrote:

Hi,
I am planning to get back to SWL after being away from it since the Radio
Shack DX300 was the new thing. Don't know a thing about whats good and whats
not good in radios any more. I'm looking to spend $200-300 or thereabouts
for a radio, new or used. Any good online sellers that are reputable? I see
a lot of Grundig 800s on ebay, any good? Seems like too many of them for
sale there.
Any opinions would be most appreciated.
Thanks,
Bob

I would like to second the recommendation of the used Kenwood R5000
and the Drake R8. Either choice would be very good with the nod going
to the Drake.

Thanks much for all the very useful info.
Bob

said ---


I'm looking to spend $200-300 or thereabouts
for a radio, new or used. Any good online sellers that are reputable? I see
a lot of Grundig 800s on ebay, any good? Seems like too many of them for
sale there.


The early batches of the 800 had some quality control problems, so I'd be wary
of buying a used 800 without trying it out first.

I concur with the others who recommend a used desktop receiver like a Drake,
JRC, Kenwood, Yaesu, Lowe, or Icom. The Palstar R30 is supposed to be one hot
radio for its price, although it lacks the usual bells and whistles. A used AOR
AR-3030 or Lowe HF-225 would also be a nice find.

Check this out : http://www.dxing.com/rx/rxindex.htm

Happy hunting!

I DX on mine all the time and it does as well as an R8 or Yaesu FRG-7700
off the same antenna



Michael Bryant wrote:
From: "BMC"



I am planning to get back to SWL after being away from it since the Radio
Shack DX300 was the new thing. Don't know a thing about whats good and whats
not good in radios any more. I'm looking to spend $200-300 or thereabouts
for a radio, new or used


Unlike others, I'm not a real big fan of the SAT800. It's great for program
listening of major broadcasters, but is kind of a disappointment for DXing.
Display hash, high noise floor, and just not that sensitive.

From someone more interested in chasing weaker-powered signals not beamed at
the US, I might make the following suggestions:

1. Look for a used Drake R8. Lacks selectable sideband sync, but great radio.
I hear of people snagging them for $350.
2. Icom R75. I've seen used ones going for a little over $400. New ones for a
little over $500.
3. Sony 2010. Used going for between $250-300. Incredible, will be a market for
some time to come. Fragile, however.
4 NRD-525. Radio went for over $1200 new, but used ones starting to slip below
$400. Built to withstand Armageddon.
5. Ten Tec RX-320. Fascinating radio. Cheap new at around $300. Requires a
computer, so if you can deal with compuer-generated RFI you will go bonkers
over the bells and whistles available in free 3rd party software. 32
bandwidths, pass-band tuning, and database interface is overwhelming.
6. Palstar R30. Sensitive, low noise floor. Barebones, with few bells and
whistles, not even a keypad. Hard to find used.
7. A Sony SW-77. Very sensitive off just the antenna rod for those without the
chance for an external antenna. More sensitive than the SAT800, with less
quality audio and much less weight and size.

But, hey, compared to the DX300 a $150 Sony 7600GR will be a great way to get
back into the hobby.


Michael Bryant, WA4009SWL
Louisville, KY
R75, S800, RX320, SW77, ICF2010K,
DX398, 7600G, 6800W, RF2200, 7600A
GE SRll, Pro-2006, Pro-2010, Pro-76
(remove "nojunk" to reply)

From: Mike Maghakian

I DX on mine all the time and it does as well as an R8 or Yaesu FRG-7700
off the same antenna

A SAT800 does the same as an R8? Wow, I can't even begin to imagine all that
must be wrong with mine, then. Except for audio fidelity, my SW77 runs rings
around my SAT800.



Michael Bryant, WA4009SWL
Louisville, KY
R75, S800, RX320, SW77, ICF2010K,
DX398, 7600G, 6800W, RF2200, 7600A
GE SRll, Pro-2006, Pro-2010, Pro-76
(remove "nojunk" to reply)

yours must be out of alignment

Michael Bryant wrote:
From: Mike Maghakian


I DX on mine all the time and it does as well as an R8 or Yaesu FRG-7700
off the same antenna


A SAT800 does the same as an R8? Wow, I can't even begin to imagine all that
must be wrong with mine, then. Except for audio fidelity, my SW77 runs rings
around my SAT800.



Michael Bryant, WA4009SWL
Louisville, KY
R75, S800, RX320, SW77, ICF2010K,
DX398, 7600G, 6800W, RF2200, 7600A
GE SRll, Pro-2006, Pro-2010, Pro-76
(remove "nojunk" to reply)