On Sat, 20 Mar 2004 22:34:28 -0500, Philip Campbell wrote:

I am looking to buy a DX-398 and was wondering if this unit has better
reception than an ATS-505? I listen most to MW, but I wanted to get into
some SWL. I am new to swl.

thanks

Hello. Welcome to the hobby. (I don't think I've posted here, since, oh,
1999!). Personally, I think the radio for you would be a Sony ICF2010.
Great reception, perfect size for base use but still "portable", decent
audio. Reputed to be one of the best DXing portables out there. It also
comes with a short random wire (I think that's what it's called) antenna,
a smart inclusion that boosts signals (all you do is plug one side to the
radio and clip the other to a tree, etc.). Also receives AM, FM,
longwave, and the VHF aircraft band (you can here your local planes on
it). I live in what is known to be the not-so-best reception area
(northern midwest), yet I've found it good for pulling some interesting
signals out of the air.

Enjoy the hobby!

Interesting, do they still SELL the '2010 nowadays? And where's the best
place to get one now? I used to own one years ago and was very satisfied
with it. And from what I hear, amazingly, after ALL these years, as that
it can pretty much still outperform ALL portables, and even hold it's
own with some tabletop models!

On Mon, 22 Mar 2004 23:19:30 -0600, Vic Martinez wrote:

Interesting, do they still SELL the '2010 nowadays? And where's the best
place to get one now? I used to own one years ago and was very satisfied
with it. And from what I hear, amazingly, after ALL these years, as that
it can pretty much still outperform ALL portables, and even hold it's
own with some tabletop models!

It's a great radio.

Sony discontinued production of it in 2003, but it's still available
through E-Bay and the like.

In article , t1000
@webtv.net says...
Interesting, do they still SELL the '2010 nowadays? And where's the best
place to get one now? I used to own one years ago and was very satisfied
with it. And from what I hear, amazingly, after ALL these years, as that
it can pretty much still outperform ALL portables, and even hold it's
own with some tabletop models!

Sony quit making the 2010, I believe, last year. Ebay is the best place
I know of to get one these days. They show up fairly regularly. You
might also try the used equipment listing at Universal Radio.

-- Jay

Thanks you guys and gals for all your help. I picked up a used ATS505 on
ebay for $65. Its a good starter unit. With the reel-up antenna included,
I have picked up Radio Habana, Stations from Germany and Russia, and of
course the BBC. Also, some station much closer in the continental US.

From what I read, the Sony 2010 is a great unit, some used ones on ebay
going for just under $200. Maybe after a while I will check it out.

Thanks !


"Jacob Norlund" wrote in message
news
On Sat, 20 Mar 2004 22:34:28 -0500, Philip Campbell wrote:

I am looking to buy a DX-398 and was wondering if this unit has better
reception than an ATS-505? I listen most to MW, but I wanted to get
into
some SWL. I am new to swl.

thanks

Hello. Welcome to the hobby. (I don't think I've posted here, since, oh,
1999!). Personally, I think the radio for you would be a Sony ICF2010.
Great reception, perfect size for base use but still "portable", decent
audio. Reputed to be one of the best DXing portables out there. It also
comes with a short random wire (I think that's what it's called) antenna,
a smart inclusion that boosts signals (all you do is plug one side to the
radio and clip the other to a tree, etc.). Also receives AM, FM,
longwave, and the VHF aircraft band (you can here your local planes on
it). I live in what is known to be the not-so-best reception area
(northern midwest), yet I've found it good for pulling some interesting
signals out of the air.

Enjoy the hobby!