I originally bought my Sangean ATS-909W from a ThieCom in Germany (the
'W' meaning it covers 76-108FM instead of the usual 88-108) and got it
upgraded by RadioLabs while visiting the States. I've never used the
Sony 7600GR nor the other portables mentioned, so can't comment there
but I've found my mod'd 909 to be quite a bit better than it was
unmodified. The sound is certainly a LOT better and the sensitivity
seems to be quite a bit better too but again, since I don't have any
other shortwave receivers to compare it too, I can't say if it's
better or worse overall. As pointed out in previous posts, there is a
fair cost difference between a Sony 7600GR and the overall cost of a
mod'd 909.

(If you're wondering then why I ended up going for the 909 + mod, some
of the reasons were the addition of RDS and the signal strength
indicator. Most European FM stations use RDS, so it's handy for
quickly identifying them.)

...Francis

j.d. wrote in message . ..
Anyone have an opinion on the "Super" 909 located at
http://www.radiolabs.com/products/re...s/super909.php
?

I am considering taking up shortwave radio. I have a while before I'll
have the money, I am just looking for information. Thanks-

I can tell you, price notwithstanding, that the Super 909/DX-398 is a
significant improvement over stock. I had a DX-398 that I got from RD
on closeout for $100, so I felt that it might be worthwhile - and it
was! The sound is cleaner and easier on the ears, the sensitivity off
the whip is improved, the RF Gain now works very well on AM and FM,
and the modified controls feel better. The blue display is quite
nice. I'm not sure why folks do not like the SSB tuning - mine works
great and sounds fine, either on hams, utes or ECSS - maybe they don't
like the increased power drain? I use it with a power supply anyway
most of the time, so it is no big deal.

Having said all of this - I think I agree with the posters who
recommend using the money toward a good used rig. $300 buys a lot of
good used radio.

Bruce Jensen

"bpnjensen" wrote in message
om...
j.d. wrote in message
. ..
Anyone have an opinion on the "Super" 909 located at
http://www.radiolabs.com/products/re...s/super909.php
?

I am considering taking up shortwave radio. I have a while before
I'll
have the money, I am just looking for information. Thanks-

I can tell you, price notwithstanding, that the Super 909/DX-398 is
a
significant improvement over stock. I had a DX-398 that I got from
RD
on closeout for $100, so I felt that it might be worthwhile - and it
was! The sound is cleaner and easier on the ears, the sensitivity
off
the whip is improved, the RF Gain now works very well on AM and FM,
and the modified controls feel better. The blue display is quite
nice. I'm not sure why folks do not like the SSB tuning - mine
works
great and sounds fine, either on hams, utes or ECSS - maybe they
don't
like the increased power drain? I use it with a power supply anyway
most of the time, so it is no big deal.

Having said all of this - I think I agree with the posters who
recommend using the money toward a good used rig. $300 buys a lot
of
good used radio.


I'm thinking about having this done as well, and my primary
consideration would be improving the radio's sensitivity since I
already use an external speaker. Is there an -overall- improvement in
sensitivity (which I would think would be the case) for those who use
an external loop, or is it primarily noticeable when using the whip?

My take on the value equation is that it may be worth it if you
already have the radio anyway, but that $330 for the moded radio gets
you into pretty rich territory where you're not that far from a new
Sat 800, new Icom R75, or something decent used.

True. . .If you are thinking of all things remaining as they are.
However, Should you be forced into a situation where you require a good
portable the Super 909, with the solar charger would be far superior to
any table top that had to be left at home. :-)

Tian Li wrote:
My vote goes to the Sony 7600GR.

If your thinking of spending over $300 then start looking at used table top
receivers and Ham gear which will out perform any portable.

Hello.

It is my opinion that for a first purchase (and one you will not
"outgrow"), you cannot beat the combination of the Sony ICF-SW7600GR
AND the Sony AN-LP1 Active Loop Antenna. This appears to be an almost
ideal combination and can be purchased in total for less than $260
(sometimes much less). I myself, however, would deal with one of the
established shortwave dealers, such as Universal, Grove, or AES. (I
know that AES stocks both the radio and the antenna; I'm not too sure
about the others.) You pay "top dollar" but you get excellent service
with no "surprises" and you have a good company standing behind you.
(I feel that, in this hobby, with its sophisticated and complex
equipment, that is very important.)

Note that the AN-LP1 works only on shortwave frequencies and MUST be
disconnected from the radio for proper MW reception. (Should you wish
to DX on MW, I should recommend the Select-A-Tenna, less than $60 at
various dealers.)

Also note that the AN-LP1 antenna is strictly an "indoor" antenna
(which works best when placed next to a window). For outdoor use, I
have found that a Sangean ANT-60 works fairly well with the '7600GR
but often does NOT outperform the whip.

If the combination price is too high for you at present, you can buy
the radio alone and get very good reception right off the whip.
(Outdoors, I generally use the whip only and with very good results.)
You could always buy the AN-LP1 antenna later.

The only "flaws" in this radio are (surprisingly) image rejection
which is less than excellent (cannot be corrected at this time) and
sound quality which is only good-to-very good (can be easily
"corrected" by connecting the radio through its line-output to a
stereo system).

Battery life is excellent; I use rechargeable NiMH batteries. An
AC-adapter is not really necessary.

All in all, the '7600GR is an outstanding first radio and one which
you will take on vacations as it is also a "dual alarm clock-radio!"
As I stated above, no matter what other radios you may purchase, you
will never "outgrow" this one. It does not need to be "modified" in
any way, either.

All the best,

Joe

j.d. wrote in message . ..
Read a lot of good things about the 7600GR. The thing is, I live in
the middle of Kansas, and the number and quality of the radio stations
I can receive is limited, so I'd like to get my old stations from
Kansas City/Lawrence.

Also, I am intrigued by being able to pick up stations from across the
country and around the world. Can you hook up an external antenna to
the 7600, and if so, what sort would you recommend?

Remember that I am totally new to this, so things may have to be
explained in a little more detail.

Thanks a lot.

"Al Patrick" wrote in message
...
True. . .If you are thinking of all things remaining as they are. However,
Should you be forced into a situation where you require a good portable
the Super 909, with the solar charger would be far superior to any table
top that had to be left at home. :-)

I would recommend checking out the new Degen 1103, new for around $65
shipped.

DeWayne


Tian Li wrote:
My vote goes to the Sony 7600GR.

If your thinking of spending over $300 then start looking at used table
top
receivers and Ham gear which will out perform any portable.

"starman" wrote in message
...
"j.d." wrote:

Anyone have an opinion on the "Super" 909 located at
http://www.radiolabs.com/products/re...s/super909.php
?

I am considering taking up shortwave radio. I have a while before I'll
have the money, I am just looking for information. Thanks-

By most accounts the 'Super 909' performs better than the stock one.
However it's rather pricey and therefore a matter of opinion on whether
you get your moneys worth. If you're handy with electronics or know
someone that is, a stock 909 can be modified for much less than the cost
of the Super model.

Here is a list of some mods:

http://members.verizon.net/~vze20h45...9mods.html#top

"bpnjensen" wrote in message
om...
j.d. wrote in message
. ..
Anyone have an opinion on the "Super" 909 located at
http://www.radiolabs.com/products/re...s/super909.php
?

I am considering taking up shortwave radio. I have a while before I'll
have the money, I am just looking for information. Thanks-

I can tell you, price notwithstanding, that the Super 909/DX-398 is a
significant improvement over stock. I had a DX-398 that I got from RD
on closeout for $100, so I felt that it might be worthwhile - and it
was! The sound is cleaner and easier on the ears, the sensitivity off
the whip is improved, the RF Gain now works very well on AM and FM,
and the modified controls feel better. The blue display is quite
nice. I'm not sure why folks do not like the SSB tuning - mine works
great and sounds fine, either on hams, utes or ECSS - maybe they don't

SSB is too WIDE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

DeWayne

like the increased power drain? I use it with a power supply anyway
most of the time, so it is no big deal.

Having said all of this - I think I agree with the posters who
recommend using the money toward a good used rig. $300 buys a lot of
good used radio.

Bruce Jensen

"Joe Analssandrini" wrote in message
om...
Hello.

It is my opinion that for a first purchase (and one you will not
"outgrow"), you cannot beat the combination of the Sony ICF-SW7600GR
AND the Sony AN-LP1 Active Loop Antenna. This appears to be an almost
ideal combination and can be purchased in total for less than $260
(sometimes much less). I myself, however, would deal with one of the
established shortwave dealers, such as Universal, Grove, or AES. (I

Grove no longer sells Sony radios.

know that AES stocks both the radio and the antenna; I'm not too sure
about the others.) You pay "top dollar" but you get excellent service
with no "surprises" and you have a good company standing behind you.
(I feel that, in this hobby, with its sophisticated and complex
equipment, that is very important.)

Note that the AN-LP1 works only on shortwave frequencies and MUST be
disconnected from the radio for proper MW reception. (Should you wish
to DX on MW, I should recommend the Select-A-Tenna, less than $60 at
various dealers.)

Also note that the AN-LP1 antenna is strictly an "indoor" antenna
(which works best when placed next to a window). For outdoor use, I
have found that a Sangean ANT-60 works fairly well with the '7600GR
but often does NOT outperform the whip.

If the combination price is too high for you at present, you can buy
the radio alone and get very good reception right off the whip.
(Outdoors, I generally use the whip only and with very good results.)
You could always buy the AN-LP1 antenna later.

The only "flaws" in this radio are (surprisingly) image rejection
which is less than excellent (cannot be corrected at this time) and
sound quality which is only good-to-very good (can be easily
"corrected" by connecting the radio through its line-output to a
stereo system).

Battery life is excellent; I use rechargeable NiMH batteries. An
AC-adapter is not really necessary.

All in all, the '7600GR is an outstanding first radio and one which
you will take on vacations as it is also a "dual alarm clock-radio!"
As I stated above, no matter what other radios you may purchase, you
will never "outgrow" this one. It does not need to be "modified" in
any way, either.

Again, for a first time radio I recommend checking out the new Degen 1103
for $65 shipped.

DeWayne


All the best,

Joe

j.d. wrote in message
. ..
Read a lot of good things about the 7600GR. The thing is, I live in
the middle of Kansas, and the number and quality of the radio stations
I can receive is limited, so I'd like to get my old stations from
Kansas City/Lawrence.

Also, I am intrigued by being able to pick up stations from across the
country and around the world. Can you hook up an external antenna to
the 7600, and if so, what sort would you recommend?

Remember that I am totally new to this, so things may have to be
explained in a little more detail.

Thanks a lot.

"T. Early" wrote in message ...
"bpnjensen" wrote in message
om...
j.d. wrote in message
. ..
Anyone have an opinion on the "Super" 909 located at
http://www.radiolabs.com/products/re...s/super909.php
?

I am considering taking up shortwave radio. I have a while before
I'll
have the money, I am just looking for information. Thanks-

I can tell you, price notwithstanding, that the Super 909/DX-398 is
a
significant improvement over stock. I had a DX-398 that I got from
RD
on closeout for $100, so I felt that it might be worthwhile - and it
was! The sound is cleaner and easier on the ears, the sensitivity
off
the whip is improved, the RF Gain now works very well on AM and FM,
and the modified controls feel better. The blue display is quite
nice. I'm not sure why folks do not like the SSB tuning - mine
works
great and sounds fine, either on hams, utes or ECSS - maybe they
don't
like the increased power drain? I use it with a power supply anyway
most of the time, so it is no big deal.

Having said all of this - I think I agree with the posters who
recommend using the money toward a good used rig. $300 buys a lot
of
good used radio.


I'm thinking about having this done as well, and my primary
consideration would be improving the radio's sensitivity since I
already use an external speaker. Is there an -overall- improvement in
sensitivity (which I would think would be the case) for those who use
an external loop, or is it primarily noticeable when using the whip?

My take on the value equation is that it may be worth it if you
already have the radio anyway, but that $330 for the moded radio gets
you into pretty rich territory where you're not that far from a new
Sat 800, new Icom R75, or something decent used.

I have heard that the sensitivity overall is improved, but I
personally have not yet plugged an antenna into the jack. In fact, on
the occasions when I've used an external antenna, I've just coupled it
to the whip using an insulated inductor coil of wire - it works great.

I agree, it would be nice to use either a passively-coupled or plugged
in loop on this radio.

I also agree that, for $330, you may be able to get more radio than
the Sangean.

Bruce Jensen