Joe Analssandrini wrote:
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In a previous reply to your question, Steve states:

" ... the SW77 is much, much better than the 7600GR on SSB, largely
because it permits smaller tuning increments ... "

This is incorrect as the '7600 has an ANALOG clarifier for SSB; that,
coupled with the USB/LSB switch allows for essentially perfect
phasing.
In other words, there is "no" tuning "increment," or, you could say
it
is "infinite."

Best,

Joe

I don't know all the technical details of the fine tuning knob or
clarifier on the 7600GR, but it doesn't make the 7600GR the equal of
the SW77 when it comes to SSB reception. Maybe the superior performance
of the SW77 is due to something other than its 50 hz tuning
increments...I don't know. In any event, the difference in performance
is so striking when you compare the two receivers side by side, I think
it would be worth plunking for a used SW77--at least if SSB is a
priority.

Steve

I just checked out the operating manual for the 7600GR. On p. 26 it
says "Use SSB FINE TUNE control to fine tune in to a frequency where
you have the best reception. You can fine tune the received frequency
in a range of about + or - 1.5khz. During this time, the frequency
display will not change."

Hello.

That is correct. There is no doubt that in many ways the Sony ICF-SW77
was a better radio overall than the '7600. It featured better
sensitivity, more memories, a tuning knob, etc.

But I never owned one, and never considered buying one, due to the many
shortcomings ("chugging" while tuning, heavy battery consumption,
mediocre dynamic range, plus a few others) described in PASSPORT TO
WORLD BAND RADIO. These performance "lapses" are important to me; they
may be less important to others. (For example, I have one radio - a
Radio Shack DX-400 - that "chugs" when tuning; I'll NEVER have
another!)

All the comparisons are moot, however, in my opinion, because the
choice boils down to buying "used" or "new." I'll ALWAYS recommend
buying "new."

Best,

Joe

Joe Analssandrini wrote:
Hello.

That is correct. There is no doubt that in many ways the Sony
ICF-SW77
was a better radio overall than the '7600. It featured better
sensitivity, more memories, a tuning knob, etc.

But I never owned one, and never considered buying one, due to the
many
shortcomings ("chugging" while tuning, heavy battery consumption,
mediocre dynamic range, plus a few others) described in PASSPORT TO
WORLD BAND RADIO. These performance "lapses" are important to me;
they
may be less important to others. (For example, I have one radio - a
Radio Shack DX-400 - that "chugs" when tuning; I'll NEVER have
another!)

All the comparisons are moot, however, in my opinion, because the
choice boils down to buying "used" or "new." I'll ALWAYS recommend
buying "new."

Best,

Joe


There definitely is something to be said for buying new, and I don't
think he'd be disappointed at all with a 7600GR. There was a fellow not
long ago on the SW77 group over on Yahoo who got stuck with a defective
SW77 via Ebay. Definitely something to consider....

Hello.

I should like to also add that I do not believe that, for most owners
of portable radios, SSB is THE priority. I believe that most people who
own these radios use them to tune in the major broadcasters to hear
news with a different "slant," commentaries, occasional "exotic"
musical shows, and occasional DXing.

That said, BOTH radios have synchronous selectable sideband circuitry
which is extremely important in making world band transmissions
pleasant to hear. It may be the most important advance in short wave
receivers in the last twenty or so years.

I could, of course, be wrong in my assessment of what is desired, but,
if what I say is correct in Alfard's case, then definitely a NEW
ICF-SW7600GR is the way to go, in my opinion.

Best,

Joe

P.S. There have indeed been many "horror" stories told by people who
have bought "used" radios. I know that many more people have been
satisfied, but the question always remains: why did the original owner
"get rid" of the unit?

Thanks everyone for your advice.

I feel more confident now going with ICF-SW7600GR and AN-LP1. (come to
think about it, i've already had a relatively bad radio purchasing
experience on eBay). Hopefully I'll have good news to report when the
units arrive.

my best

alfard