DJ wrote:
Have a friend who listens to tape delayed BBC broadcasts on local FM
station. Would like to get him an inexpensive ($100 or less) shortwave
radio so he can hear the real deal live. He won't install a secondary
antenna, so a unit with a good antenna is a must. Digital tuning (ie, the
ability to see the frequency) would be nice, too. He is in northern Indiana,
USA. Thanks for any tips/advice.




If what you want is something for program listening, in portable,
I like Panasonic RF-B65. Good sensitivity off the whip, with the
ability to use a random wire or small active, decent but not
exemplary selectivity, and exceptional audio in a portable. Digital
tuning, on a wheel or direct input. A handful of memories. Even twin
timers, and SSB if your friend wants to move into something more
than program listening. Good battery life. And build quality is good.

This radio is out of print, of course. But you do find them on
the used market well within your budget. Most of the $100 portables
out there, today, are not up to the same standard.

If you're determined to buy new, look at the Universal Radio,
CCrane and Grove websites.

There are still people buying portables by
Lex-Tecs-Pass-dig-sahn, or whatever the f*ck they call themselves
this week, with mixed but generally favorable results. Most of which
fall within your budget. One of the more popular being S350.

Sangean fields several in your price range. ATS 404, PT-50 come
to mind off the top. Ok. Not impressive, but ok.

Take the time to hit some of the dealer's sites, and, if you can,
try to get some hands-on locally.

And if you look carefully, you can find some much better radios
on the used market within your price range.