My experience with SW so far is limited to inexpensive analogue tuning
radio and a dirt cheap Kaide KK959.

I've decided to get something decent and have read quite a number of
reviews on Sangean ATS-909 and Sony ICF-7600GR on the web but am unable
to decide which one to buy.

The Sangean seems to have more features and better packaged (including
the AC adaptor) but costs about 1/3 more than the Sony. It is also larger.

Given the difference in price, do you guys think they are of different
class to render a comparison meanlingless? Like you don't compare a
Toyota Camry with a Mercedes S class, but you can do so with a Lexus LS430.

BTW, both the Sangean ATS-909 and Sony ICF-7600GR have been around since
2001. Should I wait for their replacement model?