Dear Cuhulin,

The Wellbrook loop antennas are certainly "better" than the Sony
AN-LP1, but they are far more expensive and they are not "portable."

The best Wellbrook antenna for both MW and SW reception is the ALA 1530
but, frankly, you need a "top" shortwave receiver to take advantage of
it - such as an AOR AR7030 Plus, a Japan Radio NRD-545, a Ten-Tec RX340
or 350D, or a (modified) ICOM IC-R75. A better "Wellbrook" choice for
shortwave is the model I have - the ALA 330S, but this is even more
expensive (and for both Wellbrooks you must purchase locally a suitable
length of the proper coaxial cable [RG-58C or RG-58C/U] and a few
connectors [all of which are "spelled out" in the instruction sheet and
are available at Radio Shack and other outlets]). AND you really need a
rotator to best take advantage of the antenna's directional
characteristics. Is it all worth it to you? It is to me - I own TWO of
the Wellbrook ALA 330S antennas, both mounted atop Radio Shack
rotators, and both mounted in my attic. Their performance is nothing
short of superb, better than anything I have ever owned, especially in
the summer when "static" and other atmospheric noise is at its highest.
(One is used with my Grundig Satellit 800, the other, needless to say,
is used with my AOR AR7030 Plus and in almost fifty years of shortwave
listening I have never heard, much less owned, a better combination
than that one!)

Frankly, though the Wellbrook antenna does indeed work extremely well
with the Sony ICF-SW7600GR (I've used it with my Sony), it ir really
"overkill" for this or any other portable. Especially regarding the ALA
1530, you must have a radio with superb image rejection; this is
something in which NO portable excels. (Even some tabletops are not so
good in this regard!) In other words, to get the most out of a
Wellbrook antenna, you must own a radio with such characteristics as to
be able to take advantage of it.

The Sony AN-LP1 is a SUPERB match for the '7600GR. Not only does the
combination perform extremely well but they both "travel" very well
indeed. Note that the AN-LP1 is strictly for shortwave reception, not
MW.

Whether the AN-LP1's price is worth it to you or not is something only
you can determine. Do not concentrate on what the antenna "looks like"
or what you "seem" to get for your money - you are purchasing
performance and I can state categorically that the AN-LP1 along with
the '7600GR makes a great combination. I ought to know - I own FIVE
'7600GRs and FIVE AN-LP1s!

Best,

Joe