Good afternoon everybody,

I just wanted to add my 2 cents in the debate of Degen DE31 versus Sony AN-LP1...

Of course, I will not repeat what is said on this excellent page (which made me
purchased the Sony while I already had the Degen...) :
http://www.radiointel.com/review-degende31.htm

I will just add comments of a user, trying both antennas with a Sangean 909 and
a Sony SW100. I also compared with an 8 meters external wire antenna connected
to the radios via a 9:1 balun (home-made, so perhaps not that good).

The Degen (also known as Kaito KA31) can give a better signal than the Sony, but
this occurs only a few times, more on the upper frequencies. I suspect that this
is due to the different tuning methods : the tab-stopped tuning button of the
Sony has rather large steps in the upper frequencies : 12000, 14000, 16000 and
then direct to 20000 khz. The Degen has continuous tuning, that might help. And
this better signal can only be seen on the S-meter. No audible difference can be
eared.

But the Sony is far easier to use.

For the initial setup first : the antenna just pops up of its case, then unroll
the wire, connect and switch on. That's it. With the Sony radio, you don't even
have to switch on the antenna : the radio does it for you... The Degen needs
more manipulations due to its design.

For the radio use then, the Sony is easier and more compfortable. When listening
a given frequency, just set the AN-LP1 controler to the proper button-tab and
that's it. For the Degen, you have to retune frequently. When you don't have an
S-meter, then is quite hard to find the best tuning spot on the Degen.

On the average, the Sony generaly gives a better signal, but the Degen is just
behind, very close indeed.

I would say that :
- if you have an S-meter on your radio
- if the money is a key factor
- if you are ready to tune the radio AND the antenna when listening
then you should go directly to the Degen/Kaito antenna.

Else, go for the Sony.

For my personnal case : I will use the Degen with the Sangean 909 at home, and
use the Sony radio and antenna when travelling (in fact I'm also using the Sony
at home...).

About the external wire antenna vs those two loop antennas:

The signal strength was about the same. Depending on frequencies and time I
might have RF noise (in an European big city's surburbs) with the wire antenna
and not the loops or vice-versa (both loops were consistant on that point)... So
in fact this can be a complementary setup.

Again, just my 2 cents...

Charly

(I have no direct or indirect connection with Sony, Degen, Kaito or any other
radio manufacturer or web site, etc... This is only my humble opinion and I
share it...)