It sounds like strong signals are swamping the AGC loop. It would have been
better if the AGC only controlled the I.F. strip. They probably needed to
include the RF stage in order to improve dynamic range. With a good design,
you shouldn't need to resort to using the RF gain control in order to
provide satisfactory adjacent channel performance, but this is a budget
radio.
Actually, it isn't too bad of a radio.

Pete

wrote in message
oups.com...

wrote:
The filters do a minimal job and only muffle the very good audio. The
RF gain control can always be set on maximum, so it only acts like a
DX/LOC switch.

My experience is quite different. First, the filters do a great job
and actually separate stations BETTER than my YB400, but sometimes must
use the RF gain control in conjunction with the narrow filter. Noise
level is so low that listening to the very weak stations is much BETTER
than on my YB400. The RF gain control is a MUST on this radio when
trying to get a weak station right next to a very powerful station. By
turning down the RF control I can actually receive stations that
otherwise do not show up at all.