I have both. The YB400 has decent sound but is
much less sensitive off the whip than the 1103.
Note that the YB400 is discontinued; I was able
to buy some more of them for about $50-$60 each
as closeouts to give as presents. That makes the
price about the same as the Degen 1103 direct
from China and a bit less than the Kaito 1103 in
the US. If physical size matters, the 1103 is much
smaller (as noted in another posting) and thus
handier, but the ergonomics (volume setting and
tuning and memory selection) are unique and
some may find them hard to get used to. The
YB400 has far fewer memories, but then I've
never filled in all the memories on my 1103. I
find it easier to recall frequencies themselves
than to recall what memory channel is what.

Audio quality is noted as being better on the
YB400 than just about any other smallish
portable; there's been a lot of discussion about
audio distortion in the 1103 on the 1103 Yahoo
group. I note some fuzziness in my 1103's
sound but it isn't enough to do anything about.

The 1103 is really good in getting weak FM stations;
the YB400 is decent, but not great. I have never
compared them on AM BCB (Medium Wave) DXing.

So I'd say: if sensitivity and picking up weak
signals is most important, get the 1103. If
listening to relatively strong signals for program
content and enjoyability is more important, go
with the YB400.

Or get both -- one can never have too many
radios! :-)

73, Will