radios

I have owned the Grundig 300 PE which stands far far from the Sony SW-7600GR. If you are into world band, or just beginning you should get the right stuff. With the YB300PE you will waste your money with poor performance. When you compare the grundig equivalent (YB 400PE) as in "Passport to World band radio" the main difference is sound quality. The grundig is much better. But I feel that what is the need of better acoustics if you can't get adequate reception. I overcome the sound issue by using headphones, it sounds greatr on it. Just the SSB option that is mainly found on expensive models is worth every penny when you need to weed out bad co-stations. Yes it is 149 versus 79 for YB300PE and 129 for YB400PE, but it is worth it. It does not come with an AC adapter but you can find one at radioshack rather inexpensively. I would definetly recommend the AN-LP1 antenna to go with it, it is the best loop for portables on the market. It will make your radio stop constantly as it finds new stations. The only drawback that it can be a bit comfusing to use at first, but with time it becomes easy. Best bang for your buck.

Sony never sounds as good as a Grundig, but has lots more goodies in a smaller package. Get the active antenna (Sony AN-LP1)and you'll hear a lot more stations. People new to shortwave listening are usually disappointed when they turn the new radio on and hear nothing but static. Rather than take it back or toss it in the closet, get a better antenna and you'll hear what's out there. The little whips that come on these things just don't add much to the true value of the receiver. A few of the "big boys" (BBC, etc) have stopped beaming directly to the USA but you can still hear their broadcasts to other parts of the world. This radio will satisfy. As with any portable, if you want more stations on shortwave, use a better antenna. I'd also recommend the yearly updated guidebook "Passport to Worldband Radio" (available at Amazon).

If you order this radio, Be advised that the AC adapter is not included, if you read the discription you are lead to believe that the AC adapter is included. 1st impressions with the receiver, it appears to be fairly easy to operate, I immediately began using without referencing the manual, and was finding short wave stations almost immediately, only knock, is it is a bit overpriced.