am-fm

There must be something really special about a portable world band radio that's loved by seasoned "DXers" without scaring away novice listeners. The Grundig YB400PE World Receiver definitely has it.

There isn't a part of the world where this radio won't be able to tune in SOMETHING. It covers all of the current and proposed world band frequencies, all of the European and North American medium wave ("AM") band including the Travelers' Information Service frequencies at the top of the scale, FM (in stereo through headphones) and even the rare long wave band.

Yet, using the radio couldn't be simpler. Look up a world band station in a guide like Passport to World Band Radio, enter its frequency on the YB400PE's keypad, press the FREQ./METER button and BINGO! If it's on the air and you're in an area where the signal reaches, you're there. If you like to surf the airwaves, the up-and-down tuning buttons and 2 speed scanning (1 kHz or 10 kHz steps) let you sample what's out there almost as easily as with a tuning knob. The 40 station memories provide more slots than most listeners will need for their favorite stations.

Like all of Grundig's better radios, the YB400PE produces remarkable sound for such a small package. No, it won't rumble the floor and rattle the windows like a Bose WaveRadio but it WILL fill a living room with a pleasing sound that won't tire out the listener.

When you're ready for REAL listening adventure, explore the mysterious world of utility stations and amateur radio in single sideband. The YB400PE's analog fine tuner is famous for turning the typical "Donald Duck" sound of voices in SSB into intelligible speech.

For listeners in Europe and the east coast of the USA, the telescoping antenna will provide sufficient signal-pulling power. For listeners farther west (or east-coasters trying to tune in stations from the Pacific), Grundig throws in a roll-up "clothesline" wire antenna. The YB400PE has 2 electronic clocks with a 24-hour alarm, allowing it to keep both local time and world time. Stereo ear "buds" and an AC adapter complete the package.

Many people buy the YB400PE, thinking they'll move up to something better down the road. Most, however, are delighted to find out they bought the right radio first.

Among the best consumer world band radios available today, and the finest low-cost radio I have owned in over twenty years of listening.

This is great all-around radio. If you are new to short-wave, this is an very good radio to start with. For beginners, the lock-on tuning and scanning functions make listening easy. For more experienced and adventurous listeners, there is the ability to access single sideband transmissions. All current and proposed medium-wave, FM, and short-wave bands are available.

The speaker sound is excellent, and one can also attach stereo speakers to the YB400's headphone jack; my YB400 does double duty as an FM tuner and short-wave.

The Grundig YB400 comes as part of a very complete package. Included with the radio is an AC adapter, stereo earbuds, carrying case, and an external reel antenna that plugs into the radio itself. The manual is brief but clear, and a listening guide is also included.

I've had my YachtBoy 400 for about a week now, and I love it! [the 400 is identical to the 400PE, but the newer PE comes with an AC adaptor.]

Within minutes of putting the batteries in the unit I was listening to stations from all over the world. To maximize your listening, especially as a newer listener, buy a good guide like Passport to Worldband Radio.

I have read all the reviews, and I believe the tone quality is better than the naysayers lead you to believe. The tuning is very simple, and once you try all the functions, the operations are intuitive.

I considered the Sony and the ATS-909 among others. I read hundreds of reviews, and I was convinced that the biggest weakness of the Yacht Boy is SSB reception. I have been satisfied with that feature on mine, and since it works ok for me, I'm not sure what the grumbling is all about.

If I had it to do all over again, which radio would I buy? This one. I'm perfectly satisfied with it.

By the way, if you have questions or ever need help, I have found that the Eton (Grundig U.S) customer service and technical folks are extremely helpful.