Expert: George Derringer Date: 6/9/2008 Subject: Please recommend best SW portable radio
Question Hi George,
I read a nice reply you gave to another fellow who is a novice to SW radio like
me so thought I'd write,hoping that you'll be gracious enough to help me as
well.
I have been researching portable SW radios and the consensus seems to be
that the Sony 2010 is best. Do you concur? I am looking a portable for the
finest reception and ease of use. The only drawback with the Sony is that it
does not have a knob to dial in the stations so Im in doubt as to weather to
get this one. I wonder if someone else has made a better SW portable since
Sony stopped making the 2010?
I appreciate your help!
Best Wishes
Kevin
Answer Well, the Sony 2010 was an excellent portable -- you probably know by now that it is no longer being made. I happen to like the Grundig G5 (also known as Eton and it has a tuning knob!) and the Sony 7600GR portable (it doesn't), both around $150 US, although you probably know that my primary radio these days is a Sangean ATS-909. It's amazing how much the price has come DOWN for a really good radio in my lifetime! Let me point you toward a couple, maybe three places, online to browse:
www.universal-radio.com
www.passband.com
www.grove-ent.com
If I were buying one today, it would probably be the Grundig/Eton. One caveat: there are a few new receivers, mostly in the larger portable category, which I haven't seen yet:The Grundig Satellit 750 is supposed to be released any day now (see Grove) and I haven't seen a Crane Radio SW (NOT the SWP!) either, but it's supposed to be good. See Universal about that. In any case, I don't think you can wrong with any of those. Pick the features you like best! -- George
