World Band Radios and Reviews

The Tecsun PL6600 remains very popular. It continues to sell well and maintains a solid 5 star rating. The Tecsun PL6600 casing is sturdy and attractive. It comes in glossy black. Features to point out include the rechargeable battery and AIR Band reception (the frequencies used by pilots and air traffic controllers).

This Tecsun model also comes with a temperature indicator (C and F), a battery strength indicator, digital clock/ alarm clock, plenty of station presets and a signal strength indicator. This popular radio is a value and has been on sale at Amazon (you can check current prices here).

Technical details include:

• Dual Conversion, SW-SSB
• SYNC to Improve Receiving Quality
• Six Tuning Mode Selectable, Auto Tuning Storage Function (ATS) For FM, MW, LW & SW Band
• Built In Dc 5v USB Jack, Earphone Jack, FM & SW Antenna Jack, Built-In Charging System and a Ni-Mh Rechargeable Battery
• Original Accessories: Stereo Earphone, Wire Antenna, Carrying Pouch
• 120v / 220v Flat Pin / 230v Adaptor For Selection And English Manual, 1 Year US Warranty by Vairocana

Here’s what one recent buyer had to say about the Tecsun PL660:

“The best deal going in shortwave portables”  By BigDoug42 on April 5, 2011:

Just an awesome little radio. My first experience with this brand and I must say I am impressed with this radio. It has a lot of added value with the in radio recharge, the large backlit screen, the rotary tuning and volume, SSB upper and lower,etc. Check this radio out, reception is very good on all bands, I recommend it. Its a winner!

Read this and other reviews by clicking here.

The Sangean ATS-909X AM/FM/Shortwave is a great portable radio.  It fills a unique role in that it looks and sounds like a more expensive table top model.  It also includes features that are typically included only in more expensive radios.  Sangean is known for making high quality radios.  Until recently, this was Sangean’s flagship radiol.  However, in February of 2011 it was superseded by the new Sangean ATS-909X “Professional” model.  Ironically, the original ATS-909X becomes an even better value at its new, slightly lower, price (click here for current sale prices at Amazon).   I believe this model to be a wise purchase especially at the new lower price.

A couple of features that stand out to me are the rechargeable battery and the relatively large LCD screen.

Here are some of the other notable features:

• PLL Synthesized Digital Tuning
• Extra-long telescope antenna
• Impressive preset capability (406 total)
• Built-in alarm with three timers
• Single Side Band (SSB) Tuning
• A rich sounding three inch speaker (1W output)

This model also comes standard with a DC Adaptor, shortwave antenna, carry pouch and earbuds.

Before buying this radio I recommend checking the price at Amazon.   They are reliable and will most likely provide free shipping.

So what are other people saying?

5.0 out of 5 stars A Surprisingly Excellent Portable, March 10, 2011 By William Karda

5.0 out of 5 stars Very High Quality Radio, April 15, 2011 By Michael Kennedy (Orefield, PA United States)

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great radio, April 27, 2011 By Don (idaho)

You can read these and other reviews by verified buyers at Amazon.com.

The Eton Satellite 750 by Grundig is a classic version of the world band shortwave radio and includes the aircraft frequency.  This is a very desirable trait to many enthusiasts.  The Satellite 750 design looks very professional in black with silver and gray controls.  It also feels very substantial weighing about 8.5 pounds.  This is an important consideration:  if you intend to use this radio at home you won’t mind the heft (think men’s shoe box size).  However, if you’re on the go you may want to consider a more compact design like the EtonG6 or the Sony ICF-SW7600GR.

This great radio has been on sale.  Check here for the best pricing.

A quick recap of Eton Satellite 750 features:

• AM, FM, Aircraft Band, (118v-137 MHz) and Shortwave (1711-30000 KHz)
• Set 9/10 KHz tuning; set FM tuning range
• Single Side Band (SSB)
• 360-degree rotate AM antenna
• Memory save up to 100 of your station
• Dual alarm clock
• Compatible with most MP3 players
• Value!

So what are other buyers saying about the Eton Satellite 750 by Grundig?

5.0 out of 5 stars Near Perfect Tabletop AM/FM/SW/AIR Broadcast Receiver, March 30, 2011

By: Expat Kiwi “Mike” (Springfield, MA)

Amazon Verified Purchase ETON Satellite 750 AM/FM-Stereo/Shortwave/Aircraft Band Radio with SSB (Single Side Band), Black

5.0 out of 5 stars A great general coverage shortwave receiver, November 15, 2010

By: Dave

Amazon Verified Purchase ETON Satellite 750 AM/FM-Stereo/Shortwave/Aircraft Band Radio with SSB (Single Side Band), Black

This is a really nice shortwave receiver and also great on AM broadcast and FM.
The sideband reception on ham bands is good, even with the pull up antenna. I believe it is a good buy.

See these and many other reviews here.

 World radio and shortwave radio listeners around the globe are tuning into their favorite local and international broadcasts on the Sony ICF-SW7600GR AM/FM Shortwave World Band Receiver Radio.  Consumer confidence in this particular Sony ICF shortwave receiver radio continues to drive a high market demand. 

And for good reason.  Here are some of the most popular Sony ICF features:

• Sleek, durable design with a substantial feel. 
• Light weight (less than 1.5 lbs or approximately 615g).
• 100 station memory presets.
• World time clock with dual display.
• PLL Quartz Frequency Synthesized Tuning. 
• A quality 3” (77mm) stereo speaker gives the Sony ICF a big sound.
• Value.  These are currently on sale at Amazon. Click here for latest pricing.

Is it right for you?  There is a reason people in the US and all over the world are snapping up this radio.  If you, like them, want a convenient and high quality portable world radio that’s easy to use and  looks great in your apartment, home or office then you will probably be very satisfied with this Sony ICF shortwave radio receiver.   Let’s face it, Sony has been perfecting the art of delivering superior long lasting products for decades and they didn’t drop the ball with the ICF-SW7600GR.

If you’re serious about a great radio like the Sony ICF World Band, I would recommend buying while they are still on sale at Amazon.

What are other verified listeners saying?

By S. Barrett, San Francisco, CA United States, April 3, 2011

5 0f 5 Stars.  As a former amateur radio operator for many years, and lifelong SWL, I have high expectations for radios. This radio satisfies them far better than any shortwave portable I’ve ever seen at this price.

By R. Cotsmire “Audiophile”  Newark, OH, US, August 9, 2010

5 0f 5 Stars.  This receiver offers great performance at a very modest price. Dual conversion, synchronous detection, synthesized PLL; what’s not to like?

Find these and many other reviews through this link.

The Eton G6 Aviator by Grundig is a great AM/FM shortwave world radio!  This particular model is named for and endorsed by Buzz Aldrin, the famous Apollo 11 astronaut and pilot.  That’s fitting since you can tune into the aircraft frequency with the Eton G6 Aviator.  Note: this is a feature that is not available on most radios in this price range and makes the Eton G6 stand out from the crowd.   Of course you’ll have other great listening options too including medium and shortwave frequencies as well as AM and FM bands.  An all around great buy!

Other features the Eton G6 Aviator includes:

• Lightweight durable design (only about 7 ounces!)
• Direct keypad Station Entry
• Auto-Tuning and Scan Feature
• Memory Storage of up to 700 Stations
• International Clock
• Wake-Up Alarm
• Pricing.  This radio is a bargain.  Check Amazon here for the best price.

I really like the Eton G6 “D5″ tuning system.  When using this tuning feature the radio automatically stops on each station for 5 seconds….giving you a chance to sample the broadcast before moving on to the next.

One last thing, if you need a gift for a guy (husband, boyfriend, dad, grandfather, etc.) you can’t go wrong with this great radio.  The design is very masculine and the aircraft frequency makes it an instant hit!

What are other buyers saying?  Here’s a sample:

J. Sparks, Xenia, Ohio USA, Amazon Verified Purchase, March 8, 2011

5 of 5 Stars.  Excellent radio for the price–second to none and AOK! Allows clear reception of my favorite NPR station over 60 miles away.

G. Gaston, Athens, AL USA, Amazon Verified Purchase, February 13, 2011

5 of 5 Stars.  Highly recommended…a small and portable radio that is very capable and easy to use.

Find these and other reviews through this link!