Sony ICF-SW7600GR AM/FM Shortwave World Band Receiver with Single Side Band Reception, plus External Plug-in Antenna by Sony
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Digital camera reviews of Sony ICF-SW7600GR AM/FM Shortwave World Band Receiver with Single Side Band Reception, plus External Plug-in Antenna
Digital camera Review: Best Value In a Portable Shortwave
Summary: 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 SW portable I've ever seen at this price.
Sensitivity is excellent. I just took the Sony out camping. Even here on the West Coast, where we do not get the strength of SW signals as many other places, the SW spectrum was full of stations coming in loud and clear. I plugged a 20 foot external antenna into the external antenna jack and wow, even more.
Selectivity is excellent, for this price: while you do get some interference (a little) from very strong adjacent stations 10khz away on MW and 5khz away on SW, it is less than on almost all other portables. Only a good tabletop with an optional filter will do better, and that is 7-10x the price...
Reception options work well. The SSB detector is stable enough for excellent reception and can also be used for ECSS (exalted carrier selectable sideband) on SW. The synchronous detector does work, with selectable sideband--synchronous detection can be subtle (so some may not notice) but a functional, useful and impressive addition to a radio at this price.
The only complaint: lack of a tuning knob. In the best of all possible worlds, I wish it had one, but the tuning options work so well you don't really need it. Scan works wonderfully well, and if you've got noise or strong adjacent channel interference you can turn on the adjustable attenuator and compensate so the scan will give you only good stations. The 1khz continuous tuning (with output) allows you to scan the spectrum up or down almost as well as with that tuning knob.
Some reviews complain about the audio, but I've owned 7-8 SW portables and really, it is not bad at all. Louder and better tone quality than most.
Well built with obvious quality. Overall, best value in any SW portable anywhere. Buy.
Digital camera Review: Best portable SW radio with superior 'Made in Japan' quality
Summary: 5 Stars
First introduced to the market April 2001. 10 years on and still one of, if not the best portable SW radio available in the world today.
The best feature is the overall quality, bar none. These radios are still made in Japan today unlike other inferior made in China SW radios on the market. SW performance (using the whip) I find to be very good. SSB works well and the sync' detector is an excellent feature. Design and layout is excellent though the side switches for tone and sync/SSB might be too fiddly for some. The page memory system is convienient and easy to use.
Pros:
Build quality, durable, good sound quality, great reception, analog volume control, lightweight, long battery life
Cons:
LCD display might not be to everyones tastes
I would strongly advise anyone who is considering a portable to check out the SW7600GR. For the price and size, I have not found better.
Digital camera Review: Best shortwave radio under $200.00
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought this radio after trying out several Grundig portables including the YB400. The Grundigs were all cheaply made and have less than desirable reception.Furthermore, I bought the AN-LP1 loop antenna made by Sony. This must be the perfect set up for someone that does not want to pay loads of money but still wants a "very" satisfying SWL experience. I love mine and would recommend it to anyone. Especially if you travel alot like me for you business. Portable and Powerful!
Finally, you will be suprised how easy it is to learn and operate. Most of the buttons I figured out without the user manual. However, there are a few nifty items I found in the user manual so don't forget to read it.
Digital camera Review: Better with an Active Antenna
Summary: 4 Stars
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).Digital camera Review: Big Disappointment
Summary: 2 Stars
I purchased this radio with high hopes, and was disappointed with the performance. the pluses, solid and well built, feels substantial in your hands. The cons, difficult to tune and reception was Zilch, zero, and almost none. My RS DX-375 runs circles around it. Maybe I just got a dud. I'm gonna try another brand. Any suggestions?