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: Bought for Sychronous Detection, but didn't work
Summary: 2 Stars
After a great deal of research and time, I decided to choose this radio over the Grundig G3. In most cases, the reviews indicated that the Sony was a much better radio for reception quality and its synchrounous detection.
I wanted a small portable that has sychronous detection capability. I currently own an Eton E1, an Eton E5, and a Grundig G6. Out of the box, the sychronous detection on the Sony did not work. This is most likely a defective radio, but I have other complaints as well (hence, I took a refund instead of an exchange).
Pros:
-Build appears to be very rugged
-The radio has a nice, professional look (glossy silver)
-Generous package that includes a SW station book, comprehensive user manual, and an external antenna (but no AC adapter)
Cons:
-The synchronous detection feature did not work. You could hear it kick in, but it did not improve the reception of the stations at all
-The synchronous detector switch, along with the SSB USB/LSB switches, are on the side of the unit and difficult to maneuver without turning the radio sideways to look straight at them. The black labeling over black siding makes them even more difficult to see. The small switches may prove to have a short life over time (speculation only)
-Reception was not quite as good, when comparing it to my Eton E5 side by side, as I had expected, especially since the vast majority of the reviews that I have read said that the Sony was far superior to the Eton E5 for reception on all bands except FM. The E5 was slightly better than the Sony on all of the MW and SW stations that I tested them on
-The reception improves with the Sony AN-LP1 active antenna, but they are hard to find (get them from Japan via eBay as they have been discontinued)
-The external antenna jack is not intended for use with any radios other than a few select Sony radios because it supplies a DC voltage to power the Sony antennas, so it makes it difficult to use other antennas unless you clip them to the whip and forgo use of the external antenna jack
-Cannot label the presets with anything other than numbers (no alpha-numeric capability)
-The buttons are not backlit, and the display backlighting is not very bright
-No signal-strength meter
This radio does not live up to the hype. The synchronous detector was the game-breaker for me, especially considering all of the hype about how good it is. The sychronous detection on my Eton E1XM is fabulous, and it is pretty good on later builds of the Grundig G3, so it can be done well.
Digital camera Review: Can't see time when on, scratchy volume after a few years.
Summary: 4 Stars
Great radio, used daily in the kitchen for 8 years.
Only beefs are mentioned in title.
Volume control got dirty after about 3-4 years, they could have put an extra dime into a better quality potentiometer.
The LCD time is not displayed when the radio is on and tuned to a station, only when 'Off'.
Programming presets could be easier and more intuitive.
Otherwise great sensitivity and good sound.
Digital camera Review: Clear and crisp
Summary: 4 Stars
I purchased this radio after reading several reviews. I am pleasantly surprised by the duration of the batteries. I am somewhat disappointed by the controls; they are not intuitive and take some getting used to. Reception for both AM and FM is terrific. I am from the Boston area and enjoy listening to NYC broadcasts in the evening. There is not much choice in retail stores relative to this type of radio; so, its hard to compare fit and feel. My conclusion is that this radio does give more than adequate bang for the buck.Digital camera Review: Cool.
Summary: 5 Stars
I'm glad I purchased this. I've had a good time exploring the shortband radio waves, it comes with a great booklet on reception depending on location and time very useful. One thing that this radio doesn't do is Aircraft, Weather, or Police Scanning (At least I haven't figured it out). I'm new to radio, so I wasn't clue'd in on all the potential features a radio could have. I haven't figured out how to use the usb and lsb effectively, but it does produce a beautiful sci-fi distortion. It comes with an external antenna and has been great when travelling. I listen to it at work, use it for an alarm, the buttons and navigation is intuitive, couldn't be happier.Digital camera Review: Did not purchase since AC adapter is...
Summary: 3 Stars
Verify... verify... I had placed the Sony ICF-SW7600GR (currently in the $150 range) into my shopping cart after reading the positive reviews and yet one attracted my attention at the last moment. Within that review, the author mentioned that the AC power cord was not included.
Amazon reported the power cord was no longer offered (Sony ACE60HG AC Adaptor $22.99); so I searched about the web to discover the AC power cord is $49. At six other businesses, the power cord is consistently $49.
For what reason would I purchase an AC cord at 1/3 the price of the radio - this seems to be a basic inclusion with the product. The power cord to my PC was only $3 - my other electronics CAME with a power cord.