Sony ICF-SW7600GR AM/FM Shortwave World Band Receiver with Single Side Band Reception by Sony
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Digital camera reviews of Sony ICF-SW7600GR AM/FM Shortwave World Band Receiver with Single Side Band Reception
Digital camera Review: The Best, Period.
Summary: 5 Stars
The Sony 7600GR shines most brightly in the realm of true SW portable radios, top of the pyramid. Only the Eton/Grundig E5/G5, and perhaps the Kaito 1103 are close, but the latter has seriously flawed ergonomics.
First off, the Sony is just the right size, that is small enough to carry with you anywhere, even during extended airline travel, but large enough that its controls are widely-spaced and easily accessible. I also own the G5, but find it too small to handle without accidentally pushing some control, and its buttons too small and tightly-packed. In terms of performance, I get consistently stronger signals with less hiss/noise on the Sony vis a viz the G5; also, the Sony enjoys superior signal strength boosts with the use of a modest external antenna (clearer, cleaner signal with less hiss than the G5). Moreover, the 7600 has synchronous detection to lock in weak signals (the G5 does not), though I have to say I haven't really noticed much of a difference when using it. The Sony divides the single sideband into USB and LSB while the G5 does not; hence, SSB reception was MUCH better on the Sony: many more pickups, clearer signals. However, I'd say that the G5 has a somewhat richer, fuller sound than does the Sony, though it's hardly a night-day difference, But it's there, the Sony having a slightly tinnier, sharper, more "glassy" sound, a drawback obviated by the use of headphones.
I find the Sony much easier to navigate than the G5 where you seem to be constantly pushing buttons to get around from band to band, freqeuncy to frequency, and the memory buttons are tiny (and require concentrated focus to hit) compared with the big, round, widely-spaced buttons on the 7600 where you can hold the right side and easily punch in changes with your thumb. However, the G5 does have a tuning wheel which is a semi-major flaw in the Sony, though with its 1Khz tuning buttons, you have the same measure of precise control. Still, the tuning knob is unquestionably the best band scanning device.
AM reception and FM reception, for me, are slightly better on the Sony, though the difference is slight. On the SW bands, I much prefer the signal strength and low background hiss/noise on the 7600 compared with the G5, especially enjoying noticably stronger signals when using an outdoor-mounted slinky (which seems to inject mainly hiss into the G5). If signal strength for a SW frequency is, say, 3 or 3+ (out of 5) on the Sony, it's generally 3- or so on the G5.
As for build quality, the 7600's heft, feel, general overall qualilty of solidity and sturdiness exceed those of the G5. That is, other than the whip antenna anchor which is really loose, almost flimsy. So far, it's held up, but I am always aware of its wobbly base when manipulating the antenna.
Now I live on the west coast, the worst place in the country for SW reception, so the experiences of listeners in more lively zones may be wholly different. But for me, after using both radios regularly and doing numerous head-to-head comparisons over about 6 weeks, the Sony is the hands-down winner. The G5 is a good, even very good, SW portable but the Sony is a near-great one.
One suggestion I have is this: If you buy a 7600GR (or even a G5, or some similar-sized portable), go to Universal Radio's Web site (www.universal-radio.com) and order one of their clear plastic radio stands which holds your radio firmly in place and at an ideal viewing angle. It's about 7" wide and costs about 7 bucks. Makes SWLing much easier. I have no connection to this company, but think this is a tip worth passing on.
Postscript 3/28. Just read the review below mine, re AM reception. Not my experience at all. My 7600GR picks up at least 20 AM stations with hiss-free clarity, "5" on a 1-5 scale. I even get KNBR in San Francisco, 600 miles to the South and some AM station in Calgary at level 4. AM reception is really powerful on mine.
Digital camera Review: Disappointment!
Summary: 1 Stars
The radio is dubbed World Band Receiver but mine is only able to tune in local FM stations! I scanned the AM band up and down for hours and days upon the radio's delivery without it being able to pick up any station at all. It's even worse than my car radio! I hate going through the troubles of returning it, so I simply put it out of sight, hoping for a magic somebody to help wake it up. The accompanying wave book is of little help.Digital camera Review: Very Solid Shortwave Radio
Summary: 5 Stars
I've decided to go ahead and review this product after owning it for 3 years now. I originally purchased the Sony ICF-SW7600GR from Amazon back in 2005 after looking off and on for a small portable shortwave radio for months.
I'm not an expert in shortwave equipment or a DX nutter. I just wanted a small unit that could get really good reception for not a lot of money. I read many reviews back in 2005 and settled on the Sony. It was a little more than the Grundigs, but right out of the box I was able to get all the shortwave regulars (Havana, China, Japan, Germany, Holland, Vietnam, Italy and in the early hours I even get Australian ABC). Also able to get crystal clear reception on local and regional AM stations and FM stations.
The speaker isn't going to blow you away, but you get much better sound after plugging in your stereo-capable earphones.
Battery life is superb and there's an easy Sleep Timer near the power button (one touch setting). I never went on the search for an A/C adapter since battery life is exceptional and allows for more "portability" . . . since the Sony ICF-SWC7600GR is a "portable" radio after all.
The radio itself is rather small; however, it's built like a tank. It's definitely heavier than it looks. Gives it a solid build feel.
I also use the radio as a receiver for my Sirius satellite plug-n-play system when I have parties at the house. I turn on the satellite radio (which throws off signal to your desired FM frequency) and put the Sony on the back deck in order to simulcast the music around my house.
Overall, if you don't mind spending $120-$150 for a solid, well built SW portable radio, get your hands on this unit before they're no longer available. I'm glad I did.
Digital camera Review: great multi band radio
Summary: 5 Stars
yes it seems really expensive for a radio
but with the features and the build quality it totally deserve it
Digital camera Review: good
Summary: 5 Stars
1. Study existing 5-star review written in 2004 by A W Flones of California;
he covers a lot of ground.
2. Note well that this wonderful Sony does NOT provide an EXternal antenna
jack, which would have been nice. A radio is only as good as its antenna's
incoming signal, so for a SWL set to omit a passive means to boost signals
is regrettable. Hardly any portable (or tabletop) sets have external jacks
for an antenna, so do not use this as a pretext to "pass" on this model.
3. Once the existing supply (warehouse stock) of Sony ICF-SW7600 sells out,
you'll be looking desperately for USED units from questionable sources. In case you actually intend to _use_ a solid SWL portable (at home or away), the 7600 will serve you better than what is produced these days.
Please do NOT buy one in case you merely want to add it to your unused collection of trophy radios; there are serious SWLers who can make better use of the dwindling stock (manufacture DISCONTINUED!).
4. To those of us who are annoyed by SSB "noise" when tuning, this radio allows us to actually make sense of what otherwise is an unintelligible signal. Most SWL radios don't "read" Single SideBand, but this one does.
5. Powered by 4xAA.
Be prepared for emergencies by stocking 8-count (4+4) lithium AA's, sold
at outrageous prices, but having a ten-year shelf-life. Search B00003IEME
Charger for NiMH AA's: definitely get the affordable B00077AA5Q (quality)
Batteries: go for Sanyo NiMH 2700mAh B000IV413S