I have been a longtime off/on listener of shortwave radio. I currently have a Grundig Yachtboy 400PE. and find it interesting to listen to, especially news from other parts of the world that you will not see/hear on any national TV or radio news. For example with the recent earthquake in Peru, there was a lot more info on shortwave then we heard on the news here. This also goes for the 2004 tsunami in SE Asia.

That being said, I am looking at buying an Etón E1 AM/FM Shortwave radio. If there are any shortwave listeners out there, I would appreciate your thoughts on whether this would be a good purchase to make keeping in mind that the cost of the radio (approx $500.00) is not an issue for me. I am more interested to see if anyone has any experience with this particular radio and can comment on it's quality and reliability.


Thanks
SD.

Try eham.net and passport to world band radios for reviews.
I do not have one, yb400 and icf 2010 are what I have at the moment and a crank generated radio for emergencies.

Lee

Here are 20 or so detailed reviews by E-1 owners. Here is a list of all reviews on general coverage receivers on the site (eham.net). Good resource.

I need to upgrade myself, but can't seem to part with my 25-year-old Radio Shack DX-440.

Dan

Edit: Whoops, looks like me and leeman visit the same haunts.

If you ever decide to part with the radio let me know. Those DX-440's are great radios!!

BTW, thanks for the links.


SD.

Ah, I should show this to my wife, who's chastised me over the years: "Why don't you replace that old thing?" Despite fact some folks don't think RS puts out "real" radios, the DX has been completely reliable (what else these days lasts that long?).

The BFO-capability is a big thing for me (I was a Morse Intercept Operator in the AF many years ago ... right after smoke signals were no longer in vogue ... and still like to listen to CW to keep my skills sharp) ... sometimes hard to find on all but expensive receivers, though I see the E1 does have it. Maybe you've helped me find my upgrade.

Good luck on your search.

Dan

I had the Sangean 803 which is essentially the same radio as the DX-440. I sold it for a song about 6-7 years ago and have kicked myself more then once since...

As for the E1, I will try to find someone locally who sells them, I like to support the local businesses when possible.

SD.

I would say read those reviews by hams, they are damn critical of performance.

The worst thing you could do is choose a radio by its looks. Some of the best performers don't look so nice, the $$ went into the guts instead of the sheen. I would stick to a brand with a history of performance.

I have an old Sangean that refuses to die too. It must be at least 20 years old, works well for its price. I am more into the DSP radios these days, but they're lousy for "survival" uses.

SW listening can be very addictive. It's always good to hear the real news. Once you do, a lot of things will become a lot clearer.

The E1 is nice and apparently effective, but for $600 I think I'll pass till first year jitters are corrected. I went with the Eton E5 with 700 memories, SSB, and great whip reception.

Xbanker.
Yeah I go to the following including eham,knifeforums equipped,bushcraftuk,idos.

Good luck on your search.
Lee

The old Sony ICF-SW7600G has a great reputation. I don't have one, but I have heard great things. They are not being made anymore, but eBay might be useful.

Don't get the similar-name ICF-SW7600GR. Those are a copmpletely different (and inferior) animal.