Blake Looking for a Powerhouse Analog AM/FM/SW Radio for Under $400

I am curently shifting my discovery to the old radio technology. I am discovering that analog tuned radios can really be a joy to use. The key thing I like about them is the the low noise floor. I am considering getting another analog radio that does the following: - Multi band including short wave. - Important SW frequencies include 3150 to 4000, 4800 to 5100, 5800 to 6200, 7000 to 7550, 9200-10000, 11600 to 12200. - Decent size radio. Perhaps size of Grundig YB400 or larger. I like the size of the Grundig 350DL and am considering that one. - Nice speaker sound - Backlighting so you can see tuning in the dark. - Antenna inputs - Under $400 - I may get a new or possibly my first used or vintage radio. I am not experienced at repair yet. If any of the Herculodge readers have recommendations it would be much appreciated. Thanks ... Blake

Comments

[jeffrey McMahon]

Blake a mint almost NIB Sony Earth Orbiter should fill the bill, currently bidding on eBay for $61:http://cgi.ebay.com/MIB-SONY-CRF-5100-EARTH-ORBITER-RADIO-IMMACULATE-/380236540725?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5887dd2b35#ht_858wt_1130

[Carlos]

Blake, can't really go wrong with the Panasonic rf-2200, if you don't mind its aesthetics. They usually go for circa $250 - $300 in good condition. The Panasonic rf-1700 is also a sweet looking radio. I would love it if someone wants to get rid of one of those :)

Consider also the website www.radioattic.com They sell refurbished vintage radios, so you don't have to worry about the insides as much as you do on eBay purchased radios.

[Carlos]

Check out this restored Zenith analog:

http://www.radioattic.com/item.htm?radio=0004250

[Doug]

I have a Grundig S350DL, a Sony Earth Orbiter, and a Panasonic RF-2200. If I could keep only one, I would instantly pick the 2200, a magnificent radio with the best audio and strongest reception of the 3. Ditto selectivity and sensitivity and shortwave reception off the whip. I love the military look and heft and controls layout of the 2200 and the rotating gyro AM antenna makes DXing a delight. The Sony is also an excellent radio but it just really (for me) isn't up to the performance levels of the 2200 on any of the bands. The 350 is good value for the money, solid audio and excellent SW off the whip, but it's just not up to the other 2 in build quality. Be patient and you can score a solid specimen on eBay for under $200.

[Andreas]

Panasonic RF-2200 gets my vote as well! Good overall performer.

[Blake]

Appreciate the feedback. The Pansonic 2200 looks like a great option. I do like the way it looks cosmetically though my wife probably won't. Looks like major fun to me. I hope to pull the trigger in about 6 weeks. I will do research on these and read some old Herculodge posts. If I got a 350 and got the Kiwa upgrades it would probably void the warranty making it more like a used radio.

Thanks ... Blake

[jeffrey McMahon]

Blake, I just spent $69 on a new Sangean WR-11 analog (box was broken so sold for a bit on the cheap) from Amazon and I will review this new analog unit soon. Jeff

[Blake]

I have a Tivoli Model One Platinum and love it. Not sure if I have the same drift issues you had. The real dark walnut finish with 7 layers of laquer makes this a georgeous radio. Sound is wonderful and I think part of that wonderful sound is the analog tuning with its low noise floor. The Sangean WR-11 interests me quite a bit due to possible Tivoli level sound and decent looks at a much better price. It is also analog. The main difference I see is that the newer Tivolis have the ability to switch to aux input on the front switch. Looks like with the WR-11 you have to plug aux input in and out in the back. I am very curious to know what you think of the WR-11. I have a spot picked out for one if my wife can tolerate. I may need a secret place to hide a Pan 2200 :o).

[jeffrey McMahon]

I wish I could have kept my Tivoli One. I loved everything about it except the drift drove me crazy. One word for the legendary RF-2200, which I borrowed for a couple of weeks: Magisterial.

[Mike S.]

Maybe someone can address the performance of the Nordmende portables. I have never owned one, but from anecdotal evidence it seems the Globetraveler is something to consider with your stated specs.

[Terry, the Radio Crackhead]

Comparing a Grundig Satellit Transistor 6001 and Nordmende Globetraveler 9000, everything is superior on the Satellit. The Globetraveler is a bigger radio and has bigger sound, but in terms of build quality, sensitivity, ergonomics and fun factor I have to side with the Grundig.