My DE 1126 is a mixed bag.
Pros:
1. FM reception is excellent.
2. AM (MW) reception is OK, better than average but not as good as my best AM radios.
3. ATS (auto tuning storage) works.
4. Radio record/playback functions work, although it is a somewhat cumbersome process involving several steps. Audio quality of radio recordings is somewhat degraded.
5. Wake-up alarm (to radio or an old-school telephone bell sound) and sleep (auto shut-off) work well. You can pre-set multiple alarms or multiple power on/power off at different times of the day if you choose.
6. Mp3 playback (of downloaded mp3s) works.
7. Speaker audio on FM and mp3 playback is surprisingly good for a unit of this tiny size and slim profile.
Cons:
1. SW bands are useless, the unit barely hears anything, and what you do hear is covered up by all kinds of noise. I haven't tried it with an external SW antenna, nor have I tried it out in the country, away from city noises and local transmitters.
2. No SSB or synch (wouldn't expect them in a unit at this price point).
3. Whip antenna is really too short for SW.
4. No tone control or bandwidth-select options.
5. No LW band.
You don't see many devices that combine mp3 recording capability with a LW, AM, or SW tuner, usually only FM, and I think I know why: the engineers haven't quite figured out how to do it yet. Many in another couple of years, if the demand is there.
On the other hand, if you are mainly an AM/FM listener, and need a handy pocket/travel radio, this may be for you. If you are a big shortwave listener, you won't be happy with it ;-). If you want to record programs off the air, your best bet at this point is probably to use a good radio with a "line out," connected to a dedicated digital recorder.
Anyone have an opinion on Kaito KA801 or 800 ? Good but limited reviews on amazon.
Posted by: twitter.com/ClarenceOddbody | October 20, 2011 at 07:05 AM
Just got my Degen 1126 with 0.18 firmware installed. I like the radio functions. But i don't like the speaker!!! I compare it with my Sony
ICF-S22 which has a 57mm speaker instead of 50mm of Degen 1126.
The difference is remarkable. Any replacement idea for the speaker?
How do you think about the speaker bellow
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/230442704773?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649#ht_3336wt_976
Congratulations for your blog.
Posted by: Savvas | January 21, 2012 at 02:23 AM