Technical > Ham Radio > Shortwave radio recommendation

Shortwave radio recommendation

New or used?

If I were going to buy a new receiver, I'd be strongly tempted to get an ICom R75, or perhaps an Alinco DX-R8.

There's not a lot of new table-top receivers out there anymore.
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One man's Magic is another man's Engineering.

It would be really cool if Sony re-released the ICF-2010. Perhaps the best shortwave radio ever made.
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"It's all coming down!!" - Mike Holmes

I had one for a while and it was OK.
I bought a little Grundig G3 a couple of months ago, and for under $100, I'm impressed. Good SSB reception, and FM stereo with headphones.
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One man's Magic is another man's Engineering.

reply to ke4pym
How about used, DrJim? Shelby Hamfest isn't that far away.

I remember, back in the day, I was a founding (though not yet licensed) member of the ham club in my home town.

A ham in the group let me borrow this old hunk of a receiver. Had a dozen tubes in it. My Dad and I put up an antenna. I don't remember much of what I listened too, but I sure can remember the beeps and boops coming from Ft. Colins as if that station were next door.

Without knowing his budget, or technical level, it's a bit hard to suggest a used receiver.

I had a Yaesu FRG-7700 that I just loved, and still regret selling it.

Heathkit SB-310 (tube) or SB-313 (solid-state) receivers are fairly good. I just refurbished an SB-310, and it's very sensitive, and with the crystal filters, is pretty selective.

Drake R8's are also very good, but a bit pricey.

Drake made a few other solid-state radios, like the SW-8, but I think they're way overpriced these days.

What's he looking to spend? Tube or solid-state? Is he able to fix things?
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One man's Magic is another man's Engineering.

He's just getting started with shortwave. To my knowledge, he does not have the skill set to fix a radio. Though, I won't mind helping him with that and helping get the antenna rigged up.

I don't think he's set a budget because he has no idea what things cost.

I don't have a specific recommendation but make sure he gets something with SSB capability and general coverage. So much interesting stuff is out there that is SSB only.

reply to ke4pym
Here is a link to one of the online stores I buy from. They have good selection and information on Shortwave radios.

»www.universal-radio.com/index.html

Universal has good prices, and a collection of used gear that's priced OK.
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One man's Magic is another man's Engineering.

reply to ke4pym
Thanks for all of the assistance guys!