Hello to all. I did not know if this topic was here before but I figured this would be fun. So what radios do you own and what radios did you own in the past? For me, this list is long. LOL But from memory. I currently own the CC EP, Sony srf-59, sangean HDR16, DT160 and SR35 and my newest radio, the Jameson Electronics pocket radio which compares to the SR35. Past radios and I'll just list them as I think of them. CC pocket, CC skywave, grundig G5 and g8. Sangean w9 or whatever it was. CC radio 2e. TECSUN PL-380. I'm sure there is more and I'll add them. I have been a radio nerd since 06. So I have bought many radios over the past 12 years. Some stopped working and some got returned to amazon.
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Radios you own/have owned
- Thread starter austingrace
- Start date
This ought to be a good thread.
My first radio in the '60s was a cheap Lloyds AM pocket portable -- 12 transistors! I then picked up a Templetone table radio (late '40s vintage) that had a 4-12 MHz shortwave band from a neighbor. My bar mitzvah gift from mom and dad? A Zenith Transoceanic 3000-1! That served me well right through college. I also had a Hammarlund HQ-170 for ham band listening. Over the decades, I've had a succession of Sony, Grundig and Sangean/Radio Shack portables, as well as Bearcat and Regency scanners. In the '80s and '90s, I also had Bearcat's DX1000, its clunky attempt at a shortwave receiver. It really wasn't a bad performer, but Bearcat really had no idea what it was doing when it designed the thing with all those little buttons.
My first radio in the '60s was a cheap Lloyds AM pocket portable -- 12 transistors! I then picked up a Templetone table radio (late '40s vintage) that had a 4-12 MHz shortwave band from a neighbor. My bar mitzvah gift from mom and dad? A Zenith Transoceanic 3000-1! That served me well right through college. I also had a Hammarlund HQ-170 for ham band listening. Over the decades, I've had a succession of Sony, Grundig and Sangean/Radio Shack portables, as well as Bearcat and Regency scanners. In the '80s and '90s, I also had Bearcat's DX1000, its clunky attempt at a shortwave receiver. It really wasn't a bad performer, but Bearcat really had no idea what it was doing when it designed the thing with all those little buttons.
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Not including ham transceivers with general coverage receivers built in: Hallicrafters S-120A (bought in 1969), Hammarlund HQ-145 (1971), Radio Shack DX-160 (1976), and Grundig Sattelit 750 (2012). I still have the last three.
The Hallicrafters was not really a Hallicrafters (other than the brand). The receiver was built by Panasonic in Japan, and was sold under several different brands/model numbers (Lafayette and Midland come to mind immediately), while the company had been owned by Northrop since 1966. It would stop all commercial electronics production in 1973, going military-only as Northrop's Defense Systems Division. I worked there in the late '70s and the '80s.
The Hallicrafters was not really a Hallicrafters (other than the brand). The receiver was built by Panasonic in Japan, and was sold under several different brands/model numbers (Lafayette and Midland come to mind immediately), while the company had been owned by Northrop since 1966. It would stop all commercial electronics production in 1973, going military-only as Northrop's Defense Systems Division. I worked there in the late '70s and the '80s.
At first around the late 50s--early 60s (wow am I old) I had a Zenith clock radio which I found if I turned it in certain directions I could hear the NYC stations at night even though I lived in the Chicago area where these stations were adjacent to the locals. About 1961 I got a Zenith Trans Oceanic. I got it for short wave, but I soon learned that it had a great MW receiver which allowed me to hear all these AM powerhouses much better than any radio I had ever used.
In the 70s I got an excellent Panasonic radio which also had a good AM receiver, but the Trans Oceanic will always be my favorite. I still have it, but it needs a lot of work.
In the 70s I got an excellent Panasonic radio which also had a good AM receiver, but the Trans Oceanic will always be my favorite. I still have it, but it needs a lot of work.
There's been a lot - and all but a couple died or were broken/out of service then thrown away...
Grundig Mini 100PE - first time I heard shortwave transmissions, around 2003. Mostly listened at night when 31, 41 and 49m were strongest.
unknown shower radio - 2004. At least I could listen to my favorite music while taking a bath as a kid! I also discovered AM DX through this cheap radio. 1510 'The Big Talker' KGA, 1530 KFBK Sacramento, 1160 KSL Salt Lake City, 780 KKOH Reno, etc. http://i01.i.aliimg.com/photo/v0/389839817/AM_FM_two_way_radio_waterproof_shower.jpg
My dad had a Sony STR-DE545 stereo/home theater receiver in the living room...one night I played with the AM loop antenna and heard KNZR-1560 Bakersfield and KZNY 'Sunny 1520' Portland.
Grundig G1000A - 2005, another cheap Grundig portable with a digital display, but it was well-known for drifting off frequency at times. Good memories of listening to Radio Australia and Radio Taiwan International English broadcasts on this one. Also introduced me to those 'Firedrake' Chinese jammers.
Grundig S350DL - 2006. While it looked fancy, the FM was absolutely awful, bleeding everywhere. Shortwave and AM did OK.
Bearcat 210XL - 2006, first scanner, came used from a thrift store. This also included a HUGE telescopic whip antenna, probably 5 feet! Lots of good memories on this receiver. Always heard State Patrol every day, several school district transportation departments, local police, etc. living in Bothell.
Grundig G5 - 2007, this cost my family $150! This was the first of two G5s I had, used, torn and abused for years. The FM performance was better than any radio I had used until then. This was the radio used to receive KTRA-102.1 NM on 7/29/2007, which was the first time I had ever heard e-skip. I had actually been listening for KSWW Aberdeen (Sunny 102.1) since our family had just taken a trip to the Washington coast and they had a better mix of soft rock than local Warm 106.9. I still use the 2nd G5 as my primary AM receiver because it's so good! All of my 2009-2011 Es logs were received with this radio. This also went on another Washington coast trip and trips to Yakima and Portland.
Grundig G8 - 2011. Another superb radio, especially with FM separation. All of my 2012 and 2013 Es logs were received with this radio. (2012 logs from Bellevue, 2013 logs from Monroe) Then the antenna accidentally got busted and even with a new antenna the performance wasn't good, plus it had been used and abused. The speaker was pretty tinny as well.
Tecsun PL-660 - 2012. I dealt with a lot of bleed on FM, but the performance on AM and SW was decent. Long whip antenna too! Most of my 2014 Es logs were received with the PL-660. I don't use it anymore, once again the antenna got busted and the tuning knob broke off...*man* am I abusive to my radios!
Grundig G5 #2 - 2014, the first one finally died and I was able to buy a used G5 off eBay for about $50. The performance was just as good as the first one, with strong FM reception. I still use this one as my primary AM receiver with the 3-foot loop. I built that loop in late 2012, with a variable capacitor, 8 turns of wire and PVC pipe. Most of my 2015 Es logs were received on this G5. This has also been used and abused but it still functions quite well.
Radio Shack DX-402 - 2016: my primary FM receiver. Had it sent to Bruce Carter in Houston for narrower filters (150khz), it works very well. This has been taken on several trips throughout central and eastern Washington and still does well. At least the whip hasn't been broke off. 2016 and 2017 e-skip logs were made on this radio, and probably some of the 2018 logs too once we get to late spring. This is the radio that netted me double hop from Waco TX last June along with a 100w LPFM from California, a 250w translator from Yucca Valley CA and many, many other stations.
Radio Shack PRO-51 - 2018, a used early 1990s portable scanner. I'm just using the rubber duckie antenna but I will be changing it out for a 2-foot telescopic whip to get better reception of Lower Valley/Ellensburg/Tri-Cities scanner frequencies.
To be bought this spring...an AirSpy HF+ SDR. I am also purchasing a small 3 or 4-element FM antenna that can be put on a tripod. I'm going to try out an SDR and an external hard drive and see how it goes for Es. I am still using the DX-402 for mobile sessions and trips.
Would also like to try out the Sangean ATS-909X, I've heard this is one of the best portable FM radios. The RDS keys up very quickly.
Grundig Mini 100PE - first time I heard shortwave transmissions, around 2003. Mostly listened at night when 31, 41 and 49m were strongest.
unknown shower radio - 2004. At least I could listen to my favorite music while taking a bath as a kid! I also discovered AM DX through this cheap radio. 1510 'The Big Talker' KGA, 1530 KFBK Sacramento, 1160 KSL Salt Lake City, 780 KKOH Reno, etc. http://i01.i.aliimg.com/photo/v0/389839817/AM_FM_two_way_radio_waterproof_shower.jpg
My dad had a Sony STR-DE545 stereo/home theater receiver in the living room...one night I played with the AM loop antenna and heard KNZR-1560 Bakersfield and KZNY 'Sunny 1520' Portland.
Grundig G1000A - 2005, another cheap Grundig portable with a digital display, but it was well-known for drifting off frequency at times. Good memories of listening to Radio Australia and Radio Taiwan International English broadcasts on this one. Also introduced me to those 'Firedrake' Chinese jammers.
Grundig S350DL - 2006. While it looked fancy, the FM was absolutely awful, bleeding everywhere. Shortwave and AM did OK.
Bearcat 210XL - 2006, first scanner, came used from a thrift store. This also included a HUGE telescopic whip antenna, probably 5 feet! Lots of good memories on this receiver. Always heard State Patrol every day, several school district transportation departments, local police, etc. living in Bothell.
Grundig G5 - 2007, this cost my family $150! This was the first of two G5s I had, used, torn and abused for years. The FM performance was better than any radio I had used until then. This was the radio used to receive KTRA-102.1 NM on 7/29/2007, which was the first time I had ever heard e-skip. I had actually been listening for KSWW Aberdeen (Sunny 102.1) since our family had just taken a trip to the Washington coast and they had a better mix of soft rock than local Warm 106.9. I still use the 2nd G5 as my primary AM receiver because it's so good! All of my 2009-2011 Es logs were received with this radio. This also went on another Washington coast trip and trips to Yakima and Portland.
Grundig G8 - 2011. Another superb radio, especially with FM separation. All of my 2012 and 2013 Es logs were received with this radio. (2012 logs from Bellevue, 2013 logs from Monroe) Then the antenna accidentally got busted and even with a new antenna the performance wasn't good, plus it had been used and abused. The speaker was pretty tinny as well.
Tecsun PL-660 - 2012. I dealt with a lot of bleed on FM, but the performance on AM and SW was decent. Long whip antenna too! Most of my 2014 Es logs were received with the PL-660. I don't use it anymore, once again the antenna got busted and the tuning knob broke off...*man* am I abusive to my radios!
Grundig G5 #2 - 2014, the first one finally died and I was able to buy a used G5 off eBay for about $50. The performance was just as good as the first one, with strong FM reception. I still use this one as my primary AM receiver with the 3-foot loop. I built that loop in late 2012, with a variable capacitor, 8 turns of wire and PVC pipe. Most of my 2015 Es logs were received on this G5. This has also been used and abused but it still functions quite well.
Radio Shack DX-402 - 2016: my primary FM receiver. Had it sent to Bruce Carter in Houston for narrower filters (150khz), it works very well. This has been taken on several trips throughout central and eastern Washington and still does well. At least the whip hasn't been broke off. 2016 and 2017 e-skip logs were made on this radio, and probably some of the 2018 logs too once we get to late spring. This is the radio that netted me double hop from Waco TX last June along with a 100w LPFM from California, a 250w translator from Yucca Valley CA and many, many other stations.
Radio Shack PRO-51 - 2018, a used early 1990s portable scanner. I'm just using the rubber duckie antenna but I will be changing it out for a 2-foot telescopic whip to get better reception of Lower Valley/Ellensburg/Tri-Cities scanner frequencies.
To be bought this spring...an AirSpy HF+ SDR. I am also purchasing a small 3 or 4-element FM antenna that can be put on a tripod. I'm going to try out an SDR and an external hard drive and see how it goes for Es. I am still using the DX-402 for mobile sessions and trips.
Would also like to try out the Sangean ATS-909X, I've heard this is one of the best portable FM radios. The RDS keys up very quickly.
Hey guys. Another one for you. Forgot about the grundig g3. Loved that thing. The G3 was the g5 replacement but the damn thing front ended on me and that g8 was it's replacement I still miss my Grundig g5. Or mine was the eton E5 I bought at radio shack in 06. That was the radio that really opened me up to DX.
Wow, great topic! I had a few transistor radios, one from Westinghouse I won on WOWO. I first discovered shortwave on our floor model multi-band....I don't know what vintage or where it came from. It had a nice sound on stations like CKLW. From there, a portable that only went up to 12mHz but it was good enough to get Radio Canada International, Radio Nederland, Moscow, etc. My first communications receiver was a Realistic DX150A. Eventually I got a Yaesu FRG-7 and turned my attention a bit more toward medium wave. My all time favorite was my Sony ICF-5900W I bought in 1980. I had that for around 28 years. It could sing on AM and FM, and had all the popular shortwave bands. I became a ham around then, had a set of Drake twins (TX4B/R4B) and eventually a Yaesu 757GX transceiver. I had a GE Superradio after that, and really now don't have any real equipment except an HD portable for FM and what's in my car. Now with the SDR network, I have receivers all over the world to play with.
Agreed, gr8 ! Great topic, Austin!
Through early HS years it was a GE clock radio -- the same as sat atop the kitchen fridge in Happy Days.
I'd use it to wake up on Monday school mornings around 3:45 .... retire to the basement radio .... and DX until after the 5:00 sign-on commotion.
That * basement * radio was a Zenith console AM, circa the mid-40's, with a turntbale that opened via this breadbox-style door. Terrific DX rig. I got Montana, Washington, California and Oregon on it. Of course, during those DXing days, the overnight dial was a LOT quieter than now. The dial was pristine even in the noisy midday.
I graduated to a Lafayette HA 600 in 1973. What a DX rig that was for $109. Very selective. Would you believe a DXer from one of the 5 NYC boroughs hearing Costa Rica on 775 -- with WABC * on * the air? Perhaps that was an ultra-Aurora night.
The HA-600 broke down one day, when some filter cracked and toppled.
Two school/DX buddies visited me here in NE PA with a GE Superadio II for my 46th birthday. Great sound. Great balance of selectivity, sensitivity and fidelity. To this day I will be seen carrying it from room to room or paint job to ceiling job as though it were some sort of audio teddybear.
I spent perhaps a bit more than I should've a few years ago, getting a re-fitted HQ-180 via a buddy on another DX site. The darned thing is spectacular. The problem is, the milieu here is so gosh-darned noisy that I've yet to log a new station on the beast.
Through early HS years it was a GE clock radio -- the same as sat atop the kitchen fridge in Happy Days.
I'd use it to wake up on Monday school mornings around 3:45 .... retire to the basement radio .... and DX until after the 5:00 sign-on commotion.
That * basement * radio was a Zenith console AM, circa the mid-40's, with a turntbale that opened via this breadbox-style door. Terrific DX rig. I got Montana, Washington, California and Oregon on it. Of course, during those DXing days, the overnight dial was a LOT quieter than now. The dial was pristine even in the noisy midday.
I graduated to a Lafayette HA 600 in 1973. What a DX rig that was for $109. Very selective. Would you believe a DXer from one of the 5 NYC boroughs hearing Costa Rica on 775 -- with WABC * on * the air? Perhaps that was an ultra-Aurora night.
The HA-600 broke down one day, when some filter cracked and toppled.
Two school/DX buddies visited me here in NE PA with a GE Superadio II for my 46th birthday. Great sound. Great balance of selectivity, sensitivity and fidelity. To this day I will be seen carrying it from room to room or paint job to ceiling job as though it were some sort of audio teddybear.
I spent perhaps a bit more than I should've a few years ago, getting a re-fitted HQ-180 via a buddy on another DX site. The darned thing is spectacular. The problem is, the milieu here is so gosh-darned noisy that I've yet to log a new station on the beast.
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Add me to the voices saying "great topic". I'll just stick with the highlights from my experiences....
I'll start with my first radio, which you see next to my info on your left. It's a 1937 Zenith, which belonged to my grandparents. AM plus three bands, which tuned from 1700khz to 30mhz. I had it hooked up to some copper screening that was intended to be installed into a storm door. It performed pretty well. I started using it in Junior High School, and it still sits (non-working) in my garage. By the time I was in high school, I was given a Halicrafters S-120 for Christmas. I kept that one through college. Fast forward 20 or so years and my favorite go-to was a Realistic DX 375 and later a Grundig Yacht Boy 400PE. Both of those died a few years ago. Now I use a Sony SRF37, a Sangean ATS 505, and A GE SuperadioII, which I got in perfect working condition at a Church rummage sale.
I'll start with my first radio, which you see next to my info on your left. It's a 1937 Zenith, which belonged to my grandparents. AM plus three bands, which tuned from 1700khz to 30mhz. I had it hooked up to some copper screening that was intended to be installed into a storm door. It performed pretty well. I started using it in Junior High School, and it still sits (non-working) in my garage. By the time I was in high school, I was given a Halicrafters S-120 for Christmas. I kept that one through college. Fast forward 20 or so years and my favorite go-to was a Realistic DX 375 and later a Grundig Yacht Boy 400PE. Both of those died a few years ago. Now I use a Sony SRF37, a Sangean ATS 505, and A GE SuperadioII, which I got in perfect working condition at a Church rummage sale.
Let me add that the radios I use today are either a Sangean PRD5 or a Grundig G5. And yes this is a great topic.
A footnote to my indifferent 'second' DX career out here in NE PA :
When the local Radio Shack starting to exhibit national symptoms of leaking oil and needing new tires, I got a Grundig S450 there for around $70, and a short time later bought one of Radio Shack's 'Digital Travel' radios for $25.
I can't complain about either one's largesse on batteries. On the Grundig S450 I once got WCFR 1480 from VT at around 2PM -- broad daylight -- in a Danville Boyers parking lot. It had to've been via the mid-Winter Anomaly. I can't count the station on the 'totals' list here because it was more than ten miles from the main den. I like its heft and subsequent ease of familiarity, but the audio 'breathes' a bit too much for me.
The little 'Digital Travel Radio' got me WRCR 1700 one sunset. They're out of Rockland County NY.
But like radios of any make, age or model, the noise on AM here is overwhelmingly discouraging nowadays with wall current. Being a certified fogey, I never got into all those '27 separate pre-sets' scene (I have to consult the manuals to set the plain, default 'time' function display).
So despite these ambitious upgrades, it is still the GE SR II that sees the most use. I once brought one on vacation to my Folks' house in Florida and got taped audio on every AM channel. That spree also included what was probably a Cuban station on 640 with the huge, loud local WVLG on the air.
I obviously prefer the analog radios because that's how/when I was raised. These newer digital ones are more like Holiday decorations that you casually turn on.
@ Cyberdad : Like you, I got a * second * GE SR II at a nice price -- essentially free. So now I have two analog companions wherever I go. The first rig works a little better, even though it requires a matchbook cover jammed into the on-off switch to turn on, hi.
When the local Radio Shack starting to exhibit national symptoms of leaking oil and needing new tires, I got a Grundig S450 there for around $70, and a short time later bought one of Radio Shack's 'Digital Travel' radios for $25.
I can't complain about either one's largesse on batteries. On the Grundig S450 I once got WCFR 1480 from VT at around 2PM -- broad daylight -- in a Danville Boyers parking lot. It had to've been via the mid-Winter Anomaly. I can't count the station on the 'totals' list here because it was more than ten miles from the main den. I like its heft and subsequent ease of familiarity, but the audio 'breathes' a bit too much for me.
The little 'Digital Travel Radio' got me WRCR 1700 one sunset. They're out of Rockland County NY.
But like radios of any make, age or model, the noise on AM here is overwhelmingly discouraging nowadays with wall current. Being a certified fogey, I never got into all those '27 separate pre-sets' scene (I have to consult the manuals to set the plain, default 'time' function display).
So despite these ambitious upgrades, it is still the GE SR II that sees the most use. I once brought one on vacation to my Folks' house in Florida and got taped audio on every AM channel. That spree also included what was probably a Cuban station on 640 with the huge, loud local WVLG on the air.
I obviously prefer the analog radios because that's how/when I was raised. These newer digital ones are more like Holiday decorations that you casually turn on.
@ Cyberdad : Like you, I got a * second * GE SR II at a nice price -- essentially free. So now I have two analog companions wherever I go. The first rig works a little better, even though it requires a matchbook cover jammed into the on-off switch to turn on, hi.
Back in the early 70's, I saved my pennies and bought a Radio Shack
"Astronaut 8." I was barely in high school back then. While it might
not be the best radio in the world, it still works very, very well.
"Astronaut 8." I was barely in high school back then. While it might
not be the best radio in the world, it still works very, very well.
When I came to the US in mid-1970's I brought with me a Russian made all-band receiver model number VEF 206. I used that receiver for a while for listening and DXing. I then acquired a GE Superadio for AM DXing. My first communications receiver was Kenwood R-2000. Also had a SONY ICF 2002 portable receiver that I used during my travels. Right after it was first released I bought the SONY ICF 2010, which I considered a very good radio specially for travelling purposes due to its compact size. After my first 2010 broke I bought another one, which I still use today. About 10 years ago I got a good deal on a Drake R8 communications receiver on e-bay. The Drake and the 2010 are my two receivers that I use today for DXing.
Great topic. Another good topic would be antennas that we use for reception.
Great topic. Another good topic would be antennas that we use for reception.
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Spoken like a true DX-er!
I don't recall the brand names of some of the radios I owned as a child but the first one was a hand held transistor radio when I was 4 years old in the 60's. The main memory I have of it was that I could not get WABC in the daytime because of the very close WTMR 800 in Camden (it was daytime only back then). My older brother had a much larger portable AM/FM radio on which WABC could easily be heard in the daytime too. He knew I liked the radio so much, he gave it to me and I had it for many years until it just stopped working for some reason. Then for Christmas 1972, I got a Panasonic portable AM/FM radio and still remember opening the present before it was light outside. I was able to hear WKBW with a signal that was almost local quality and as it got light and slowly faded away for good, that was what really got me seriously interested in DXing. I had heard other stations like WLS at night before that but never thought too heavily about the dynamics of nighttime AM reception until then.
In 1976, I got a much better portable radio for Christmas of that year, the Panasonic 'Stereo Spacer'. It was noticeably much better for AM sensitivity than my previous portables and some of my most memorable catches were on that radio over the next few years, WCBS and WCAU from California and KFI from New Jersey which was a surprise one time thing that lasted only minutes.
In the early 80's, I became fascinated with AM Stereo because WNBC and WFIL advertised their stereo broadcasts and suggested using 2 portable radios, each tuned to the opposite side of the frequency, to hear the stereo. That's when I saved up money to finally get a Sony AM Stereo Walkman. AM DXing at night was a whole new world because many stations like WLS and CKLW were still playing music. When I moved to Florida, I always listened to WLS and WNBC at night. When I visited California, KFRC was fun to hear on and also KFI at night.
As AM Stereo started to fade, I got my next portable radio, another Panasonic with a built in cassette. It was shiny red plastic and had great AM sensitivity. I had that for a long time until I got my Sony SRF-M37W Walkman in 2006 and still have it now. I use it constantly for FM listening and I'm amazed it lasted so long.
And of course, my favorite radio of all I got in 2009, my Sangean PR-D5 which is still going strong and you've seen it in all my YouTube videos.
A couple years ago, I also got a Sangean DT-120 just because I wanted something smaller and it's AM reception is good for the tiny size but nothing like the PR-D5. However, the FM sensitivity and selectivity on it is much better than my Sony Walkman.
In 1976, I got a much better portable radio for Christmas of that year, the Panasonic 'Stereo Spacer'. It was noticeably much better for AM sensitivity than my previous portables and some of my most memorable catches were on that radio over the next few years, WCBS and WCAU from California and KFI from New Jersey which was a surprise one time thing that lasted only minutes.
In the early 80's, I became fascinated with AM Stereo because WNBC and WFIL advertised their stereo broadcasts and suggested using 2 portable radios, each tuned to the opposite side of the frequency, to hear the stereo. That's when I saved up money to finally get a Sony AM Stereo Walkman. AM DXing at night was a whole new world because many stations like WLS and CKLW were still playing music. When I moved to Florida, I always listened to WLS and WNBC at night. When I visited California, KFRC was fun to hear on and also KFI at night.
As AM Stereo started to fade, I got my next portable radio, another Panasonic with a built in cassette. It was shiny red plastic and had great AM sensitivity. I had that for a long time until I got my Sony SRF-M37W Walkman in 2006 and still have it now. I use it constantly for FM listening and I'm amazed it lasted so long.
And of course, my favorite radio of all I got in 2009, my Sangean PR-D5 which is still going strong and you've seen it in all my YouTube videos.
A couple years ago, I also got a Sangean DT-120 just because I wanted something smaller and it's AM reception is good for the tiny size but nothing like the PR-D5. However, the FM sensitivity and selectivity on it is much better than my Sony Walkman.
Can I talk about "one of the best and one of the worst rolled into one"? I bought a new Chevy Equinox a couple of months ago. The stock AM radio is right up there in sensitivity and selectivity with the GE Supe-II. The FM is also quite good, but the disappointing aspect is that it won't lock in Franken-FM WWME-TV/FM on 88.7. It tunes it, but since it's broadcasting slightly off frequency, the audio is effectively unlistenable.
But the vehicle it replaced...A 14-year old Mercedes ML-350, which I had owned for 10 years...was the ultimate in "split personality". The FM was really good, and it also had an equally good weather band radio, which I found REALLY easy to get used to. Also good for DX-ing during tropo and e-skip events. Unfortunately, however, the AM was horrible. Poor sensitivity and noisy to boot! As a practical matter, it was only good for very strong local signals.
But the vehicle it replaced...A 14-year old Mercedes ML-350, which I had owned for 10 years...was the ultimate in "split personality". The FM was really good, and it also had an equally good weather band radio, which I found REALLY easy to get used to. Also good for DX-ing during tropo and e-skip events. Unfortunately, however, the AM was horrible. Poor sensitivity and noisy to boot! As a practical matter, it was only good for very strong local signals.
Cyberdad I too own Chevy Equinox (2016 model) and can vouch for the AM reception of the stock radio. As for FM, some of my best FM DX catches were made by using various car radios (Honda, Jeep). So far using the Equinox my experience is mixed on FM. One of the problems might be the fact that some of the open frequencies are now occupied by LPFM stations.
Well if you want to go the car stereo root. This is one of my fav topics BTW. My grandmother has a 07 Saturn vue and that radio in there is awesome. It is the stock radio bTW. The aM and FM are awesome on it. I messed with a radio in a 2011 corolla and wasted a whole hour as a result. I had WVLG and WLBE blasting in like nothing on that thing. The FM and AM are awesome on those JBL radios. I just met a lyft driver with a 2012 Jeep. Maybe need to check that one out as well. Can also vouch for Honda's radios.
I rent cars quite a bit. Maybe a half dozen a year, which is far fewer than before I retired six years ago. I can't say for sure, but I think the Eqinox basic stock radio is the same one that GM has been using for the past three or four years....if not even a little longer...at least in mid and full size Chevys. I think it's basically a good radio. My gripe with not being able to accurately tune 88.7 notwithstanding. I have to say, however, that the "sample size" with my current vehicle is still rather small. I mostly listen to Spotify, SiriusXM, or streaming terrestial, as well as internet-only radio in the car.
Best stock radios? IMHO, Toyotas.
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Starting in the mid-60s (yikes!)
Halli S-120: what a bag of rocks that thing was- harmonics all up and down the AM band, but it got me started
Zenith T-O R7001: mid 70s. Finally sold it 30 years later. It needed a lot of work, and I was into hifi
bunch of Yamahas: mid-oughts. T-85, TX-1000, TX-850, T-7, T-1 (two of each)
Let all those go, finally landing at
Onkyo T-9090 II and T-4711.
Sony XDR-F1HD; and for AM-
Drake R8, with VHF converter. Damn I wish this thing had FM broadcast reception. It would be a total beast.
Not pictured: several GE SRs, Techsun PL-390, Panasonic RF-B600.
Halli S-120: what a bag of rocks that thing was- harmonics all up and down the AM band, but it got me started
Zenith T-O R7001: mid 70s. Finally sold it 30 years later. It needed a lot of work, and I was into hifi
bunch of Yamahas: mid-oughts. T-85, TX-1000, TX-850, T-7, T-1 (two of each)
Let all those go, finally landing at
Onkyo T-9090 II and T-4711.
Sony XDR-F1HD; and for AM-
Drake R8, with VHF converter. Damn I wish this thing had FM broadcast reception. It would be a total beast.
Not pictured: several GE SRs, Techsun PL-390, Panasonic RF-B600.
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