DX 394s are out there in the $125.00 range and a lively group is at
Yahoogroups on mods and performance...

Nice looking small tabletop radio that has always attracted my interest tho
I am aware it is subject to frequent criticism...is that the basis for your
failure to recommend it to a beginner?

Yodar
"Stinger" wrote in message
...
What's the budget?

The cheapest way in is by portable radio.

For about $175, you can get a Sony 7600GR, which will give you sidebands.

For a little more, (about $230) you can get a Sangean ATS-909, which will
give you sidebands and a lot of extras, including the A/C adapter, lots of
special features, and a nice "reel" random wire antenna. I chose this one
over the Sony because I believe that buttons become a hassle for
fine-tuning -- I prefer being able to use a tuning (or volume) knob. The
ATS-909 can tune by both buttons and knobs -- the Sony 7600GR has only
buttons.

Beyond that, you're talking desktop units, and the good ones start at
about
$450. Icom R-75's and Grundig Satelit 800's seem to be pretty popular.
(And then, as you mentioned, you can "mod" to your heart's content.)

Good luck on your choice!

-- Stinger



"Greg" wrote in message
news:F0Vmb.35837$Fm2.14754@attbi_s04...
Okay, here is one of those annoying "Gee, what should I buy" questions.
I
enjoyed SW radio back in my high school days, but have no idea what is
considered a really good receiver to get today.
I am familiar with the old Grundig, Hallicrafters, Heathkit names, and
am
seeing auctions for the Radio Shack 394, modified.
I'd like to reenter the hobby, but could use some direction on a good
receiver to shop for. Please respond to:
if you can. Thanks!!