In SeeingEyeDog wrote:
The Degen/Kaito radios and accessories have absolutely Z.E.R.O. resale
value.

Learn to opperate and appreciate the Sony 7600GR's Sync Detector which
is currently not available in ANY radio in its price class. The
7600GR with the AN-LP1 antenna is an unbeatable combination in a
portable radio unless you step up to a Sony SW-07 $$$.

I once had a 7600g (the one that came out just before the gr) and I kind
of wore it out (then eventually lost it). I don't want to sound
ungrateful but I *still* miss that radio. The features it had were just
too useful and though now I have a Kaito KA1103 (aka Degen DE1103) it's
filling the void some but there are just too many things that Sony could
do that the 1103 can't do such as having switchable sidebands or the
sync detect (even if one didn't like the audio of the sync detector,
you'd still get decent ECSS performance out of the sideband modes of the
7600/7600g/7600gr. For goodness sake keep that Sony, as even without
the amped antenna, you've got a fine little reciever there. And yeah I
could see the possibilty that my 1103 won't retain street value but
it'll do the trick until I figure out a way to get another Sony.

"Gus" wrote in message
oups.com...
Hi everyone,

I'm new to this list and shortwave (SWL). I have an interesting twist
to the age old question, "what's a good first radio" (Yes, I did
search the group before deciding to post).

Okay, I decided I wanted to get into shortwave listening (after
hearing an NPR report on numbers stations). I'm primarily interested
in listening to major broadcasts (BBC, VOA, VOR, VOK, Radio
Netherlands, etc.) and maybe the occasional numbers station, if I can
find one.

In terms of electronics, I tend to subscribe to two schools: buy the
absolute best OR buy the cheapest thing that will get the job done
(middle of the road stuff tends to be over priced given the feature
set). Well, after a little reading, I opted to buy the Sony
ICF-SW7600GR. I received the '7600GR a few days ago, and the radio
appears to work well.

The '7600GR was relatively expensive, and I'm not sure if I'll use it
enough to really reap the benefits of having a top-quality portable.
The Kaito KA1101 (Degen DE1101) got a favorable review in the 2006
_Passport to World Band..._ and at other SWL sites online, and I'm
beginning to wonder if I should have went the "cheapest thing that
will get the job done" route, especially since I'm so new to SWL.
Furthermore, I'm thinking of getting an antenna, and the Sony AN-LP1
(which apparently pairs well with the '7600GR) is about $105
delivered from Japan (on eBay). I can order a KA1101 with the KA31
antenna for about $100 delivered, which will save me well over $100 (
more like $160) when compared to the '7600GR + AN-LP1 combo.

On to my question, should I return the '7600GR? Will I notice a big
(unfavorable) difference in performance in the KA1101? Is SSB and
sync lock really necessary for my interests. I'm having a hard time
with this decision, so any input or recommendations are welcome---
$160 is a lot of money for me, especially if the KA1101 will work
well enough for my purposes.

Thanks,

Gus