Add to your order

  • Coverage for accidental damage including drops, spills, and broken parts, as well as breakdowns (plans vary)
  • 24/7 support when you need it.
  • Quick, easy, and frustration-free claims.
Cover this product:
2-Year Protection Plan $30.99
3-Year Protection Plan $39.99
Cover all of your eligible devices:
Asurion Complete Protect: One plan covers all eligible past and future purchases (Renews Monthly Until Cancelled) $16.99/month

Add to your order

  • Coverage for accidental damage including drops, spills, and broken parts, as well as breakdowns (plans vary)
  • 24/7 support when you need it.
  • Quick, easy, and frustration-free claims.
Cover this product:
Add Prime to get Fast, Free delivery
Amazon prime logo
Buy new:
$313.97
FREE delivery Saturday, February 15
Ships from: Amazon.com
Sold by: Amazon.com
FREE Returns
FREE delivery Saturday, February 15
Or Prime members get FREE delivery Tomorrow, February 11. Order within 12 hrs 24 mins.
In Stock
$$313.97 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$313.97
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Ships from
Amazon.com
Amazon.com
Ships from
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Returns
30-day refund/replacement
30-day refund/replacement
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Payment
Secure transaction
Your transaction is secure
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
Support
Product support included
What's Product Support?
In the event your product doesn't work as expected or you need help using it, Amazon offers free product support options such as live phone/chat with an Amazon associate, manufacturer contact information, step-by-step troubleshooting guides, and help videos. By solving product issues, we help the planet by extending the life of products. Availability of support options differ by product and country. Learn more
Include
Add a Protection Plan:
Sorry, your monthly warranty plan was removed because these plans are currently only available for single-item orders.
Add to your order

2 Year Electronics Protection Plan

from Asurion, LLC
  • No Additional Cost: You pay nothing for repairs – parts, labor, and shipping included.
  • Coverage: Plan starts on the date of purchase. Malfunctions covered after the manufacturer's warranty. Power surges covered from day one. Real experts are available 24/7 to help with set-up, connectivity issues, troubleshooting and much more.
  • Easy Claims Process: File a claim anytime online or by phone. Most claims approved within minutes. If we can’t repair it, we’ll send you an Amazon e-gift card for the purchase price of your covered product or replace it.
  • Product Eligibility: Plan must be purchased with a product or within 30 days of the product purchase. Pre-existing conditions are not covered.
  • Terms & Details: More information about this protection plan is available within the “Product guides and documents” section. Simply click “User Guide” for more info. Terms & Conditions will be available in Your Orders on Amazon. Asurion will also email your plan confirmation with Terms & Conditions to the address associated with your Amazon account within 24 hours of purchase.

3 Year Electronics Protection Plan

from Asurion, LLC
  • No Additional Cost: You pay nothing for repairs – parts, labor, and shipping included.
  • Coverage: Plan starts on the date of purchase. Malfunctions covered after the manufacturer's warranty. Power surges covered from day one. Real experts are available 24/7 to help with set-up, connectivity issues, troubleshooting and much more.
  • Easy Claims Process: File a claim anytime online or by phone. Most claims approved within minutes. If we can’t repair it, we’ll send you an Amazon e-gift card for the purchase price of your covered product or replace it.
  • Product Eligibility: Plan must be purchased with a product or within 30 days of the product purchase. Pre-existing conditions are not covered.
  • Terms & Details: More information about this protection plan is available within the “Product guides and documents” section. Simply click “User Guide” for more info. Terms & Conditions will be available in Your Orders on Amazon. Asurion will also email your plan confirmation with Terms & Conditions to the address associated with your Amazon account within 24 hours of purchase.

Asurion Complete Protect: One plan covers all eligible past and future purchases on Amazon

from Asurion, LLC
  • Buy a lot of stuff on Amazon? Tons of items eligible for coverage, from the latest tech like Laptops, Game Consoles, TVs, Phones, and Cameras to major appliances, sporting goods, tools, toys, personal care, furniture, and more.
  • Accidents Happen. That’s why for your portable products we cover accidental damage from handling such as drops, spills and cracked screens. We also cover electrical and mechanical malfunctions, power surges, and wear and tear.
  • Past and Future Purchases covered. 30 days after you are enrolled, all eligible past purchases (up to 1 year prior to enrollment) and future eligible purchases made on Amazon will be covered by your plan as long as you are enrolled.
  • Fast, easy claims. Frustration-Free claims, with most filed in minutes. We will fix it, replace it, or reimburse you with an Amazon e-gift card for the purchase price of your product (excluding tax). File at Asurion.com/amazon.
  • No Hidden Fees. For just $16.99 a month + tax you’re covered for up to $5,000 in claims per 12-month period. *THIS PROGRAM IS MONTH-TO-MONTH AND WILL CONTINUE UNTIL CANCELED* Coverage for all products ends 30 days after the plan is canceled. Cancel any time.
FREE Returns
Looks and functions as if it were new. Item will come in original packaging.
FREE delivery Saturday, February 15
Or Prime members get FREE delivery Wednesday, February 12. Order within 12 hrs 24 mins.
Only 7 left in stock - order soon.
$$313.97 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$313.97
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.

SANGEAN ATS-909X2, Ultimate FM/SW/MW/LW/Air Multi-Band Radio

4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars 491 ratings

$313.97
FREE Returns
Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.
Style: Radio
Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.
Bundles with this item
{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$313.97","priceAmount":313.97,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"313","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"97","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"SQYjFpjaFZ%2F7%2B4CMCgeY1xLOf70%2BxUVDiky3Bmu6lisOqU9YtgMEOksIKgLfmwzI7F59%2FBJ9FZzzKpu030MVAdQ0o%2B2JxcuZrsCyem1ThFIyrfX6sGerCJHuu%2FSFVUTm6AW3T9yocGs1WYkfyPHiRA%3D%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}, {"displayPrice":"$270.86","priceAmount":270.86,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"270","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"86","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"SQYjFpjaFZ%2F7%2B4CMCgeY1xLOf70%2BxUVDMzLZ1qf9v3TQX8OL7BwJfE5w3ABFXIBgSUmrQ96t9XHXXTo5WxTGgGfc0s2jocPWEvviBmLz9to0MP8LbP90nCTCWmbxZBRu5RO9M5OmXuhXH677WgVHzMmkD%2FRfYd6P%2F6GhaTUWd7qQrAEOxyZwCR9GPoYWPn1h","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"USED","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":1}]}

Purchase options and add-ons

Brand Sangean
Color Gray
Special Feature Portable, Built-In AM Antenna, Built-In Clock, Rechargeable
Connectivity Technology Auxiliary
Product Dimensions 8.17"L x 1.34"W x 5.31"H
Tuner Technology AM/FM/SW/LW/AIR
Style Radio
Power Source Corded Electric/Battery
Radio Bands Supported AM/FM/SW/LW/AIR
Included Components Earbuds, Carrying Pouch, Switchable AC Adapter, Portable Shortwave Antenna, Owner's Manual

About this item

  • 1674 station presets with 3 individual memory banks and 42 time zones with dst setting & 2 editable city names. ats (auto tuning system) on lw/mw/sw/fm with 5 tuning methods: direct frequency tuning/auto scanning/manual tuning/memory recall/rotary tuning and fine tuning & quick shift tuning controls. dsp tuner (fm); pll synthesized (mw/lw/sw)
  • New air band mode (118~137mhz), information indications for rds/ps/pty/rt/snr/rssi/memory bank, ssb (single sideband): usb/lsb 10 or 20hz/fine tuning step, manual & automatic bandwidth control and squelch function for adjusting the receiving threshold to eliminate weak transmissions and dual conversions for sw/lw/mw/air bands.
  • Real time clock, 3 alarm timers with radio or hws (humane wake system) buzzer, adjustable sleep and snooze timer, tone controls (music/normal/news), with multi-functional menu and larger lcd screen (3.33” x 1.95”) with led backlight, fm softmute feature, editable station display up to 10 characters and individual headphone amplifier.
  • Built-in advanced battery charger (batteries sold separately) with faulty detection feature, battery & signal strength indicator. rotary tuning, 10 - key input, aux-in, line output and standby.
  • Includes switchable ac adapter (input voltage: ac 100-240v, 50/60hz) ant-60 portable shortwave antenna, protective carrying pouch and quality stereo earbuds.
  • 2.5 mm output jack for timer activation of external recorder, synchronously controlled by alarm.
  • Power source type: AC or Battery Powered (Batteries not included)

Frequently bought together

This item: SANGEAN ATS-909X2, Ultimate FM/SW/MW/LW/Air Multi-Band Radio
$313.97
Get it as soon as Saturday, Feb 15
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
$13.63
Get it as soon as Saturday, Feb 15
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
$17.57
Get it as soon as Saturday, Feb 15
Only 20 left in stock - order soon.
Sold by Hour Loop and ships from Amazon Fulfillment.
Total price: $00
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Details
Added to Cart
spCSRF_Treatment
Some of these items ship sooner than the others.
Choose items to buy together.
Safety and product resources
Safety documents

Important information

Legal Disclaimer

This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

Top Brand: Sangean

Highly Rated
50K+ customers rate items from this brand highly
Trending
10K+ orders for this brand in past 3 months
Low Returns
Customers usually keep items from this brand

From the brand

Compare with similar items

This Item
SANGEAN ATS-909X2, Ultimate FM/SW/MW/LW/Air Multi-Band Radio
SANGEAN ATS-909X2, Ultimate FM/SW/MW/LW/Air Multi-Band Radio
Recommendations
Tecsun Digital PL320 AM/FM/LW/SW DSP Worldband Radio
 
Tecsun PL680 Portable Digital PLL Dual Conversion AM/FM/LW/SW and Air Band Radio with SSB (Single Side Band) Reception
 
Eton Elite Executive AM/FM/Aircraft Band/SSB/Shortwave Radio
 
Tecsun PL880 Portable Digital PLL Dual Conversion AM/FM Longwave Shortwave Radio with SSB (Single Side Band) Reception
 
Tecsun H501 Digital Worldband AM/FM Shortwave Longwave Radio with SSB Reception, Dual Speakers, & MP3 Player, Matte Black
Details
Added to Cart
Details
Added to Cart
Details
Added to Cart
Details
Added to Cart
Details
Added to Cart
Details
Added to Cart
Price$313.97$59.99$159.98-19% $162.96
List:$199.99
$169.98$329.98
Delivery
Get it as soon as Saturday, Feb 15
Get it as soon as Saturday, Feb 15
Get it as soon as Saturday, Feb 15
Get it as soon as Saturday, Feb 15
Customer Ratings
Sold By
power source
supported bands
connectivity tech
hardware interface
display type
power rating
frequency
voltage

From the manufacturer

SANGEAN ATS-909X portable shortwave radio

Small Changes with Noticeable Improvements

SANGEAN ATS-909X has been widely regarded by the ham radio community as one of the best portable shortwave radio out there. Now with the new and improved 2nd gen ATS-909X2, we’ve made some significant improvements over the functionality while refining the already-excellent features on the original model.

SANGEAN ATS-909X portable shortwave radio

SANGEAN, Sangean logo
Established in 1974

SANGEAN Electronics has been engineering and manufacturing world band radios, portable pocket radio equipment, and other advanced audio equipment for over 40 years.

SANGEAN Electronics has established a reputation for manufacturing the highest quality and performance products in the consumer electronics industry. We’ll continue to strive for the best to achieve maximum success for our customers.

A Portable Shortwave Radio That's Hard to Beat

SANGEAN ATS-909X2

Our patented 5-level auto bandwidth control made its debut on the 909X platform. It automatically selects the optimal bandwidth according to the signal to noise ratio (SNR), bringing the best possible sound quality while ensuring weaker signals can be received. There’s also the option to manually adjust the bandwidth, giving you the freedom to fine-tune the sound to your likings.

  • Auto Tuning System With 1674 Presets
  • Supports Single Side Band (SSB) USB/LSB
  • Airband Mode (118MHz-137MHz)
  • RF Gain & Squelch Control for AM Band
  • 5-level Auto Bandwidth Control
  • Rechargeable Battery Charger with Battery Faulty Detection Feature
  • FM Softmute Feature
  • Larger LCD Display with Backlight

SANGEAN ATS-909X portable shortwave radio

Auto Tuning System With 1674 Presets

ATS automatically scans for radio stations on the SW, MW, LW or FM band and store the stations with the strongest signal as preset stations with up to 1674 memory slots. (Each of the 3 memory banks stores a preset of 441SW/45 airband/36 FM/27MW/9LW)

SANGEAN ATS-909X portable shortwave radio

Unparalleled Reception

With the included reel antenna (up to 23 feet), the signal reception can be significantly improved. Supports single side band (SSB) USB/LSB 10 or 20Hz/Fine tuning step. With the Squelch function, you can adjust the receiving threshold to eliminate weak transmissions.

SANGEAN ATS-909X portable shortwave radio

Rotary Wheel for Optimum Performance

The rotary wheel offers easy tuning and setting adjustment. By pressing the Enter button while rotating the wheel, you can tune the radio at 10 times the speed, making it much more efficient to tune into your desired channels.

SANGEAN ATS-909X portable shortwave radio

Rechargeable Battery Charger with Error Detection

ATS-909X2’s battery compartment can detect battery abnormalities when charging through the AC adapter. The faulty battery will be shown on the screen and indicated by its bay number.

ATS-909X2 portable shortwave radio comparison chart

What's in the box

  • Owner's Manual
  • Switchable AC Adapter
  • Portable Shortwave Antenna
  • Earbuds
  • Carrying Pouch
  • Looking for specific info?

    Product information

    Warranty & Support

    Manufacturer’s warranty can be requested from customer service. Click here to make a request to customer service.

    Feedback

    SANGEAN ATS-909X2, Ultimate FM/SW/MW/LW/Air Multi-Band Radio


    Found a lower price? Let us know. Although we can't match every price reported, we'll use your feedback to ensure that our prices remain competitive.

    Where did you see a lower price?

    Price Availability
    /
    /
    /
    /
    Please sign in to provide feedback.

    Product Description

    1674 Station Presets with 3 Individual Memory Banks
    Brand New Air Band Mode (118~137MHz)
    ATS (Auto Tuning System) on LW/MW/SW/FM
    5 Tuning Methods: Direct Frequency Tuning/Auto Scanning/Manual Tuning/Memory Recall/Rotary Tuning
    Fine Tuning & Quick Shift Tuning Controls
    3 Alarm Timers with Radio or HWS (Humane Wake System) Buzzer
    42 Time Zones with DST Setting & 2 Editable City Names
    Manual & Automatic Bandwidth Control
    Information Indications for RDS/PS/PTY/RT/SNR/RSSI/Memory Bank
    SSB (Single Sideband): USB/LSB 10 or 20Hz/Fine Tuning Step
    Squelch Function for Adjusting the Receiving Threshold to Eliminate Weak Transmissions
    Dual Conversions for SW/LW/MW/Air Bands
    Advanced Battery Charger with Faulty Detection Feature
    Battery & Signal Strength Indicator
    Individual Headphone Amplifier
    FM Softmute Feature
    Multi-Functional Menu
    Larger LCD Screen with LED Backlight
    Editable Station Display up to 10 Characters
    Tone Control (Music/Normal/News)
    Adjustable Sleep Timer

    ✅SPECIFICATIONS
    Width (inch): 8.14
    Height (inch): 5.27
    Depth (inch): 1.61
    Weight (pounds): 1.6

    Customer reviews

    4.1 out of 5 stars
    491 global ratings

    Review this product

    Share your thoughts with other customers

    Customers say

    Customers appreciate the radio's quality and build quality. They find it a great multiband radio with good FM reception and air band performance. Many customers are satisfied with the look of the product. However, some have differing opinions on reception, sound quality, ease of use, functionality, and value for money.

    AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

    49 customers mention "Radio quality"49 positive0 negative

    Customers like the radio quality. They say it's a superb radio, FM is also very good, and a great multiband radio. The air band is fantastic, and it can take all sorts of big antennas. Many consider it an excellent emergency radio, with good performance on all bands.

    "This is a superb radio. I'm a ham radio operator and have used a lot of radios, including the predecessor of this one...." Read more

    "...Turns out to be a great radio and it’s a keeper as far as I am concerned...." Read more

    "...in case you travel to Europe, but otherwise it is still a very good aviation radio...." Read more

    "...FM is also very good although I don't get why they didn't set up the unit to use an external antenna...." Read more

    47 customers mention "Build quality"33 positive14 negative

    Customers appreciate the radio's build quality. They find it well-made, dependable, and well-designed. The radio case is nice, with a good display, audio quality, and good SSB performance.

    "...Looks-Feel-Quality I am more of a function over form person but I will say this is a very attractive radio...." Read more

    "...The build quality for a portable is very good, in my opinion...." Read more

    "...The last element on the whip antenna of the Tecsun is very flimsy indeed and I almost bent it already after just one hour of operation...." Read more

    "...The manufacturing materials are resistant and of good quality. It has a large LCD screen with lighting control that is very pleasant...." Read more

    24 customers mention "Look"24 positive0 negative

    Customers appreciate the radio's appearance. They find it well-designed with a nice display and good backlighting. The ergonomics and overall build quality are excellent. The radio excels at FM reception, with superb sensitivity and selectivity.

    "...more of a function over form person but I will say this is a very attractive radio...." Read more

    "...If has a great modern looking design with a very nice and informative display screen...." Read more

    "...Can't get used to it very quickly 😕 Like the overall appearance, back-lit LCD,..." Read more

    "Ok, I got the radio this afternoon. It's nice, well thought out. Except for the cheap knob that controls volume...." Read more

    71 customers mention "Reception"39 positive32 negative

    Customers have mixed reception experiences with the radio. Some report good shortwave reception and FM broadcast performance with an amplified antenna, while others report weak AM signals and poor amateur band performance. The external antenna doesn't work properly when plugged in or held on.

    "...That said, the one it has works well for SSB - not too wide, not too narrow...." Read more

    "...- On 49m in AM mode, in the evening: Signals are weak here on the west coast in general, but both radios make the best of it...." Read more

    "...The FM Broadcast performance is good too. I like the RDS feature, but I don't consider it essential...." Read more

    "I like this radio. It’s working out really good for me. Read the directions and take your time setting it up...." Read more

    68 customers mention "Sound quality"36 positive32 negative

    Customers have mixed opinions about the radio's sound quality. Some find it great with low noise floor and clear voice reception on SSB. Others experience issues like low volume on SW, volume reduction when switching to SSB, and static on the AM band. The volume knob is difficult to turn for some customers.

    "...AM and FM are also great and the sound quality is very good. Update: After a few days and nights with the radio, I like it even more...." Read more

    "...In my bathroom on the whip antenna, I could notice the audio go noticeably lower when switching to SSB...." Read more

    "...A radio is supposed to sound good, right ? This one does sound good ! The previous model had somewhat " muddy audio " on AM and shortwave...." Read more

    "...Sound quality is decent from the speaker and good with headphones although bass and treble adjustments would've been nice, the 3 sound selection..." Read more

    34 customers mention "Ease of use"22 positive12 negative

    Customers have different views on the radio's ease of use. Some find the step button intuitive and easy to use, with an easy-to-learn memory system offering 3 different memory banks with 500+ memories. Others find it non-intuitive and overly complicated, with a steep learning curve and a user interface that is not the best. The instructions manual could be improved to make it a bit more user-friendly.

    "...The original Sangean 909 has always been a pleasant radio to use with a lot of nice features, but had been lacking in a few key areas, including..." Read more

    "...Not hard, just got to read the manual to enjoy the radio to the fullest. Looks-Feel-Quality..." Read more

    "...Many functions are just non-intuitive to me and overly complicated, and I have an electronics engineering degree. I want to store a station...." Read more

    "...Is it perfection? No. But its easier to work with than a BFO knob. Also the AGC isn't too bad on SSB...." Read more

    19 customers mention "Functionality"12 positive7 negative

    Customers have different views on the radio's functionality. Some find it performs admirably, with strong shortwave frequencies, SSB, FM, and AM performance on whip/ferrite antennas. The receiver is described as one of the best ever made for DXing. However, others report issues like the display not working, the ATS feature not working on this band, and the radio not turning on.

    "...with the version 2, and now this radio is the complete package of nice operation and great performance...." Read more

    "...The memroy scan is also good. Pity the ATS wont work on this band. The SW ATS over a range is a long wanted feature...." Read more

    "...Is it as good as this Sangean? No. But it does perform quite well and you won't cry too hard if you damage or lose it when traveling...." Read more

    "...So it appears that this set is capable of operating quite well with a varied range of antennas. Unfortunately there’s bad news...." Read more

    19 customers mention "Value for money"10 positive9 negative

    Customers have different views on the radio's value for money. Some find it well-built and with a great display, while others consider it overpriced for its performance and repair costs.

    "...It comes with a nice travel case. I think it is worth the money." Read more

    "...No need to change bands. While this is a little pricey I'd say it's worth the money." Read more

    "It cost a lot and delivers but is it that much greater than a radio of 1/4 the price?..." Read more

    "...A good sync detector would be very useful . Too expensive. This radio should not cost more than about $200...." Read more

    A true upgrade from the last version EXCEPT the volume knob Sucks!!
    5 out of 5 stars
    A true upgrade from the last version EXCEPT the volume knob Sucks!!
    Im JR. Dude from Detroit, I love the ATS 909X SW Radio and thats why I bought the new version the ATS 909X2 I think its a great radio BUT the volume know is hard to turn, its just slippery plastic where as the older version was a rubberized plastic. I was able to fix this with a very skinny strip of friction tape, problem solved but I would like Sangean to fix this problem please!! This is an expensive radio and in this respect this problem is a total downgrade. The only other complaint would be to add blue tooth option, everybody uses blue tooth now.
    Thank you for your feedback
    Sorry, there was an error
    Sorry we couldn't load the review

    Top reviews from the United States

    • Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2021
      Style: RadioVerified Purchase
      This is a superb radio. I'm a ham radio operator and have used a lot of radios, including the predecessor of this one. The original Sangean 909 has always been a pleasant radio to use with a lot of nice features, but had been lacking in a few key areas, including sensitivity. This is all fixed with the version 2, and now this radio is the complete package of nice operation and great performance. On my first night, I already spent a few hours listening in on 80m in SSB, all with the built-in whip. AM and FM are also great and the sound quality is very good.

      Update: After a few days and nights with the radio, I like it even more. Originally I was a bit disappointed that they did not add a synch detector. But it turns out that ECSS works impressively well on this radio. (ECSS is a fancy term for listening to AM broadcast stations in single side band mode, to remove audio distortions caused by signal fading). In fact it works better than synch detectors on many other radios, as there is no need for a synch detector to "lock on". Just switch to SSB if you have a weak or fading station, and it becomes very stable, and audio quality is good.

      Update 2:
      I had the chance now to directly compare this radio with the latest Tecsun PL-990. Here are my observations. All based on using the built-in whip antenna.

      - On 49m in AM mode, in the evening: Signals are weak here on the west coast in general, but both radios make the best of it. There was no station that one radio received that I could not also hear on the other. The sound quality is quite similar. The noise floor on the Tecsun is perhaps a bit better, and weak signals very slightly more understandable. While the Sangean subjectively sounds better, especially when the signals are a bit stronger. Overall I would say it is a tie. I'd be happy with either one of them.

      - Still on 49m, listening to AM broadcast stations, but now switching to single side band mode. The Tecsun has a Synch detector mode for this. Turning it on first results in several seconds of silence (audio muted), while the display shows some kind of "busy" icon. This is annoying, and it soon gets old when switching forth and back often. Once the Synch detector is finally on, the sound becomes muffled, and slightly distorted. The Sangean does not have a Synch mode, so I use LSB directly (kind of a manual ECSS, as described above). In this mode, the sound is great, and clearly beats the Tecsun here. The Tecsun allows to switch bandwidths in SSB and Synch modes. Even with the widest bandwidth of 4kHz, the sound is still muffled. The Sangean only provides a single bandwidth in SSB mode, a fact that originally irked me. But whatever bandwidth Sangean implemented here, it sounds very good!

      - Next up, let's listen to ham radio stations on 80m in SSB. Here, the Tecsun shows the same muffled sound I observed above. In addition, there is more distortion now. It appears to me that the beginning of each transmission (the first syllable spoken by the ham) is being clipped in the RF amp by the Tecsun. This would mean that they have AGC turned on in SSB mode, and with a pretty short time constant at that. Not good! The Sangean sounds cleaner and smoother here. It has manual gain control via a small wheel on the left side, as it should be. In addition, I noticed that the Sangean appears to be very slightly more sensitive. When listening in on a ham radio "ragchew" with stations across America, I could follow all of them on the Sangean (albeit with some difficulty for the weakest ones), while weak stations on the Tecsun occasionally dropped out. Mind you, this difference was very slight. In most cases, both radios performed the same. Overall though, just based on sound and distortion, this point goes to Sangean.

      - I also tried the 20m ham radio band during the day. Findings were very similar to what I described above on 80m, except both radios were really equally sensitive now.

      - Some remarks on the physical aspects and operation of these radios: The Tecsun is noticeably more compact, which is really nice! I also preferred the tuning and volume wheels on the right, over the Sangean. These controls on the Tecsun are pleasant to operate, with one thumb if needed. The volume control on the Sangean needs to be gripped with thumb and index finger to operate, and the tuning dial on the front is workable, but not my cup of tea. I also liked that the Tecsun allows to turn on the display backlight permanently when desired. On the other hand, the buttons on the Sangean are bigger and more pleasant to operate, and it has the large display. The whip antenna is larger and a lot more sturdy! The last element on the whip antenna of the Tecsun is very flimsy indeed and I almost bent it already after just one hour of operation. You need to be very gentle with it.

      - As for features: The Sangean has RDS and the air band, while the Tecsun has an MP3 player and bluetooth. It depends here what your preference is. The sound quality of both radios on FM is very good. I did not compare them on the AM broadcast band yet, maybe in another update.

      Overall, both radios are very good and I'd be happy with either one, but I'd give the edge to the Sangean.
      258 people found this helpful
      Report
    • Reviewed in the United States on January 18, 2022
      Style: RadioVerified Purchase
      This radio had mixed reviews when it came out so I intentionally bought this from Amazon in case there were issues. Turns out to be a great radio and it’s a keeper as far as I am concerned. I purchased this right before Christmas and have the latest firmware (73) so that might explain while mine works well compared to earlier reviews.. Not sure though.

      One of the main complaints on this radio is that it has low audio on SSB. First thing I did when I got the unit was to test for this issue and here is what I have found: Yes with a weak signal, you may notice this. But with a normal or strong signal this does not happen. The bathroom off of my hallway is the most central room in my house and is a dead zone and great room for testing. In my bathroom on the whip antenna, I could notice the audio go noticeably lower when switching to SSB. I then walked in my backyard and still on the whip/same station and it did not do this because I had a stronger signal outside. I then made a longwire antenna that runs along the eve of my house into my bedroom . On this antenna I have never experienced this SSB audio issue.

      The other common complaint that I do agree with and consider it a big oops is the lack of filter selection on SSB. On AM, it has 5 different filters to choose from but only 1 on SSB. Not sure why but for the price, it should have more. That said, the one it has works well for SSB - not too wide, not too narrow.

      Last oops: Sangean was an early adopter of RDS and had it years before just about anyone else. I know they had it by the mid 90’s so why in the heck does this thing not show RDS time/date data? The ⅓ the price XHDATA 808 has this feature so this is another oversight.

      Despite what I have said about SSB, I will say this radio has some of the best SSB audio I have heard. Yes that is very subjective so let me say it is very clear and the kind you can listen to for hours without getting “tired”. The Tecsun 880 also has excellent audio but it gets distorted on strong signals and the 909x2 does not do that. The 909x2 also appears to be more sensitive (on SWL) over the 880 in my bathroom tests and seems to tie the XHDATA D808. Again, my tests are very subjective but at least I know this radio is not deaf by any means.

      Features: basically functionality is pretty intuitive. You can change frequencies by using buttons, the dial or the keypad. Storing a frequency in memory is easy as well once you play with it a bit and learn their system. But some of the more advanced features require reading the manual but it is NOT HARD once you read the manual. Now they do gloss over some details like the fact the radio has 3 memory banks. If I had not read the Amazon ad, I would have never known this because it’s only briefly mentioned in the manual and you have to enter a sub menu to access it.
      Not hard, just got to read the manual to enjoy the radio to the fullest.

      Looks-Feel-Quality

      I am more of a function over form person but I will say this is a very attractive radio. It at least appears to be of higher quality than any of my other radios (Tecsuns and XHDATA). It is not cheap plastic like the Chinese brands and the Antenna is much better quality than what the Chinese provide. The buttons look and feel better and the radio is much heavier .

      The LCD is very large and easy to read, by far the best display I have.

      The front of the radio reminds me of some high end Sony from their heyday and the top reminds me of my grandfather's Trans-Oceanic from the late 60’-early 70’s .

      The bad side of this is the radio is too nice to be a constant travel companion- vacations are fine just not all the time. . If I was someone who travels a lot , I would bring a smaller Tecsun or Xhdata in case it was lost/stolen or damaged . They are much smaller in both price and size and I would not feel as bad if something happened. This radio is at home in your shack or by your bedside on your night stand and that is exactly how I use it.

      Button line: The only reason I would think of returning this radio is the fact that Amazon has dropped the price $30 since Christmas and I am still within the return period . But I know I have a good one and I am happy with it., If you have any reservations about the radio, just buy it from Amazon so there is no risk if you have any issues.
      104 people found this helpful
      Report

    Top reviews from other countries

    Translate all reviews to English
    • Andrey 514
      5.0 out of 5 stars The best radio 📻 on the market
      Reviewed in Canada on November 19, 2024
      Style: RadioVerified Purchase
      I have a good collection of radios like around 20 items. Sangean 909x2 is the best of the best frankly speaking. Noble sound, high sensitivity, a lot of functions, like ssb, air, line in, line out, and such a pleasure to use it.
      Highly recommended
    • ESTEBAN GCANO
      5.0 out of 5 stars Radio de excelente calidad y recepción
      Reviewed in Mexico on July 31, 2024
      Style: RadioVerified Purchase
      El radio es de muy buena calidad y tiene una excelente recepción,
    • Clive S.
      5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully constructed.
      Reviewed in Australia on August 27, 2024
      Style: RadioVerified Purchase
      So well built,thought of just about every thing,it is a quality item,and well supported by Amazon.
    • Eugene
      5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic FM reception and quality build
      Reviewed in Singapore on April 1, 2023
      Style: RadioVerified Purchase
      Seems expensive but offers much cleaner FM reception; when compared to full analogue (Sony P26) or DSP radios (Tecsun PL660, Sangean SR35) at the same location.

      Build quality shows in the hefty case build and LCD panel.
    • José Iván Gonzalez Cortes
      5.0 out of 5 stars ES UNA EXCELENTE RADIO
      Reviewed in Mexico on January 25, 2023
      Style: RadioVerified Purchase
      EN MI OPINIÓN ES UNA RADIO GENIAL SU SENSIBILIDAD EN AM ME ENCANTA, ES MUY CARO, PERO VALE LA PENA ADQUIRIRLO, EN ONDA CORTA SE SINTONIZA MUY BIEN, TE RECOMIENDO USARLO EN LUGARES DONDE NO HAY MUCHA URBANIZACION CAPTA SEÑALES DE OTROS LUGARES LEJANOS MUY INDEPENDIENTE DE LA ONDA CORTA EH RECIBIDO EN AM ESTACIONES DE ESTADOS UNIDOS SIENDO EN EL DIA ESO ME IMPRESIONA BASTANTE.