Limited amount of money, which radio gives the best bang for the bucks?
Eton Elite Executive or Tecsun 330
- Thread starter shirsch101
- Start date
With my own money, it would be the Tecsun PL-330. Sideband and build quality would be my reasons.
My last Eton radio suffered from LCD connection issues and others had the slimey plastic that takes brake cleaner to wash off.
I own many Tecsun radios now, but only a couple of Eton radios.
Tecsun also has a similar programming and button layout, I do not need to read the manuals as much when going between different models (I also like the "walkie-talkie" format ones [PL360/PL-365/PL-368] series).
Also, while the Tecsun PL-380 is cheaper, it lacks sideband, in case you want to listen to amateur radio types. spend a little more and get the PL-330...a solid radio that will last a long time.
My last Eton radio suffered from LCD connection issues and others had the slimey plastic that takes brake cleaner to wash off.
I own many Tecsun radios now, but only a couple of Eton radios.
Tecsun also has a similar programming and button layout, I do not need to read the manuals as much when going between different models (I also like the "walkie-talkie" format ones [PL360/PL-365/PL-368] series).
Also, while the Tecsun PL-380 is cheaper, it lacks sideband, in case you want to listen to amateur radio types. spend a little more and get the PL-330...a solid radio that will last a long time.
- Joined
- Jul 26, 2019
- Messages
- 119
The Eton Elite Executive has sideband support, although given current band conditions that may be moot. 
I have no complaints about its build quality, although it suffers the same issues as other radios of its size - too small buttons/text and a somewhat unintuitive interface with obscure procedures (e.g. to charge the batteries hit '7' while the radio is off').
Somehow the Sihuadon R-108 has a more natural interface which flows better. No sideband though.
I have no complaints about its build quality, although it suffers the same issues as other radios of its size - too small buttons/text and a somewhat unintuitive interface with obscure procedures (e.g. to charge the batteries hit '7' while the radio is off').
Somehow the Sihuadon R-108 has a more natural interface which flows better. No sideband though.
Last edited:
The Eton was, imho, overpriced until April of this year. You can currently get them on eBay for less than $50 and Amazon for $88. At those prices, it’s a steal.
The Tecsun is smaller and lighter if that‘s important. The Tecsun comes with carrying pouch, battery, earbuds, USB charging cord. The Eton comes with case and AC adapter/Charging unit.
Both are probably equally sensitive receivers.
The Tecsun is smaller and lighter if that‘s important. The Tecsun comes with carrying pouch, battery, earbuds, USB charging cord. The Eton comes with case and AC adapter/Charging unit.
Both are probably equally sensitive receivers.
A number of reviewers have said that the Eton and the XHData/Sihuadon D-808 are twins internally. So, if a person likes the R-108, they probably will like operating the D-808 also. I think that if price is a factor the Eton is by far the best deal as they are still cheap on eBay.The Eton Elite Executive has sideband support, although given current band conditions that may be moot.
I have no complaints about its build quality, although it suffers the same issues as other radios of its size - too small buttons/text and a somewhat unintuitive interface with obscure procedures (e.g. to charge the batteries hit '7' while the radio is off').
Somehow the Sihuadon R-108 has a more natural interface which flows better. No sideband though.
