Tecsun PL-330 or XHData D-808?

[ditto1958]

If these two radios were your options and you had to choose one, which would it be? I don’t have a dog in this race, but am just curious. They both do very similar things, are sort of the same size, and are in the same general price range. The Tecsun has sync, but not airband. The D-808 has airband and no sync feature.

Both are from brands that have been around for a bit. The D-808 is twice as thick as the PL-330, and uses 18650 button top battery. The PL-330 uses a BL-5(C) battery.

So, very similarly featured, lotta positive reviews for both. Tough choice if you ask me.

 

[popnokick]

Both are from brands that have been around for a bit.

XH-DATA is the newer of the two, started in 2015. Tecsun has been around since 2014. And are you also considering similar models from C Crane, Eton / Grundig, Qodosen, Malahit, and Sangean? They are out there and likely similarly affected by the changes in tariffs. How did you come to prioritize the D-808 and PL-330?

 

[ditto1958]

XH-DATA is the newer of the two, started in 2015. Tecsun has been around since 2014. And are you also considering similar models from C Crane, Eton / Grundig, Qodosen, Malahit, and Sangean? They are out there and likely similarly affected by the changes in tariffs. How did you come to prioritize the D-808 and PL-330?

Tbh, I’m just curious, not planning to buy either one right now. But I like radios, and I’ve noticed these two get a lot of attention online and get generally positive reviews. Full disclosure, I’m tempted by both of these, but domt actually need another receiver. 😇

 

[G7RUX]

The Tecsun, they make decent sets and the 330 is really rather nice.

 

[popnokick]

XH-DATA is the newer of the two, started in 2015. Tecsun has been around since 2014. And are you also considering similar models from C Crane, Eton / Grundig, Qodosen, Malahit, and Sangean? They are out there and likely similarly affected by the changes in tariffs. How did you come to prioritize the D-808 and PL-330?

My error: Tecsun started in 1994.

 

[ditto1958]

My error: Tecsun started in 1994.

Yes, Tecsun has been around for a bit. XHData, though, I’m told they are the manufacturers of C. Crane radios. I have radios from both Tecsun and XHData and they’re all good products.

 

[G7RUX]

I used to have the 310 I think it was (got stolen) and now have the 880, both are/were fine radios.

 

[LCRay]

You asked, so for what it's worth.
I like them both but overall the....
TECSUN 330 is much more user friendly than the D-808.
Have both ,and use them, so not just repeating reviewers opinions.
The D- 808 memory storage is particularly awkward, as well as, changing frequencies , to mention a few examples i find a little tedious.
There are a couple more features that make one wonder if the designers actually use these radios.
The XHdata may be a tad more sensitive and selective but that may be a my imagination.
It's OK for someone really likes to listen to Air traffic ,and they could tolerate the awkward user interface of the D-808.
So my choice would be the Tecsun 330.

 

[ditto1958]

You asked, so for what it's worth.
I like them both but overall the....
TECSUN 330 is much more user friendly than the D-808.
Have both ,and use them, so not just repeating reviewers opinions.
The D- 808 memory storage is particularly awkward, as well as, changing frequencies , to mention a few examples i find a little tedious.
There are a couple more features that make one wonder if the designers actually use these radios.
The XHdata may be a tad more sensitive and selective but that may be a my imagination.
It's OK for someone really likes to listen to Air traffic ,and they could tolerate the awkward user interface of the D-808.
So my choice would be the Tecsun 330.

I’m not sure when the D-808 came out, but the PL-330 seems to have a more modern interface.