Best portable Shortwave radio with USB & LSB

Boombox

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Sep 2, 2012
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If you have the budget, a Sangean ATS-909X2 might be the way to go. I've read nothing but good reports on that radio. There are a couple Tecsuns that seem to do well on USB/LSB, but I don't recall which model is better.
 

Blackswan73

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In that price point I would recommend the Tecsun 501/x. However, although it is an excellent choice you can purchase a used Radio Shack DX-440, or a Sangean 803a for about 40-60 dollars that will perform just as well as the Tecsun.

B.S.
 

K4EET

Chaplain
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Feb 18, 2015
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Budget is around $250
I take it that your request for the

“Best portable Shortwave radio with USB & LSB”​

means what is the best that I can get for $250 tops. While there may be some candidates at and below that price point, you may want to look at the advertisements for SWL receivers across the price spectrum. You would be wise to consider SWL receivers above the $250 price point. Then possibly consider purchasing a better receiver on the “previously owned” market. If you are careful with what you buy and who you buy from, you could find a much better receiver in the sub-$250 range. Would you be willing to consider that option or do you want to limit the search to new-in-box only? I see that @Blackswan73 beat me to this thought while I was typing… 🤣🤣🤣
 

Blackswan73

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With the sanctions the current administration is considering against Russia, the Belka, which is an excellent receiver, may not be a viable option

B.S.
 

ka3jjz

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Folks have been able to buy the Belka despite the Russian sanctions currently in place. What the future holds in uncertain

Mike
 

Slippery999

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Jan 8, 2025
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The C.Crane Skywave SSB is well within your budget you stated. Great little Receiver.
I love my C. Crane Skywave SSB2. It does everything well. Herr are many videos of mine in action from Hawaii. 🤙🏻

 

Slippery999

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Jan 8, 2025
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I love my C. Crane Skywave SSB2. It does everything well. Herr are many videos of mine in action from Hawaii. 🤙🏻

You can get it at the link below for $149.99.

 

D31245

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Dec 11, 2023
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For used, the Sony ICF-SW7600GR might be a consideration for SSB performance.

From: RECEIVER REVIEW: SONY ICF-SW7600GR – Medium Wave Circle

THE SIDE PANELS​

ICFSW76 side

The left panel has connectors for an external antenna, audio and headphone stereo outputs, and a DC input. The attenuator control is variable.

ICFSW76 right side

The right panel has the volume control, a two-position tone switch, and a three-position mode selector. Note the synchronous sideband detection is fixed to the chosen sideband, whereas SSB tuning – for amateur radio and utility station reception – is accomplished by a variable control.
 
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