Comparing Scanners

[Rleshane]

I don't need PL/DPL or trunking capabilities in my area. Is there some other advantage to buying a scanner such as PRO-163 1000 CH Triple Trunking Mobile/Base Scanner - RadioShack.com over a RadioShack® 200-Channel Desktop Radio Scanner - RadioShack.com ?

I guess what I'm asking is, if I don't need the "features" of a $200 to $400 scanner, would my sound quality/reception be the same from a $99 scanner?

Thanks!

 

[jackj]

Yes, the sound quality will be about the same...but.... Narrow banding of VHF/UHF will reduce the perceived signal to noise ratio. I don't know if the more expensive radios will handle this better or not. Heck, I don't even know if my 996T will handle it well.

 

[madhatter66]

I know you are looking at desktops, but here is an observation in handhelds... I have the handheld equivalent to both of those... The sound exactly the same. I actually bought the 404 first, and didn't like how small the banks were and ended up buying a 164 as well. The 164 held more per bank, which was exactly what I was looking for... Also, the 164/163 have alpha tags, which is actually quite nice... Personally, if you can afford it, I would buy the 163, buying a little more scanner is worth it, especially later on when you want the little bit more scanner to play with... Not bashing the 200 channel, and if that does exactly what you are looking for, then it is a great scanner and the sound quality should be about comparable...

 

[SAR923]

I'll play devil's advocate. If you have only a limited number of frequencies in your area, you have them all memorized, there's no trunking coming in the near future, and you just want a radio to listen to public safety and maybe the air band or railroads, the $99 desktop scanner will be just fine. There's not much difference in sensitivity for the casual listener between this radio and the Pro-163. Back in the old days, we used to memorize what we were listening to depending on what light bulb or LED was on. With a scanner that at least shows the frequencies, you can easily memorize the frequencies and agencies, as long as you only listen to a limited number of channels. I can still tell you the frequency plan for LASO in 1966 from memory today. :lol: