Looking to get into shortwave listening and would like something portable that can do SSB and is not a complete battery hog.
If you had to choose a beginner unit, would you pick the Sony ICF-7600GR, Yaesu VR-500, or something else entirely? For some reason the VR-500 appeals to me (already have a Uniden BR330T, have had an Icom R-5 in the past), but I'm sure the Sony will have better performance out of the box. Unfortunately, the reviews I've read seem to show the VR-500 has anemic speaker volume. But the shirt-pocket size is pretty nice. The Sony reviews indicate weaker speaker audio, too.
Looking to keep this below $200 and am not planning on hooking up any external antennae at this time. Small enough to take traveling is a definite plus, as is running on AA batteries.
Decisions, decisions... any and all suggestions & tips appreciated. Thanks!
If you had to choose a beginner unit, would you pick the Sony ICF-7600GR, Yaesu VR-500, or something else entirely? For some reason the VR-500 appeals to me (already have a Uniden BR330T, have had an Icom R-5 in the past), but I'm sure the Sony will have better performance out of the box. Unfortunately, the reviews I've read seem to show the VR-500 has anemic speaker volume. But the shirt-pocket size is pretty nice. The Sony reviews indicate weaker speaker audio, too.
Looking to keep this below $200 and am not planning on hooking up any external antennae at this time. Small enough to take traveling is a definite plus, as is running on AA batteries.
Decisions, decisions... any and all suggestions & tips appreciated. Thanks!