A final conclusion of the cheap Ebay China radio's recently reviewed.

[@BuffaloBetties]

Kaito, Tecsun, Degen, Eton, & Grundig are currently all made by the same people in the same factory. But they are one of the better Chinese radio factories.

[@greggaieck4808]

Frid in the shed your utube videos are awesome information on shortwave receivers

[@artur19846]

Back in the dear old 90s, when we were listening to the radio (recording songs on tape cassettes), we used to dream of computers who are able to connect to some world network called the Internet which was thought to be the most perfect source of information. Now when we even have smartphones with the Internet and all kinds of means of communication, we dream of a good radio receiver! Paradox! As for me, I got Tivdio 115, XHData 808 and now I am waiting for a Tecsun R 9012! Can't wait!

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Arthur that is a very good point.

[@CarlosAguila]

Nostalgia is a powerful thing.

[@qwertykeyboard5901]

Speaking of the 90s: A lot of the "personal stereos" of that time are built like crap. Sure, they perform pretty well! But oh WOW. They are built terribly.

[@hamrad88]

Excellent review with lots of good information. Thumbs up. Tom

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Thanks Tom. All the best buddy.

[@RingwayManchester]

How have I only just seen this video mate. I've been looking at some of those Kaide sets too. Great job.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi Lewis. I would say avoid the super cheap Kaide SW radios. The little MW one is quite good. If you want SW then spend a little more a buy a Tecsun.

[@SFVYachtClub]

Hey, I had one of those Eton radios in middle school. I traded some dirty skateboard bearings for a gram of weed, but held onto it because I was too scared to try and smoke it. I traded the bag for the radio at a friend's house. I don't even think it actually belonged to him, it was probably his parents' lol. I didn't even listen to radio, I just thought it looked cool as heck. I ended up hearing my first number station broadcast later that night when I was wondering "AM, FM... SW? What's SW?" and letting the auto-scan pick up stations.

[@terryfisher8872]

HI fredintheshed1. That last model (Tecsun) is the same model I just built that I got for $10 US. It is from China (Bang Good company) and is titled the model SNT-2902. Same exact thing but no LED's on the top left and no antenna wire included. The SW comes in great, AM too, though I still have some tuning to do to get the FM to come in. It has 4 IF modules, and I have to tweak those yet, but the parts are so cheap that every time I take it apart to tune it, something breaks and I have to rewire and reroute the circuit. The feel you like of the tuner is a 3 wheel system with teeth that resemble a saw in a wood mill. Thanks for the review, as I am impressed that I can get the SW with no MW bleed over as I live next to a AM radio broadcast tower. Thanks for the great video and review!

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Thanks Terry. That AM tower might cause you ghost stations on SW esp on a long wire. The better the radio the better the filtering.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5Spi5WvYp51atk

[@terryfisher8872]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5S6opKZrZZ9frc I am having trouble with the FM reception. The directions are in Chinese for assembly. The printed circuit board requires a 18picofarad capacitor, but what was supplied was a 47microfarad. Maybe that is the problem. Either way, I don't dare take it apart one more time as the part are so cheap I am afraid I will have to reroute more electronic ties.

[@christophercullin9309]

I have found a prunus brand version of this receiver has direct channel input and covers 2mhz-21mhz on shortwave bands.Very bright red LED display got to be the best buy for £20 with very good speaker volume

[@johnheaphy5815]

I found the Grundig version of the M400 radio from Goodwill at $17.49 US, while Amazon had the Eton M400 for $174.95 US, and a red Grundig version of the M400 at $249.95.

[@jjcoolaus]

The 2020 equivalent of the best radio there is the tecsun R-9012. It costs $30 AU (₤14 or $21 US) all day long on ebay. I've taken this on a few trips and it's been great

[@jeffking4176]

Kaide makes pretty much junk. Degen DE-16 is concidered an “Emergency Radio” - also sold as a Kaito. Degen, Kaito, And Tecsun are connected. ( Don’t know if they are made in the same factory,as there some minor differences.). All 3 companies are far above the most other brands on quality control. Tecsun used to make radios for Grundig/ Eton, so many of their radios are updated versions of older Grundig radios. Very hard to go wrong with a Tecsun radio.‼️ 📻🙂

[@NJPurling]

I bought the Kaide KK555 & I agree with your commentary. I didn't expect that much. FM could do to be better. I like to toss this into my motorcycle gear and have it playing Classic FM when I stop for a picnic. That is when the sensitivity issue really shows itself. This is a very small radio. It will go into a jacket or trouser pocket easily. They used AAA batteries to keep the depth of the case down. I can understand that, but as I have loads of Nimh AA's hanging around for my digital camera I had hoped to use them. I have absolutely no idea on how to set that flaming clock or the alarm.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

I think the KK555 is the most honest radio here. Not trying to be something its not. LOL yes your right about the clock and alarm.

[@jeffking4176]

Tecsun also makes a couple of basic AM/FM pocket radios that are excellent, and also inexpensive ( R-233 And R-218).

[@johnatkinson5693]

Good video,thanks very much. Keep up the good work!

[@Condemn-Focus]

I like cheap portable radios my experience i never really got a bad one. I'm realistic with my purchase. I don't care about sound quality to much it works and get my stations am satisfied.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Sounds like good sense to me.

[@1marcelfilms]

This channel is so awesome it has everything

[@richardmclean5913]

You get what you pay for, good QC can be a bit pricey, but I'm taking a chance on the Tecsun PL-310ET.

[@NJPurling]

I already had one of the Kaide KK-555, which really struggled with Classic FM when having a picnic. I bought the Tecsun R912 based off your review. The Tecsun is far better dealing with Classic FM out in the sticks. The acid test would be seeing how far it can hold Seaside FM on 105.4 around Withernsea. The transmitter is only 30 watts! The Kaide really didn't like it (no surprise). As for short wave... I have only just tried it. Radio Rumania International around 5.9Khz. I remember R. Bucharest, Rumania from a few decades ago.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

I think you will find the Tecsun 912 will really lock onto a FM station. As for shortwave you should have got a clip on antenna extending wire. That makes all the difference. Enjoy your radio.

[@shaun27ful]

What can I say, I watched it all, and 10 minutes 30 in and you mentioned the crappy LED lights and siren to me that's a bonus. I'm easily pleased, as you know lol lol . You know my theory on things like that. The same with transceivers. If he hasn't got a Roger bleep. It's not a good radio lol lol . Really enjoyed this series buddy. Keep up the good work. Can I suggest one thing, the next series you do can you review the complete range of Ferrari cars, please. lol lol I will chip in a bit for the petrol if it helps keep up the good work buddy,

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Yes LED lights to go camping with. I tested those as well Lol. I did draw a line at the siren though. Funny you mention the Ferrari. About 10 years ago a guy at work bought a £75k Ferrari Boxer, no crap. Now you know the job I do so it was really something. Had I been on YT I would have reviewed it, oh yes. The "99" turned up. Its boxed in the garage.

[@christophercullin9309]

TOM RADIO REVIEW SHOW is covering this model worth a watch

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Cheers iam subbed to Tom

[@ronalddaub9740]

You have to use a long wire on any of them.. outside, and that would be on any radio

[@pepe1]

Nice review, thanks.

[@sparkdetect]

Important - there are actually two versions of the M400. There's an earlier, frequency counter version, which is the drifty one, and there is the later, DSP version. RF-wise, I believe the earlier version is actually the better of the two, at least on MW/SW.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

+sparkdetect I actually found the M400 pretty good. The biggest problem was battery consumption with the radio turned off. For some reason (maybe the clock) the batteries would die after a couple of weeks. Normally batteries would last months if not years in stand by mode. Strange.

[@jeffking291]

sparkdetect I pretty much detest DSP, unless it’s a higher end radio.😐 (📻🙂)

[@ajbfwb]

Not entirely sure why, but I enjoyed the "radiolanche" at 20:10

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Radio dominos

[@ajbfwb]

@@CB-RADIO-UK That too, crossed my mind.

[@Elfnetdesigns]

I carry my laptop with me everywhere I travel to and with that I have an SDR that receives MW and HF / shortwave bands along with other bands (FM, VHF UHF, 800 MHz etc). Only thing with MW and shortwave is I need a long wire or long telescopic antenna. If a radio is "drifting" then it either does not have a PLL circuit or the PLL is not working properly.

[@ofthedawn]

They're cheap but good quality.

[@christophercullin9309]

If you get one of these please do a full review on it great radio for the price

[@sparkdetect]

I have several KK-9s...believe it or not I like it, though to get shortwave in the city I have to keep the antenna quite short and aim the radio just right. MW selectivity is very wide, but in a fun way this reminds me of the crystal sets I built as a kid. It looks festive, and sounds alright, so I like to just tune around and see what I can pick up with it.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

+sparkdetect Yes some people get on fine with the receiver. Trouble is here in my part of the UK we have some very strong MW transmitters which can wipe out SW on these cheap radio's.

[@marinho12111983]

Hello! Congratulations for the video! In your opinion what is the best Tecsun model for MW, this R9012 or R909? For me the important is MW. Thank you so much! Best regards!

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

I prefer the 9012. To me the 909 looks like a generic clone radio,

[@rekhabalu3178]

Hi Rakesh from Chennai india.i would like to from you;as regards SW band ;which brand should I buy?Tecsun/Sony/Panasonic.awaiting for your reply.thank you.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Ive not tested the Sony or panasonic. Sony normally make fine radios. I would prob choose Sony - tecsun- Pan

[@christophercullin9309]

Have you tried the unbranded L-258 MW/FM/SW/MP3/SD CARD world receiver with LED display the shortwave bands will blow you away very sensitive only £20 on amazon free delivery this is my daily radio that i listen to in the philippines twice a year check it out great channel

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

No ive not seen that model. i will have a look.

[@huntercarver1851]

Get a RADIWOW R-108 they cost about 50 bucks

[@JoeGomez1]

The tecsun r9012 ?

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Pretty much the same. I think i had the China version here.

[@debojitacharjee]

Is there any shortwave radio with recording function?

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Not that iam aware new. I am sure some of the older radio cassette might allow you to record.

[@migsvensurfing6310]

Debojit Acharjee Yes, Tivdio v115

[@artur19846]

The cheapest option is Tivdio 115 (or Retekess 115) but MW and SW reception leaves much to be desired. Even FM reception has some issues. However, you might be able to upgrade it with a longer ferrite rod for MW and longer antenna. The IC and smd parts are not screened thus it collects all kinds of "noises" form domestic EM sources. You better buy a good radio and keep your smartphone ready for recording.

[@diosoth]

I ordered the Kaide KK-222 as a gift for someone, it seems almost identical to the 221, they just altered the case design a bit, I think.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

+diosoth There seems to be a few case designs. A bit of a lottery to the quality you get. I ve had people on here with very positive comments fro the radio.

[@bigjoeangel]

+diosoth I just ordered this 2.54gbp marvel. Gotta keep the global industrial machine ticking along. It's so cheap it just shows how out of whack the world is. I was thinking of buying one of those little kit's that you have to solder yourself, but this was about half the price! I'll take it apart and pretend I assembled it, lol.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

+bigjoeangel As a pocket MW receiver to catch up on the news or sport you cant go wrong for less than a pint of beer.

[@bigjoeangel]

+fredintheshed1 Well to be fair it's the same price as TWO bottles of beer from Aldi. Makes a pub pint seem incredibly expensive. The size is appealing I could easily fit it in a pocket. I just realised I've got an excellent multi-band radio in my kitchen, it's a second-hand 90's Sony radio cassette unit and the tuner is excellent. It has FM, MW, LW, SW bands, a main tuner wheel and a fine tuning knob for SW. It just sits there tuned to FM which is crystal clear and the sound quality is great including loads of bass, it also has a nice quality feeling on/off switch as well. It's miles better than the Roberts I had that was newer.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

+bigjoeangel You should fire it up on SW and see whats about around 7-11 Mhz

Dont like, all off radio on in sw oc mhz 1.2.3.4.5.6.7?

[@extracoolmurphy]

do you have the link to the china distributor?

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

No sorry its been to long.

[@davidhastings7714]

Thank you. You have made my decision easier. Cheers

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

+David Hastings Very welcome

[@nagappa.neelakari.1033]

Tecsun is the best one.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Yep.

[@jeffking4176]

4th bad review for the KAIDE brand. They all seem to suffer from the bleed over. Mine is worthless on am. I get two mw stations. Both together and all across the mw band. Worthless. Fm was fair.

[@mcdus78]

Well what would you expect on a cheap radio? 5 to 10 pounds will not give you quality. Let’s get real here. I own a Sony ICF-SW22 and it even suffers from shortwave reception it’s unbelievable. I recently bought a Panasonic RF-562DD and what a difference! Shortwave is excellent! After owning a handful of shortwave radios both analog and digital...I can honestly say that it’s a hit or miss. The way they design the internals and combinations of transistors and gizmos..every radio will be different.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Tecsun make a really good range of SW receivers. The 600 and the 660 models are esp good.

[@mcdus78]

fredintheshed1 I’ll check these models. These might open the Pandora’s box!

[@cvcoco]

Well....um....er...well it has a clock anyway.......when it works.... and this button here, you may not find it very useful since it has no ascertainable function....and this lever on the side, im not sure what its supposed to do since it broke straight off the first time i used it....The comes a point when things are so bad and cheap they shouldnt be made at all.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Yes fair point. Every now and then though you find a genuine gem .

[@cvcoco]

@@CB-RADIO-UK I hope you can appreciate that I found humor in your video, its ridiculous that a two-pound radio should even turn on at all. When I was young, the brands fiercely competed and each made their own components as a result of their invention and hard work. Then they started to share components, they they started sharing factories, then they consolidated and bought out each others companies! Today, there is almost nothing to differentiate one product from the other except for what, the actual name which means nothing? The reason we look at brands is because we are expecting to figure out what the gems are but where are the gems when the guts are all the same? I want to buy a radio but the decisions have never been harder because of that.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

I would say that the mid priced (£30 +) Tecsun radios are pretty good. The Tecsun 600 and 660 are very good receivers.

[@Inaflap]

You say 'actual' or 'actually' in most of your sentences. I must have heard you say it a thousand times, actually.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Yes your right, its come up before. Its annoying.

[@jinggarcia]

stay away from these china-made generic brands. save your money instead for a much better multiband radio from sony, grundig or evan a sangean.