#44: The CCRadio-2E and CCRadio-EP: A short review

In this video we compare the CCrane CCRadio-2E and CCRadio-EP. Simply put, both perform superbly on the AM broadcast band and are excellent radios. [Note: Nearly a minute of audio (11:21 - 12:19) has been edited, due to a copyright content claim. While I disagree categorically with the claim, it was easiest to simply remove the audio, which included me talking over music that was affected by RF and atmospheric noise. Ridiculous. 8/19/2018]
* AM “radio shoot out” rankings, radiojayallen..... Note soft muting is discussed on this page. (This is a great website!)
* Information on the twin coil ferrite antenna, radio-timetrave.... (An amazing site for AM DXing.)
* Radio-locator page for the stations discussed: WBAL, radio-locator...., WWGB, radio-locator...., WKCW, radio-locator...., CFRB, radio-locator...., WINS, radio-locator.....

[@thedesertfathers]

Really nice and detailed review, thank you. I may have discovered a way to dramatically increase the CCRadio-2E sensitivity by placing a small rectangle block ceramic magnet just behind the power button on the top back edge of the radio. I secured it with an adhesive. BIG difference on my radio.

[@jeffking4176]

Just received my new CCSkywaveSSB. C.Crane does it again ‼️ What a great little radio it is ‼️ AM ,here in Jacksonville Florida is very good. I had heard from some that the Skywave was weak in this area. I will eventually be getting the EP-Pro Thanks for the review (According to C.Crane, they are working on a replacement for the CC-SW.)😀

[@baneverything5580]

CCrane has worked out all the bugs in the latest EP PROS. Even the POP when you turn it on is hardly noticeable.

[@jeffking4176]

One of the best reviews of 2radios I’ve seen. I’ve had the C.C. S.W. And S.W.Pocket for 10 years. Both excellent. (Wanting the Skywave S.S.B.)! They always have great quality radios.

[@mikemcmanus3918]

Thank you for the review. I like both. My wife prefers the EP because she likes using the tumer dial rather than the digital one. The EP is easier on battery wear.

[@philireland1678]

Hi, I have the Sangean models, the PRD-3. Sangean was the parent company and manufacturer of the 2E. In Australia as the PRD-3 doesn't have the 2 meter or NOAA weather bands, it does however have a wide/narrow bandwidth function which is very useful. On all other areas they are the same. Certainly a great MW DX'er and I enjoy using mine often. I've also compared it to the CCrane EP which I managed to buy from the US, the Sangean PRD-5, the Panasonic RF-2200 and the Sony ICF-EX Mk2 (model escapes me at the moment!) that has the synchronous detector. All are superb DX'ers. I do keep reaching for the PRD-3 though. Great video. Cheers....... Phil VK2-GJF

[@djdaverichards]

Very informative comparison of the 2 receivers. I'm interested in the EP and my only concern is any susceptibility to overload, as I live in the SF Bay Area, with some strong signals fairly close by. Nevertheless, I am very tempted to try one. Thank you for this review.

[@skinnyblinddude]

Thank you for your demonstration of your C Crane sets. I have two of each of these models and have familiarized myself with their characteristics for a couple of years. I can tell by your demonstrations that your sets are being adversely affected with relatively high levels of RFI (radio frequency interference). As you correctly pointed out, the 2E model is far more susceptible to noise (RFI) than the EP model. It is because of its DSP (Digital signal processing). The designers of the DSP circuitry have programed it to activate soft muting when RFI is present so that the user will not be subjected to it. I have also observed that when two or more signals are being received on the same frequency, soft muting also engages so that the listener is not subjected to multiple overlapping signals on the same frequency. Knowing these things will greatly enhance the users enjoyment of the 2E model. By the way, C Crane is about to unveil a revised edition of the EP, which they call the EP Pro. With this new model, I’m hoping that C Crane has addressed the overloading issues inherent in the current model. Thank you for your video presentation. I enjoyed it very much!

[@radiophysicsandelectronics6923]

Thank you! In addition to the RFI, I live in a locale with several relatively high power broadcast stations nearby, further complicating the issue. I love the 2E, but the EP often outperforms it for these reasons. Both are excellent radios, and I look forward to seeing CCrane's new offerings.

[@alexlawler9515]

Hi, I have the EP Pro which I use for MW dx. I'm considering purchasing the 2E for FM dx. Is it worth it? If not is there any other sensitive and selective portable you'd recommend?

[@skinnyblinddude]

Hi Alex. These sets perform practically identical on both FM and AM. I used to own both the EP PRO and the CC2E models, but have since given my EP RRO away. Given a choice of one or the other, I’d choose the CC2E because it has a digital display and automatic antenna matching on the AM band. As an aside, these model sets are produced as cheaply as possible in China. My CC2E was new in 2015 and is showing its age with what I suspect is oxidation of its controls. As an example, the push buttons occasionally generate no response or erroneous ones during the initial press. The more the buttons are repeatedly used, the less problematic they are. I rarely use my CC2E outdoors, but I’m sure they frequent exposure to such conditions would exacerbate the problem. I’d happily pay more the a set produced with higher quality components. All that said, I enjoy my CC2E immensely and it’s a top-notch performer!

[@alexlawler9515]

@@skinnyblinddude Thanks Wayne. I'll order the 2E from Amazon today then. I was mainly after a selective and sensitive FM dx radio and it seems like this maybe the best one going.

[@alexlawler9515]

Finally got the 2e. As you said practically identical on AM. I think the 2e may well be slightly more sensitive though. On FM there is a stark contrast, the EP Pro is much more selective and sensitive. A great dx radio. The 2e is very average on FM. In total £177 to bring the 2e into the UK just for top notch AM sensitivity. I must be mad but I don't regret it. Unfortunately the 2e's selectivity can't match the PR D4W's on AM using the 1khz filter. I think the 2e's must be 2.5 kHz if not greater.

[@douglaskim1617]

Great and helpful review. So much same personal interest as mine, .com light, listening on bed, mainly on an and dxing. I always get a portable rardio collect - about 25 in past 35 years. Now I will a c c radio. 73. Douglas in Tampa. WT6L.

[@RockyMTHirvi]

I think this would have been much more helpful for me to compare the full range of features of both if you demoed all the bands, instead of focusing only on multiple AM stations. Thanks

[@Sundogz]

Also, the 2P uses a wall wart power supply that draws power even when the radio is not being used, whereas the 2E has an internal power supply and a simple cord that plugs in. When turned off, it draws no power.

[@marccarter1350]

The 2e is a beast of a unit once you head for the hills. I never use it at home due to the noise it picks up. I feel that its because its more sensitive.

[@ebinrock]

I just ordered the CC Radio 3 a few days ago for (a) the digital tuner and display; and (b) the inclusion of weather stations and 2-meter ham (which might come in handy for an emergency if the commercial broadcast towers got knocked out - you know my local weather station's transmitter got knocked out during this recent (Feb. 2021) ice storm??). Only thing I wished they did with the Radio 3 was to give it a REAL carry handle, like on the EP! Not just a recessed handle in the back, one could easily drop it. So I ordered the nylon case made for the 2E and 3 models, which has a handle. But it definitely takes away from the beautiful look of the 2E and 3 radios. They could have just incorporated the EP's sturdy folding handle, that would have been nice.

[@MrMrdavis98]

Have you used, or heard of, the Sangean PR-D4W? I think it's a pretty good radio, especially for the cost of it. Supposedly, C.Crane radios are, in fact, manufactured by Sangean, so I find it interesting that the 2E and the PRD4W both have the "automatic optimisation" going on. Being a former owner of the CC-EP, I can say I wasn't too impressed with the quality of the set. One of the switches always felt wobbly and cheap to me, and within half a year, the tuning dial broke on me. I do believe I may go out and get the EP Pro, though, on account of it having a bandwidth selection, and not having analog tuning (which honestly I prefer, but at least the tuning dial won't break, or shouldn't, on the EP Pro)! I've always wanted the 2E, but personally, i cannot justify putting almost 200 down for a radio that doesn't even have short wave reception. Will you compare, or have you already compared, the original EP with the EP pro on AM? From what I've heard, the EP Pro beats the original EP on FM by quite a longshot!

[@baneverything5580]

FM is amazing on the new EP PROS but my Sangean PR-D4W is just as good on AM.

[@Seekthetruth3000]

I wish EP had a shortwave band. The dial light is too bright. I used a green magic pen and turned the dial light into a soft green light.

[@spudhandle]

I noticed with yours and mine also that the dial on the EP is off somewhat as you can see on 1090 at 8:28 - slightly annoying but not a deal breaker.

[@waldonemanband]

I've owned several Panisonic table radios and I also have a panisonic transister radio. Both pick up better AM radio than my CCRadio 2E. My location is maybe 15 miles from Pittsburgh. The only channel I get clearly is KDKA. It comes in quite clearly. They are the most powerful station in the country I believe. I do live in a valley and thought maybe an antenna would help so I took some time to make a long wire outside antenna and it made very little if any difference. So I'm still thinking its my location but I met a guy who lives in a small town 20 miles from me (It's in a pretty flat area) and he has the same issues. My little transister works way better and I don't know why.

[@sirdarklust]

As I prefer analog radios, I have an EP, which I love. I used the 2E and didn't see any real reception difference.

[@robbyxp1]

Great video, as usual. I'd be interested in a mild tear down of the two of them to compare the actual internal antenna setup since you said there is a material difference between the two, even though they both supposedly share the same RF section.

[@profd65]

So go buy them both, and then tear them apart.

[@2216sammy]

@@profd65 He wants the guy who already owns them to do it . Doesn't seem to eager to go out and do it himself , at least not to me.

[@TheRadiogeek]

You did a very nice job reviewing the radios. If you could just keep one, would it be the Ep or the 2E?

[@radiophysicsandelectronics6923]

Thanks. It's a difficult question. The 2E has more coverage, keeps the time, and has the digital frequency display, but I feel the EP performs a little better. Maybe I'm just an analog guy at heart, but I think I'd probably keep the EP. The performance combined with simplicity is nice.

[@herbcanter2114]

@@radiophysicsandelectronics6923 The EP should prove far far more reliable over the long term as well .

[@stevedonovan9265]

Just to let you know the EP model does not have a real twin coil antenna, there's discussion about it on the internet but to summarize it's actually 4 coils. This may be in relation to the varicap diode tuner manual adjustment. And it's speaker is 4".

[@colddeadhands7202]

No wonder it sounds the best !

[@ic0mr75]

The inability of the EP model to null may have been due to the coil not being tuned properly. The higher the Q, the more pronounced the null is.

[@ronalddurkee8542]

It's been three years since this review. Do the buttons on top still work? Amazon reviewers talk about top buttons not working after one or two years of use.

[@victorv3536]

I purchased a CC Radio 2E directly from C Crane about 3 1/2 years ago and at first it worked well, especially the FM. (although I wished it had a wide/narrow option on AM for music). Then about 18 months later the top buttons began to give me problems and finally the on off button stopped working altogether. I had to discard the radio which was a costly loss since it cost over 150 dollars. I did purchase a CC Pocket Radio over a year ago and so far it has worked very well.

[@ronalddurkee8542]

@@victorv3536 Thank you for the fast response.

[@baneverything5580]

@@ronalddurkee8542 Ronald. Save yourself huge bucks and get the Sangean PR-D4W. Same AM reception and AM auto tracking tuning as the CCrane for under $70.00.

[@2216sammy]

@@victorv3536 The CC radio , the CC radio Plus , the CC radio 2, 2E and 3 are defective in their designs . The LCD screens ALWAYS die as do the buttons after a few short years of use , it's a sure thing DO NOT BUY THEM . The EP PRO on the other hand does NOT have a defective design and is the one to buy .

[@victorv3536]

@@2216sammy I recently purchased the EP Pro which is working well. Victor V

[@jgmxyz1]

I am not an expert, but, I'm pretty sure that neither the "CC EP" or the newer "CC EP Pro" are truly "Analog" radios. Both use DSP (Digital Signal Processor) chips. I believe that the DSP chip for the orginal "EP" was discontinued by its maker, so the switch to a different (perhaps newer and better too?) DSP chip necessitated a circuit revamp. I recently bought a new Tecsun R-9700DX AM/FM/SW radio, which is a pretty decent performer for its small size, and it is definitely "old school" analog for sure! And IMHO it is one of the few truly analog sets available new today. Even the 11 dollar Retekess PR15 shirt pocket AM/FM/NOAA Weather radio I recently bought uses a DSP chip, and it too has images on either side of most stations too. I'm pretty sure that is an undesired consequence of any cheap radio of any vintage. Years ago, I often repaired analog radios (vacuum tube and discrete solid state) and the radios with a 3-gang tuning capacitor (i.e. TRF front end) (Tuned Radio Frequency) were always more sensitive and selective than the much cheaper 2-gang tuning capacitor non TRF sets. I'll bet that a ganged TRF preselector would eliminate the images on most DSP sets, but at a cost that the public would want to pay? I'm just sayin'...

[@baneverything5580]

Jack McGhee ... The Sony ICF-P26 & P36 and the Tecsun R-9012 are true analog as well. There are others by these brands but these are the best besides the one you mentioned if you get one that was aligned properly at the factory. My Tecsun R9700DX is failing after only very limited use, sadly.

[@spudhandle]

The EP is not a true analog radio, it only tunes in 10khz (and I think also it can do 9khz for other continents) increments. An analog radio of course doesn't. That's why if you tune slowly on the EP, it will jump to the next freq. Once you get used to it, it does well.

[@devarskinner2435]

I bought,c.c.2e,skywave # 1,solar wave,and tape recordermini radio a.m f.m. they all quit @ 1 and 1/2 years, with normal use!!! Mr.crane have the chi coms,too make you radios that last a little longer!!! And that's the truth.go trump go!!!

[@2216sammy]

That's EXACTLY RIGHT . C CRANE'S RADIO'S have a horrific reputation for longevity .

[@techiefan1986]

CC Crane is an American company and their sound and quality is above the rest. Their prices aren't really that much that than the cheap made imports with lower quality components and less features. Well worth their price!

[@herbcanter2114]

The CC radio 2E models STILL have major reliability issues , after the first year the buttons start to malfunction and to a lesser extent the LCD screens become unreliable. It's mind boggling that these issues still exist .

[@seniorchief.e8]

I have cc radio 2, same capabilities?

[@carryclass6807]

i am not happy with my cc radio it quit working today, its my second failure. just my personal experience

[@seanspoerhase3878]

I know this video is dated, but is there anyway for the 2e to have the station as the default view instead of the clock?

[@kobolila-yt]

The following link is for a similar radio (the CCradio 3 - which is basically the same but with Bluetooth) and he goes over how to perform that function by pressing a couple of buttons. Give it a try. It's time stamped to play right at that part: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqfGYmiKaK6ikLs

[@profd65]

I'm guessing there's a ton of radio interference in that garage/home as well.

[@ofthedawn]

Why is,my CC radio plus still working?

[@2216sammy]

Wait a while , the LCD screen will fail or the buttons will go bad . It's a sure thing just a matter of time.

[@ofthedawn]

@@2216sammy never!

[@gklinger]

Having to choose between these radios is almost cruel and if the rumour of a new version of the EP is true, the decision is going to get tougher. An excellent comparison nonetheless. Thank you!

[@radiophysicsandelectronics6923]

Both are excellent performers, and after having both for months, it's clear they are evenly matched. The new unit is listed on the C.Crane site as becoming available in May, www.ccrane.com/item/rad_ccradio_cepro/100/ccradio-ep_pro. I hope to snag one as soon as they are out.

[@gklinger]

Wow! It wasn't listed last week when I was poking around their site. I do wish they'd make the ferrite rod external like on a Panasonic RF-2200 or a Tecsun S-2000/Grundig 750. Having to rotate the entire radio to improve medium wave reception gets old. A minor complaint, I admit. I'm glad someone is still making decent MW radios.

[@radiophysicsandelectronics6923]

It is somewhat of a nuisance. However, I've found that, in my Grundig 750, the rotatable antenna becomes dirty and, when adjusted, causes noise and poor connection. Worse, taking the radio apart clean the contacts is non-trivial, at least in my early model. Thus, the simpler approach of keeping the antenna inside the radio seems sound, from an engineering perspective. One thing that can be done, though it can look a little goofy, is to place the radio on a "lazy Susan" turntable.

[@colddeadhands7202]

EP Pro ! AM/ FM performance is the most important feature to us. Only $89

[@wsutton39]

Which is the best AM Radio for office reception?

[@SnifferAndFrens]

Son vs Father tecsun pl 880

[@colddeadhands7202]

CC Radio Pro is the best for AM reception. Beats everything else out there !

[@user-ih6xt8mw7b]

When you plug them in much more noise and you are inside with lights, not good for AM reception. If you were outside on batteries the signals would be stellar, the noise is what is making the signal meter go up,,

[@SHADOWBLACKs650]

They look like too nice radios, I'm buying one of them for when the power goes out.

[@MrDandan170]

my rv stereo works great but where im at after dark the AM radio goes to crap , IDK if its the antenna or lack of one, or if its just my area in SE AZ ..... looking for something that will be user friendly for a technology idiot and that will give me weather and decent night time AM talk and music

[@SOLITARYMAN474]

that '2e' looks exactly like my Sangean that I bought from Crane yes ago!

[@hdofu]

I'm guessing you're not in the US?

[@SonsoftheEagle]

Junk

[@D.L.W.]

What an in-depth commentary.

[@profd65]

Some day you'll be able to afford one, don't worry.

[@colddeadhands7202]

Chinese propaganda ?