Realistic DX-440 AM FM Stereo LW Shortwave Portable Radio Review

[@todderbert]

The Realistic DX-440 at Ebay: bit.ly/RealisticDX440 (paid link) As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase. There are no additional costs to you.

[@matthaft2048]

I got one of these for free. It was my wife’s grandfather’s and it had been sitting in a closet for years. It has become my favorite radio for taking in the backyard by the fire pit.

[@ArndroidInc]

I love this radio, and your right the sound quality is amazing. As I've said before this was my first shortwave radio. This is definitely in my top five of favorite electronics of the past.

[@todderbert]

Cool, this thing is a beast. I really need to hook up a nice long wire that I can tune for these radios.. would be awesome to pull in some intercontinental traffic.

[@b.2221]

Peter Atkinson, Mr Todderbert, and the fabulous DX 440 all merit a solid 10 out of 10 for another must watch video on a game changer in its time, just awesome Sir 👍 Tam.

[@todderbert]

Thank you Tam, I enjoy owning this receiver.

[@HardRockMaster7577]

I got my DX-440 in August of 1991for $139. I still have it and use it!

[@gmorgan1118]

The OEM version of this radio is the Sangean ATS-803A. I have an 803A from 1990 that I still enjoy listening to -- it's still an impressive receiver for being over 30 years old. Radio Shack made a great move selling rebadged 803As as their DX-440!

[@hroberts9064]

I just searched the radio you mentioned, and see that the mysterious cover on the side of the Realistic is a 5 DIN connector for connecting a recorder on the Sangean.

[@EzeeLinux]

The RF gain can help with FM selectivity. I had mine on a random length V shaped dipole running outside and it was amazing. . Thanks for the trip down memory lane. :)

[@todderbert]

Your welcome Joe, thanks for the information.

[@jeffking4176]

I had one of these back in the 1990’s ( until ‘96). I went to Radio Shack with the intention of buying the best Short Wave radio they had. (I had been without a S.W. radio for a few years- something unusual for me). Some of my friends didn’t understand why I wanted it. (They were just clueless). I loved the radio! I did not have a carry strap like that ❗️ Cool radio❗️ 📻👍🙂‼️

[@todderbert]

Nice story, love to hear those.

[@MrSparks54]

Thanks for the review and blast from the past! I had a ATS-803A, Sangean's version of the DX-440 for many years. Very good performance on all bands. The only issue I recall was the slide pots and switches were dust magnets. I sold it to get Radio Labs modded DX-398. I don't regret the upgrade but I kinda wish I had kept the DX-440.

[@todderbert]

Your Welcome MrSparks, it is a great radio. I hope to one day match it to a large loop antenna.

[@MrSparks54]

When you get that large loop, here's a real DX challenge; Tuk Radio CFCT AM 600 kHz located in Tuktoyaktuk, Northwest Territories, Canada, 1 KW non-directional. It's right on the Arctic Ocean. I've been trying to grab that one for years!

[@todderbert]

How awesome that would be.

[@EzeeLinux]

I had one... Loved it. Traded it for a Realistic TM-152 AM Stereo Tuner around 1991 or so... It was good trade at the time but I missed my DX-440!

[@radiorexandy]

A good honest, impressive radio. One of my all-time faves! And, it can still hold its own against today's offerings:-)

[@davidgagnon2849]

I just scored one of these at a yard sale. I had asked to seller about a microscope that he was selling, got the price for it, then asked what he wanted for the radio. He threw is in for free! It seems to work well except for the sliders being scratchy, but I think I can easily fix that.

[@ThatXrayGuy]

The DX-440 was the first high quality shortwave radio that I bought. I enjoyed many hours of listening to it in the late '80s - early '90s. I eventually bought a DX-390 as a replacement, but it just wasn't the same. Both radios are long gone as I left the hobby for many years. However, I recently returned to it and bought a PL-660 that I am quite pleased with. Watching this video has brought back some fond memories. Thank you!

[@todderbert]

You're Welcome Steve. Mighty fine radios.

[@alexandra.willitts6988]

SAteve Normand, so go into Ebay and buy a used 440 for whatever price you can afford to pay. I just bought on on Ebay auction for $80 in late March of 2022.

[@ClassicTrialsChannel]

I have the Saisho version. It was my first shortwave receiver, back in 1992. I still have it.

[@todderbert]

It is a wonder to behold, and use :)

[@igregmart]

This was one first shortwave radio. I miss it. I also owned the venerable SONY 2010 many years ago, and I miss that two.

[@todderbert]

That Sony sounds like a nice radio. I'm proud to own this 440. It is going to see some use this winter.

[@terrybeavan4264]

Yup I have both, for most stuff I prefer listening to the DX440 because of the better audio and heck it's all around easier to use and surprisingly I think it's built better, much more robust design, but the Sony's one advantage is the synchronous detector, something you don't see in many radios, it makes listening to SW broadcast much better. I even have an old Sony ICF2001, not a great radio inferior to both but it's still a neat piece of history. :)

[@butterbean4195]

great radio for the day and still is today. love the tone controls works great on 2 speakers hooked up to it.

[@robertoellison348]

DUDE I THINK I STILL HAVE THAT RADIO SOMEWHERE IN A BOX IN MY HOUSE, I HAVE MOVED A FEW TIMES SINCE I FIRST GOT.......NICE TO SEE IT AGAIN.........10-16-2020..........

[@jimf.]

I have one of these and the cover is also loose at the bottom now. Great radio I am cleaning it up and looking for antenna and connector.Its been in storage for years.Cheers.

[@todderbert]

Let me know how it tunes!

[@DriveInFreak]

Love, love, LOVE the DX440. Three things that make a huge difference: Use the RF gain control on FM and the selectively increases dramatically. Put up and use a real SW antenna (even if just a random/long wire). A real radio needs a real antenna. The tuning mod is pratically a must. For SSB use zero beat (tune the BFO to in between the squeal) on an AM station, and you're good to go. You really, really should try using headphones with it as it'll just blow you away. You'll love it.

[@todderbert]

Good to know. It is a beast.

[@bryanhollyfield3948]

I got my 440 when I worked at Radio Shack in the early 90's (best job I have ever had). My Rf gain knob broke tho, but she still works. Thanks for all of the radio reviews that you are doing. I have been looking for a new radio and your reviews have helped a lot. Im thinking about getting the tecsun r9700. I think that I like the old school look. I had a drake model 2b tube radio at one time. Wish I still had that one. Thanks for the reviews.

[@todderbert]

Awesome, the R9700 is a nice, all analog shortwave radio.

[@bryanhollyfield3948]

@@todderbert Thanks. I have A few questions. First, how many radios do you have in your collection? I have watched some of your videos and I think that it would take a year to watch all of them. Second, out of all the radios that you have what is your go to radio when you want to do some serious listening. Last do you know anywhere that has station listings. I'm just getting back in shortwave radios. Back in the day I got a magazine called Popular Communications that had all the info that you could ever want to know about radios including frequency listings. Again thanks for any info.

[@todderbert]

@@bryanhollyfield3948 I am not sure of how many radios I have, but I'm sure it is over a hundred. For serious listening, I grab my Sangean 909X. For Shortwave activity I mainly use websites.

[@bryanhollyfield3948]

@@todderbert Cool just watching some of your videos. What websites would you recommend? Thanks.

[@todderbert]

@@bryanhollyfield3948 I use this one mainly, short-wave.info/ and I used to use this one: shortwaveschedule.com/

[@sakuradx5930]

Hi, from JPN. I found this radio right now with your video ! I never thought that 'realistic' has been existed ... (xx) The 'realistic' radios I know are large tabletop receivers. I miss-understood that the company 'realistic' was already overwhelmed by other companies...These days our JPN radio producing companies have given up the market.. and then the Chinese many companies took part of Sony, Panasonic...etc. This DX-440 fascinated me a lot ! This radio reminds me of Sony ICF-2001D that I own. Very similar... I really like this radio with signal indicators, power indicator, and FM stereo indicator are lit with diode, taste like 80's.It is absolutely a good news to us. Thank you for up-loading. 73!

[@SpectreOZ]

It was "Custom Manufacturered" for Tandy/Radio Shack by Sangean, there are a few other badged variants which can be found in Europe (Siemens being one example)👍

[@rfaradiofreeamerica8392]

I Had a Sangean 803 and this as a teen, l loved em ! Way ahead of there time! I let mine go years ago to buy ther things, but I'm goin to get another used one on eBay!

[@keariewashburn4680]

I love this Radio! My grandfather had it and when he passed away I kept it. Well it was playing real well and worked and wonderful condition. Only thing is, I had to move alot and well, i lost the power cord. And i found one but i need to try the batteries in it new ( especially the AA's) and hopefully it will play again. I pray it's not damaged😢 I hope with new batteries, the computer part will come back and bring it to Life again!

[@Sh9168]

I used to have one of these and from Cape cod I was able to clearly hear the British Coast guard rescue a sailor on a ship off the UK coast. My radio died when my ex-wife left it outside overnight in a rainstorm. Boy do I miss that radio. Is there anything close to it that I can buy today?

[@richardmillican7733]

Great radio, I've the "original" Sangean ATS803A, they were also sold in the UK branded as the Saisho 1500SW. Saisho was an in house trade name for a major UK electronics store. I took a Saisho to bits to salvage bits for my Sangean and found that there were a number of build "short cuts" in the Saisho, which would have certainly been sold for a lower price than the Sangean.

[@ToddHa]

DX440 become my primary radio in the late 80s thru the mid-90s ; after giving my Patrolman SW-60 to by brother. Mid-90s, entered the ICF-7600G. Later still, the ICF-7600GR. I remember listening to WRNO Worldwide on 15420Khz with the DX440. Hearing the simulcasts of WRNO-FM (Classic Rock/Pink Floyd music & N.O. Saints Football games). Way back in the day. It had a strong signal in St Louis. Those days are long gone. I think WRNO Worldwide still exists. I know Katrina was not kind to the station.

[@walter9724]

I had a DX-400 dor a few years but it was in used condition . I like the look of it a little more than the 440 which as of now i am bidding on to buy. I used outdoor antennas on mine and here on australia i could pick up a lot of ssb dx including new york air traffic conteol and japan. Sadly it just stopped working for some reason snd i gave it sway to a collector

[@hroberts9064]

I found one of these in an endless stash of electronics that I inherited from my dad. I'm looking forward to either loading it down with batteries or finding the power supply, and trying it out!

[@charleswendt4868]

Just compared my DX 440 to my Tecsun 8800 the DX 440 picked up more stations clearer than the Tecsun. Internal antenna on the DX 440, about a 25 ft wire connected to the Tecsun.

[@todderbert]

Says something about the old tech versus new tech...that is why I still pursue these classics :)

[@charleswendt4868]

todderbert I wish I still had my EM Sargent. I remember it had an 80 rectifier and I think their was a 76 tube in the radio

[@Radio_Activity]

That is odd. Most people find the DX-440/ATS-803a a little poor on the telescopic. I have both and found that to be true. My S-8800 easily beats the DX-440/ATS-803a on their respective telescopic antennas. Like most modern 'portables' the S-8800 is designed to be very sensitive on its whip. The DX-440/ATS-803a is a different beast on an external antenna. At times it outperforms my S-8800 with my loop. Both excellent radios.

[@alanmaier]

This brings back memories - I bought one of those new back in the day. Bass was so strong, the metal grill rattled. Now I am wondering why I sold it.

[@cmvb69]

How does this compare to modern day portables ?

[@franktillman8584]

It’s outta the box 📻

[@TE5LA-GAMING]

Don't think that "Stereo" button is doing much with one speaker. I think you'd need headphones to notice.

[@HardRockMaster7577]

You get a different sound on AM by toggling the FM switch.

[@terrybeavan4264]

Yup that is exactly what the balance control is for! I own a couple of these including one bought new and a Sangean 803A and you are absolutely correct, the balance does nothing through the speaker but it outputs in stereo through the headphone jack and through a good set of headphones it sounds incredible especially the FM!!! Prior to my iPhone I often used one of these at my desk at work listening to the local FM stations through a pretty decent set of Realistic branded KOSS headphones. Those headphones are no more and the DX440's along with my Panasonic RF2200 and Sony 2010 and a few other neat little, call them portable communications receivers as opposed to just radios, are just gathering dust next to me on the bookshelf but after watching these videos I'm wanting to put in a set of batteries and give some of them a listen! :)

[@terrybeavan4264]

@@HardRockMaster7577 yup on AM that switch doubles as a wide/narrow bandwidth switch, I usually leave it on wide on AM broadcast band but can be useful set to narrow when listening to AM or shortwave stations with other stations closely adjacent to 'em.

[@Popgunner101]

My DX-440 keeps coming on with the clock radio function since I replaced the batteries. I know how to set the clock radio function but I can't seem to turn that function off. Turning it off isn't in the manual.

[@charlesyoung3795]

I find if you're indoors polar telescopic antenna all the way out take a wire with two alligator clips one on each end and clipped a telescopic antenna to a aluminum window frame it will increase your reception quite a lot

[@allencooper7853]

I had multiple 803A versions over the years & still have an 803 & 803A .The only thing I don’t like about them is the choppy way the tuning knob works.That one issue keeps them from being an all time classic in my book.

[@prasadasgoa]

Have you looked at the Tecsun R-2010D?

[@johannapfelburg6286]

I have one of this radio! It's a shame it has fell into disuse even since my grandfather stopped SWLing, especially after he got a stroke. My father found it just the other day, knobs all stiff, strap disintegrated, and worst still has to be that the screen doesn't work with black stuff all over it, and the radio doesn't switch on after fresh batteries are inserted. Truly a shame...

[@HardRockMaster7577]

Be sure the LOCK switch is in OUT. Toggle it to be sure. Leave the AA batteries out for 2 minutes, then return them. That allows my DX-440 to turn on and off.

[@eddiedowning2571]

I just got me one I'm in Connecticut and on Am I pick up a station in Nashville Tennessee and north Carolina at night

[@adstaton8461]

First time I ever copied an ARRL cw practice message was with a DX-440 back in the early 90s.

[@gregorycaspers1101]

Have your ever given this radio a side by side reception comparison to the ats 909X? Would be interesting to know if they are the same or one is better.

[@todderbert]

I sold my 909X. Loved the radio but not the jog wheel. Though it did get you on frequency fast while in SSB. I would prefer that radio over the larger 440 in most cases.

[@smokeandsteamxsw9831]

What is the little switch inside battery box for. Will it affect reception?

[@todderbert]

9kHz/10kHz switch.

[@CT-ek3gv]

Hello Todderbert, should i get an old Dx-440 or Dx-390 for MW, SW, FM (in that order) for listening and eventually for mods?

[@todderbert]

Most will say 440. I am in that group. not sure about mods though.

[@cmvb69]

Which radio has better am and sw, the dx-390 or the 440 ?

[@todderbert]

To myself the 440 seems way better.

[@357bullfrog2]

I just found one of these on eBay. Seller wants 79.00 for it. In your opinion is it worth that much?

[@todderbert]

In working condition, yes it is.

[@مهندس_علي]

Thank you for your time on your channel. . I like your channel. . Can i fint one of it under 40$😢

[@jamesturner9042]

Sadly all of these wonderful Radio Shack/Sangean Radios have gone bad because of the electrolytic capacitors. Please see "Capacitor Plague" article on Wiki

[@MarcioPY1MV]

I do not know if I got a defective one, but my Sony ICF SW 10 blows this Realistic 440 away. If I compare it with a Tecsun PL330 the result is worse...so I will not waste my time comparing it with an ICF 2010. A really good door stopper the Realistic DX 440.😂😂

[@buckcherry4775]

Got one comin from Ebay $29.00 free shipping

[@davidgagnon2849]

15:47 to 16:11. LOL