Sangean PR-D4W AM FM Stereo WX Portable Emergency Radio Review

[@todderbert]

(paid links below) As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. There are no additional costs to you. ▶ The Sangean PR-D4W Radio at Amazon USA: amzn.to/2L7cLsW ▶ The Sangean PR-D4W Radio at Amazon CA: amzn.to/2RhDk0R

[@terrywho22]

So I've owned this radio for a few years now. The mighty D4W indeed! I was just listening to 880 KRVN Lexington Nebraska last night. The broadcast was clear and quite listenable. I live in Southern California (1400 miles away!)

[@hdofu]

Also it can’t be overstated just how much of a beast this is on AM, the autotune feature makes scanning the waves in the middle of the night a pleasure

[@billymadison5799]

The only reason I got this is so I can listen to Coast to Coast every night it comes in really clear

[@Kel_Joy]

It's the best radio i have for AM. I get many DX stations with it that i can't get with any other radio. The adjustable bandwidth on both AM and FM and the long battery life are the best features.

[@radioman953]

Thanks for your outstanding review! Enjoyed it so much that I cancelled my order for a Tecsun PL-660 from Amazon and ordered the Sangean PR-D4W instead. The AM sensitivity and selective bandwidth options “sold me” on the D4W. The radio came earlier this afternoon - I’m looking forward to giving it a thorough shakedown tonight. Thanks for your excellent videos! Keep up the good work!

[@todderbert]

Let me know how it operates. I find chasing elusive daytime signals to be very enjoyable.

[@radioman953]

todderbert Will do. Two things I noticed right at the start of my “shakedown.” The first thing is that with 4 D-cell batteries installed, the radio feels like it weighs a ton! Definitely need to rig up a lazy susan to put it on so I can rotate it around for proper signal nulling. Of course, that means it’s not a radio to be used for DX’ing while in bed, LoL!! The second thing is that, on AM, the radio suffers from muddy audio. Even with the awesome collection of bandwidth options, I can’t brighten up the audio. I have a Sangean PR-D5 that was advertised as a “monster” AM DX machine. It’s audio is muddy, also. Maybe using the PR-D4W on the rotating lazy susan and nulling out interfering signals will help. More to come as the “shakedown” continues!

[@todderbert]

i had the PR-D5, but returned it because of that muddy sound. The D15 does a bit better with it's bass/treble control.

[@maryrafuse3851]

Just got mine for Christmas, I like the piano black finish. A hot radio with excellent AM sound. If Sangean had been around in the 70's, with a radio like this, AM radio would have had more of a chance.

[@skinnyblinddude]

Hi Todd. Thank you for your review of the SANGEAN PRD4W. I own one and have had the opportunity to sample a few others for quality control comparisons. I agree this model offers good value for the asking price. My favorite features are: 1. Respectable sensitivity and selectivity on all bands. 2. Selectable bandwidth filters on both AM (MW) and FM. 3. Large easy to read display. 4. One button instant access to the weather band. Now it's nitpick time. I think everyone agrees that the absence of a carrying handle is annoying and increases the chance of accidental drops. As you mentioned, its high gloss finish revels fingerprints and smudges very noticably. I've been hoping that a case with a handle and access points would be made and marketed for it. Its signal strength indicator is rather pointless as it takes a moderately strong signal just to activate it. Every sample that I've auditioned has issues with spurious emmissions negatively affecting reception of weak FM signals on several frequencies across the band. When tuned to a vacant FM frequency, its signal indicator should display no bars, but on several frequencies where no signal is present, bars are displayed. On these frequencies, the tone of FM hiss is noticeably deeper and more coarse than when tuned to a vacant frequency where the signal indicator displays no bars. These spurious emmissions obscure weak signals that are clearly receivable on most other radios. I suspect something in its circuitry is not shielded properly.

[@alexlawler9515]

Thank you for your comments Wayne on the FM reception. I have the exact same issue in that spurious emissions on vacant frequencies sometimes register three to four bars. This is accompanied by a deep hiss and pumping sound. As a result weak dx signals easily receivable on other radios cannot be heard on the D4W. I would have sent the radio back as it's the worst FM radio I've ever owned but in contrast it's the best AM portable I have ever owned so it is abit of a trade off.

[@j.frankparnell6195]

I bought this radio and it is very good. I just love how well it is designed, even from the aesthetics point of view. I use it to listen to Am 1060 from Calgary while being in Seattle. For the price it can't be beat.

[@FrancisLitanofficialJAPINOY]

3:28 9kHz stepping are widely used in both Guam and Mariana Islands US territories at the Pacific.

[@radioman953]

Hey Todderbert! Here are more observations about the PR-D4W. I noticed that the radio did not have a keypad lock button or switch. Since the radio didn't come with a protective pouch (zipper or velcro), it's easy to accidentally press that oversized red power button and inadvertently turn the radio on. I really like the display - it’s huge! It's easy to read and contains only the information I need to know: battery level; signal strength; frequency; memory channel; stereo indicator; and alarm settings. However, one drawback of the display is that it defaults to the clock instead of the frequency. I can press the "Display" key to check the frequency, but it quickly switches back to the clock. Sangean probably designed it that way to conserve display space and not have both the frequency and clock showing simultaneously. 73 de Steve N5WBI

[@todderbert]

Most of their radios default back to the clock, it is annoying. I didn't notice it was missing a lock function. I think the smaller D9W has it. They probably should take the words portable off the D4W :) it doesn't even have a handle or strap to carry it.

[@music-radios]

I purchased this radio recently & I’m very impressed with the AM performance on this model, I use the term antenna with it during the day for those distant stations I want bring in a little clearer but during the night time I don’t need the extra help.

[@music-radios]

Meant to say terk antenna

[@b.2221]

The build quality of that radio matches your review, and no more to be said, man you can pick em Sir 👍 Tam.

[@todderbert]

Thank you Tam. I'm excited about a future AM band scan to see how this radio really performs.

[@tomjones239]

The Radio Shack radios I owned years ago were made by Sangean and were fine radios. I found out they were Sangean radios when I had to go inside them to repair damage I`d caused due to rough use or tripping over power cords or antenna inputs. I wish I still had those old radios. I eventually either wore them out or destroyed them accidentally. They survived many many fishing and camping trips and went with me everywhere I went when I played in a band and traveled. I miss Radio Shack. Quality stuff. I have a 27 year old handheld scanner from them that still works.

[@baneverything5580]

If you get the Sangean PR-D4W and the Raddy RF-L3 Multifunction Radio the large 6v solar panel on a long cord that comes with the Raddy can be plugged into the Sangean and it powers it perfectly. Just tested it.

[@royrowland5763]

Thank you for this review. I basically just need a radio that's good for picking up AM, as I intend to use it for play-by-play at Las Vegas baseball games.

[@baneverything5580]

This radio is just as sensitive as my CCrane EP PRO on AM. I`m uploading a video right now proving it.

[@digitalmediafan]

So like the D15 it has that so annoying switch to clock thing after a few seconds. Just why Sangean ?

[@RETROTV1394]

Great review Todderbert. Great receiver. Not the most attractive but it's really good on Medium Wave frequencies. I've been Pm Dxing on it over the last several nights. Picked up as far south with Radio Regalia from Cuba 530 am . And as far North as Pawtucket RI. I wouldn't put it on the same level as C.Crain Pro , but for the price it's probably top 3 . But like you said it's a fingerprint magnet. I usually use a lens wipe to wipe it down after usage. And it's a heavy little dude. With those 4 D sized batteries in it. Make it rather cumbersome to move around.

[@mickeybrumfield764]

Great review ,I own this radio and it is my favorite for AM performance. Wish Sangean could put the AM performance of this radio into their ATS 405 it would be my favorite radio then for performance and functionality. It is awfully big not to have a handle don't know if a wrist strap would work on something this heavy. It is a good performer on FM also but my Tecsun pl-390 picks up stations in stereo on FM that that I can't really get at all on this radio, but the sound from the speaker on this radio is much much better even without a tone adjustment.

[@todderbert]

I have a Tecsun 398 and I agree on the tone..it is horrible on FM, but excellent for voice and classical music.

[@mickeybrumfield764]

todderbert My Sangean PR-D4W is better on AM sensitivity than my Tecsun 390 but have not found a radio of its size that does better on AM and I am still looking, it may be the best Tecsun on AM though have not tried the 660 or 880.

[@michaelmcgee6465]

really nice! I have to at least put it on my consideration list for an E radio.. I`m alive! Got home today, first solid food since Sunday. Lots of videos in my inbox. tried watching a couple on my cell phone while in hospital but was to much out of it. I did watch all of your comparison of the cc ep pro (think thats right) and the $20 Kaito.and really enjoyed it. Will watch again this weekend.

[@ultratoughscene]

Just got it for 45% off on Amazon. I consulted the review just in case and hopefully it lasts a decade :)

[@marcosmza1962]

Nice video. I like very much the build quality of most Sangean's receivers, inluding the pocket models.

[@andrewsecinore1]

You should look into the Sangean PR-D14 that radio has RDS and USB. I think it’s an upgraded model from the D4W and the amazing thing is that it’s only about $60 on Amazon right now. I would love to see a review on it.

[@todderbert]

I'll end up reviewing them all one day :)

[@gregmedbourn5347]

Haven’t seen your review on this radio yet but I’ll watch it when I have more time but excited to hear your thoughts I’ve had this radio for a couple of year and I have a/b this on both bands against a few of my other quality similar radios. But great build quality but Overall I didn’t care for it. I loved the reception and that you can store your presets but it was too heavy and very hard to hold and I thought I would like the speaker but I didn’t at all on the fm Way to muted and didn’t come alive at all. One of my favorite radios that I have next to me at night is that $20 Kaito P390 It sounds better then my Sangean and you can hold it with one hand (very light) and the FM equals 95% of this sangean Blessings Greg

[@todderbert]

I still need to fully explore the AM capabilities. It might be my Go To weather radio. I love the LCD and bandwidth options.

[@gladysyip2138]

greg medbourn s

[@DSilvergun]

My parents live in Glen Ellyn, IL.

[@engin4232]

18:19 18:56 please what is the name of this song

[@AymanAli-vet]

Which radio more sensitive for weak AM signal Sangean PR D5 or PR4W Thanks for your good reviews

[@todderbert]

Probably the PR-D5 with its larger 200mm antenna.

[@hdofu]

the shell looks so much like the wfr-28

[@denmoer]

as of 7/23/18, Amazon has the PR-d15 on sale for $60, which is the better AM radio the D4 or D15??

[@MatthewHajjar-Betters591]

Hey Todderbert! If you can buy it online, could you please do a review video, and then an FM bandscan video on the Sangean CL-100?

[@todderbert]

I like that radio, I think it is on my wish list. Once I have exhausted portable radios I may start reviewing clock radios ;)

[@AMDXplusplus]

I got 6 E skips from Minnesota,North Dakota,Iowa 2 are unidentified stations

[@todderbert]

I was told today was a good day, hopefully my DX station picks some up :)

[@redforrori]

Question: for FM listening..this or the Eton Elite Satellit? I know there's a big price difference, but I need the best FM performance. Thanks much!

[@todderbert]

The best FM performers from Sangean is the PR-D19 kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5-qlKmOapqUrtk , PR-D15 kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZjbmn6GjJl4gsU and the PR-D12 kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYeQaXaBlt12rs0 . If you could only choose the two you mentioned then go with the Eton. The D4W isn't known for it's amazing FM reception compared to it's counterparts.

[@redforrori]

@@todderbert Oh, thank you very much!!

[@takemetoyonk]

Where do you live? I'm so curious because I never find more than one Christian-oriented station on the FM channels in Southern California

[@tenfourproductionsllc]

So does this pick up NOAA stations or just alerts????? Does the PR-D9W do this????

[@todderbert]

You can manually tune the seven NOAA channels.

[@hdofu]

If you’re looking for s.a.m.e., you can get the cl-100

[@alexlawler9515]

Hi. Are there any other portable radio's out there that have bandwidth options on FM other than the D19?

[@alexlawler9515]

The 40Khz option on FM makes the D4W amazingly selective. I just wondered how the Sangean 14 etc measured up in terms of selectivity.

[@alexlawler9515]

It's a good radio for AM DX (slightly better than the D19) but is poor on FM. It's sensitivity is behind the D19 which has brilliant sensitivity. I was shocked at how bad it's performance was on FM. It generates alot of internal noise which registers in the signal metre and masks weak signals. I'm surprised anybody could recommend this for FM especially when you could purchase a D19.

[@todderbert]

I agree the 19 is amazing. It is my go to radio for FM DXing during the Summer Months. I love it. I can't remember last when I had the D4W out for a spin. I do remember liking the Bandwidth controls and 1kHz tuning on MW.

[@jeanauber866]

My best portable radio great reception , but EAT BATTERIES 4 D BATTERIES you need adaptor absolutely.. I bought Sangean White PR-D9W. great little radio same problems Eat my batteries , radio is closed and day after batteries are gone, need AC Adaptor absolutely

[@markallen4458]

Get alkaline batteries. Not carbon zinc...

[@baneverything5580]

Get rechargeable D batteries...a must for AM listening. I use EBL batteries and charger and they`re perfect and can be recharged hundreds and hundreds of times.

[@franktillman8584]

I like the old intro way better, just saying

[@todderbert]

I like it too, but change is good. Things have a way of coming full circle.

[@jeanauber866]

Amazing radio I like so much , sound perfect , BUT... THIS RADIO IS EATING 4 D Batteries , I MUST CHANGED BATTERIES EACH DAY IF I M OUTSIDE

[@tomjones239]

jean auber ... You can save money by getting a charger and batteries. Get a charger that charges all types of batteries and you`re set.

[@hdofu]

They really should have designed it with a charger built in like the wfr-28 which practically is the same case.