Tecsun 501x Dislikes

Top of the line expensive receiver, but minus top of the line features. No air band. Cheap Bail, Cheap dust plugs that can easily get lost. No dust plugs on the Blue Tooth or Charging Sockets, No carry handle. i mean really, wouldn't you expect that from the long awaited Tecsun Flagship receiver?
To me, this is nothing more than a stereo version of the 880.
Definitely not worth the money they are asking.

[@richmarks8578]

I'm one of those guys that will roll my eyes, when dislike videos come out on certain products, but you sir have nailed it!! Spot on!! No air band, check,.... weak bail, check,... very small dust cover plugs, check! I have stalled on buying this radio, but will eventually get one. I have the 990X, and use it with my PK 20" powered loop. Plugging the PK loop into the external antenna is wild! Much better than passive induction, that's for sure. With the 501X being the big brother to the 990X, I can't wait to enjoy playing around with it someday. Maybe Tecsun will update this unit as the 512X, and include air band.

[@perseus9968]

I do agree with you on many points. Air Band + MP3 built-recorder and I would buy It right now!

[@TheFilm2011]

Thank you for your review. Great to hear issues with an expensive product which many reviewers never mention. Now a subscriber. Thank you!

[@kenharvey9714]

I just love those old Grundigs behind you. I wish they were still in production. I call them real radios.

[@STR82DVD]

Why? Because they were large cumbersome beasts that seemed to work competently. Meh, I want the new crap.

[@tempest411]

I agree they look very appealing, as it's easy to associate the exra heft with making it a better radio. But everything I could find told me the newer, smaller radios work much better for actual reception.

[@STR82DVD]

@@tempest411 They do.

[@manifestomode1]

Needs light up buttons as well, I agree with your review,. Should have an easier way to carry it without its pouch too. I noticed that there’s a slight hum when you touch the volume buttons on the left and it may need rubber edges to prevent the hum. It should also have RDS since this is their flagship along with air band. It would be nice if the Bluetooth was able to transmit as well as receive.

[@TheFilm2011]

Thank you, appreciate your comments and totally agree with everything you mentioned.

[@bennettj99]

Excellent comments. Totally agree about the lack of Air Band and all the other dislikes you shared. Have subscribed. Good luck and many thanks for posting.

[@heatherphilips9227]

Yes, the missed opportunity or neglect of not adding air band evades me. Overall, the radio is beautiful, and I love the layout of the controls. I'm not sure if Tecsun uses a 200mm AM/MW antenna inside, but if not, that would be a good upgrade to a revised, updated model.

[@yd2712]

My biggest gripe is with the low-contrast buttons that are unreadable at many angles. That's just straight-up poor usability. Otherwise I love the radio, and am constantly surprised by what it will pick up. Actually, the amount of time I've put big greasy fingerprints over the screen whilst picking it up or taking it out of the case - some sort of handle would be great as well.

[@KB2CWN]

Sorry to disappoint the folks who leave a thumbs down, but unless you comment why you left a dislike I would have no idea what I can do to improve my video to make you happy. Unless you just get enjoyment on leaving a dislike on my video because I may have forgotten to shave before I made it?

[@michaelhayward9532]

I think you do great, just subscribed, not super crazy about Tecsun, like that old Grundig behind ya, still love my old Drake SW8.

[@teresathomley3703]

That's quite a collection of radios, sir. Thanks for the info regarding the 501x. You earned another subscriber.👍

[@electriceyeslide5959]

Yeah, you bring up some good points. It's illogical on the button covers and the lack of an aircraft band.

[@MAGNETAR-187]

I totally agree with your dislike points on the Tecsun 501x. You are cheaper off if you choose for the Tecsun PL-990X

[@rondeldebbio9219]

Excellent points! I wish that you had the option to use AC with this radio, and I don't understand.

[@usuariodesconocido8573]

you are absolutely right, sir. greetings from argentina.

[@MissouriMatt54]

Thank you for the video.

[@n1vca]

Very valid points 👍🏿

[@DG-vf1kb]

Nice review Frank and I completely agree with your dislikes. I don't use the bail for reasons you mentioned. Most radio hobbyists would probably have other receivers for aviation band, but I do understand your point. Suppose an inexpensive plastic stand is always an option, instead of using the flimsy tilt bail. With that, it's a consumer-grade receiver, not a professional-grade unit. While it performs nearly as well as my older Drake SW8 portable (with air band), it doesn't do so well against my Ten-Tec RX-340, using the same outdoor antenna. All in all, I'm happy to include the H501x with my lineup of receivers. Doug, KC6RCM

[@-The-Darkside]

Not to speak on behalf of him but he shared my complaint about Airband, they already put it in the cheaper 660, so why not add it to the most expensive radio they sell? The skeptic in me says it's to keep releasing features in increments to make more money, and that would be pretty shady business practice.

[@robgravely5609]

Love you Sir.

[@KB2CWN]

Are you back??

[@robgravely5609]

Today.

[@lonnieclemens8028]

Undoubtedly there are corporations that have gone under, because they didn't listen to customer feedback.

[@georgekoroneos3892]

I will grant you that !!! Yes of course I'm of the same opinion & if tecsun can iron down all these things & clear up Maffle SSB & S/D if can accomplished it then the 501 would have excellent advantage over many other radio receivers !!! Now let's hope that tecsun knowing well of what people do need them if committed & indeed indent to fix it then all we will have a great radio !!!

[@Homer19521]

I would add a nylon strap from the center of the bail to an added screw into the available hole above the bail. Simple reversible mod with parts out of the junk box. I've some velcro stick ons that could be used to hold the nylon strap to the back of the radio when the bail is closed. Do you like the 750 better? 👍

[@KB2CWN]

Agreed. I don't like either one better or not. Both fit my listening needs.

[@shaunallen7334]

Good review friend 👍👍👍

[@tonymagnier9846]

Hi, new sub here. You're spot on, where's the Air band, RDS etc for a top-of-the-range flagship for $$$s from Tecsun this is somewhat of a disappointment and it doesn't pick up anything their PL-330 wont hear plus flimsy materials used, Tecsun's telescopic antennas are always poor too which is why Countycomm request change to a better telescopic for their GP-7 etc. You got a great setup there by the way.

[@ruchem71]

All valid points!

[@wrnchhead76]

The bail is terrible. I need to make something to at least limit the travel so it’s not putting so much pressure on the plastic case. Also, the sound is ok. People keep saying it’s amazing, but I would says it’s just ok. The plugs should be on a strip, so it holds the one you have out on the strip, held in by the other plug(s).

[@KB2CWN]

Agreed

[@roeslan1969]

Excellent review.. I will not buy this radio after I saw your video.. I think I will just stick to my $70 XHDATA D-808 for now... Thanks

[@SigSoftNC]

Count me in as a new subscriber! Thanks. This was a great video and I agree. I love the radio but why didn’t have both air band AND NOAA weather? And that kick stand is cheap; even China cuts corners.

[@georgekoroneos3892]

I agreed with you that the 501 is a beautiful radio receiver & I'm of the opinion that tecsun decided to do the few modifications would achieved easily the success purpose in the market place !!! But as I said before all depends if seriously willing to do it !!! Perhaps not willing to take the high risk until now for the reason not to loose profit because bearing direct effect on the other models !!! We shall see !!!

[@ctrl-del630]

When I saw the title of your video I had doubts about watching it vbecause from whatr I have seen so far, the 501x is one of the best out there and consider buying it myself. But I must say, the points that you mention are fair points indeed. Especially regarding the airband. I did not notice that earlier. I am not so interested in airtraffic myself but if I have it I would surely use it. I do notice that the 990x does not have airband either. I see the 990x as the mono v ersion of this 501x. And I think it actually is. Would your points make me reconsider my choice? No. I think it is stil the best in it's class out there and I will order it soon. Thank you any way for pointing this out because it is something to take notice of.

[@KB2CWN]

I don't know if I would consider this being the best but its a good performer and in the video I clearly give the receiver credit to its performance. But my beef is with all the rest, and for its price tag it all should have been incorporated in the design. I am pretty sure the price will eventually come down and be more reasonable for what it is, or for what it lacks. Thanks for watching.

[@twohandsandaradio]

I couldn't understand why their tuning knob and fine tuning knob have a rubberized cap on the end for easy turning yet on the left side, volume, bass treble doesn't have the endcaps. I contacted Anna from Anon-Co and they sell the 3 (missing in my opinion) endcaps for $7.95. I agree with your observations and it just seems to fall a bit short but common sense isn't so common.

[@DonzLockz]

Good points, the air-band is a big fail for me. Congrats at getting over 1k sub's.👍

[@KB2CWN]

Thanks! Best 73

[@Flightlevel350]

I absolutely agree with you.....why no Airband ? And why no Recording Function ? I don't need the Bluetooth Function and MP3 Player....the same goes for the 909x

[@mrmichaeltscott]

💯 I'm holding off for airband. And SD recording. So stupid my fav company though. But compared to the Eton elite executive this one is 50 times better at the same price. The elite is such trash.

[@juanpaulr]

@ 3:20I think you meant to say USB PORT instead of Bluetooth on the bottom left. But I agree about the Air band and rubber protectors. Good feedback. Guess the S-2000 is now the Tecsun flagship. I have the h501 in which folks say there really isn't a difference. Not sure what was added to the X model. Can you fill us in on that? Amazon only sells the H501. Thank for the info.

[@KB2CWN]

As far as I know the 501 was the first production of this receiver in Asia. The 501x was available soon after in the US markets. Now both are still available with the 501x being the newest model with the latest software.

[@ZommBleed]

Frank, Would you give your opinion on the 501 vs. 501X? (I'm new to SWL--I have a XHDATA D-328 and a TECSUN R-9012. I ordered what I thought was a 501X, but fear I was duped into the plain 501...I'll find out when it gets delivered today.) I'm getting mixed information about the differences between the models....such as the X being the North American model, while others say the X is the European model. I'm beginning to think the 501 is the first model, while the 501X is the latest version, irrespective of geographic location. I'm new to your channel, so forgive me if you've already addressed this topic; I haven't come across it yet in my search through your video archive. Thanks for posting your informative content. 73's

[@KB2CWN]

Hello. Unfortunately I can not compare the two because I only own the 501x. As far as I understand the 501 was the prototype that was being sold in the very beginning. I had waited for the X version when Anon-co started selling the X version. There may be a little difference in the bandwith in the FM mode, but that is something you would need to research. Welcome to the hobby and thanks for subscribing to my channel.

[@thorpluto4527]

PL-990 inner chinese market PL-990x international market (export version) H-501 inner chinese market H-501x international market (export version) The devices differ not only in the name, but also in function and quality, according to Tecsun. The X variant is the better version.

[@STR82DVD]

Did you manage you break the stand yet? I'm looking to purchase one and have been scouring reviews and comparisons. Would you still buy it? Thanks for the brief critique lad. 73.

[@KB2CWN]

I have not broke the stand simply because I don't use it. Would I purchase this again? I would, but I would wait until a price drop. It is definitely not worth the price tag in my opinion.

[@duanetrivett750]

I agree 100% ! I would rather have the 2000 .

[@ry491]

I have both and I agree , The 2000 is a better radio in many respects Inc battery life . The 501 eats them alive ..

[@ry491]

I have one of these plus a pl330 and an S2000 . My favourite by far is the S2000 . Mains power , heavy and stable on a surface , good audio , sensitive and good looking . The 330 is far too fiddly to use with its tiny buttons and horrible DSP tuning muting . The 501 is good but it's really neither a portable or a desktop. Isn't enough of an improvement over the S2000 to merit the high price . The 2000 is far easier to use and convenient . Some complain sbout the bandwidth settings . I have never had a problem with those . In the past I have had reliability problems with Tecsuns but the ones I have now are fine . Maybe they upped their game in later times .

[@scottbelcher9026]

Yes!!! It should have air band, NOAA weather band, AND marine band at the cost!!! Idk what they did so expensive having none of those… I hear it has a great SSB function and great sound though… I also like can have external antennas for FM and MW… so close to being the ultimate!!! Why not go all the way!?!

[@KB2CWN]

I agree. Maybe they will come up with a 501xx or a 601 with all those features and a handle for twice as much, who knows.

[@scottbelcher9026]

@@KB2CWN Lol! Sounds great except for the twice as much part! Lol!

[@tenfourproductionsllc]

The chip this is based on does not support NOAA weather band (si4735). CCrane gets around this by actually having a 2nd chip in the radio.

[@j7ndominica051]

Not just air band. Why not coverage Uo to 400 MHz? There are portable radios in FM there. Somewhere in the world we still have TV channels. And between 30 and 60? How is its sensitivity on Medium and Long Wave compared to vintage radios?

[@KB2CWN]

AM sensitivity is very good. In my location I receive no Long Wave signals

[@LTHanlon]

I agree completely. In addition, why can't this flagship radio record broadcasts on that micro SD card? My $13.73 Retekess V115 does.

[@KB2CWN]

Your right Lieu. For the price it should have every feature available.

[@BeingRomans829ed]

I just watched a review on this radio in which the person said that they got a lot of medium wave overload/imaging in the lower part of the short wave band. I was surprised and disappointed to hear this, especially since it is a triple conversion receiver. I have a Tecsun PL 330, which also gets a lot of overload between 2 and 7 MHz. Have you experienced this problem on your 501X?

[@KB2CWN]

Don't listen to medium wave much so I can't comment on that, sorry.

[@BeingRomans829ed]

@@KB2CWN I don’t mean listening to medium wave, I mean medium wave stations interfering on the low end of the short wave band between 2 and 7 MHz.

[@ominkan3129]

It's interesting why these companies like Tecsun don't have people who know about radios and what they need in a radio use the prototypes and find out what is wrong with the radio and make needed changes before final production. I agree where's the air band. Which leads to the question, what is wrong at Tecsun? Oh you don't have the air band then buy our new model the 601x that has air, SW, but no SSB. That's how they design.

[@lonnieclemens8028]

I bought this radio a few days ago. I am really disappointed and I'm sending it back to the dealer in California. I cannot figure out the higher technology. I have consulted the instruction manual several times for programming the frequency into memory. I still can't catch on to it. I am sure it is a good radio. But I don't think a receiver should be so hard to learn to use. The receiving capability is not much better than my old Sangean 818 CS.

[@ravenraven4640]

Do you think Air Band could be added with a firmware update, bugs me to that it dont have it, didnt even think to check when i ordered one, gotta take 2 radios on holiday now when i thought 1 would do

[@KB2CWN]

That's a good question for Tecsun to answer Mick.

[@ravenraven4640]

@@KB2CWN Just sent email to Tecsun asking if its possible, so see how that goes,, Mick, SA4MDN.

[@KB2CWN]

@@ravenraven4640 Let me know what they say if they answer you back. Thanks. Best 73

[@walleyvideo8297]

I'm about to buy this radio. While listening to Mp3 files, can you enter the track number using the keypad?

[@KB2CWN]

Couldn't tell you, I don't use or need that function. Sorry

[@walleyvideo8297]

Thanks.

[@alphabeets]

Wait for the next model when they do it right as they should.

[@KB2CWN]

If there is another model in the future, it will probably not be worth the price tag. This 501x was pricey enough, an upgrade would probably be almost twice the price. I'll pass.

[@turiddu9]

Which outside antenna? G5 XX? G5OE, G5RE?

[@KB2CWN]

G5RV

[@turiddu9]

@@KB2CWN who’s the manufacturer?

[@KB2CWN]

@@turiddu9 MFj

[@matforsbon]

He seems to be Radio active, literally.

[@maicomasherlarry6106]

I just bought a H-501x .After first having a tube Fairbanks Morris and a few other cheap analog portables also a Drake R-8 desktop this is a real POS.

[@KB2CWN]

And?

[@palefire]

At 3:22 you mention "Bluetooth" but aren't you actually pointing at the micro USB port there?

[@KB2CWN]

Only my terminology was wrong. There is a micro usb slot on both sides. I said blue tooth slot, but it is the digital audio input slot. EXCUSE ME! Otherwise I am pointing in the right directions. Looking at the face of the receiver the charging port is on the right.

[@palefire]

@@KB2CWN Thankyou for your prompt response & clarification! I plan to get the 501x this week. Best regards.

[@KB2CWN]

@@palefire Good luck.

[@juliofernandez8317]

Planned obsolescence made to break to ensure future purchases.

[@capricornone2362]

They should have used the kickstand from the Nintendo Switch OLED/Microsoft Surface Pro🙄🤦

[@KB2CWN]

All they needed to do is use a stand that is thicker, ie; The old Realistic DX 440

[@stevebucktin9452]

I have the 660. and 680 both with airband and on both radios the airband is very quiet I just don’t think Tecsun are very good with airband

[@KB2CWN]

Sorry to hear that. I don't own a 680, but on my 660 the airband is nice and loud. Guess it depends who initially tunes these receivers before they are shipped. I don't believe quality control is high on the list over at Tecsun.

[@lx2smlx2ooo98]

No air band and no RDS, such a pity.

[@KB2CWN]

No air band, no rds, no handle, cheap bail, no compartment to store the tiny little dust plugs that should be included with every electrical opening, all such a pity.

[@VK4LL]

You are right about the items you mention, BUT there is some more serious flaws. The DSP and the SYNC detector. Absolutely useless in my opinion. The SYNC detector sounds like garbage, you get a better off fine tuning on SSB. The DSP in the X model is crap, has no functionality at all. Why charge extra for the X version when the DSP is nothing more than a manipulation of the selectivity? And the implementation of how you select the bandwidth still need some work as it is not without bugs. Lets hope that a firmware update can at least fix this issue. But it has a nice sound and good sensitivity, looks nice and is good with the SD card player etc.... but why have an SD card player and not be able to record audio from the radio?

[@KB2CWN]

Good points, but there are other receivers that have even worst synchronization detection and DSP. Thanks for your comment

[@donglocka1550]

@@KB2CWN Yes, and one of those receivers is the 990X. Must be a Tecsun thing,

[@flpirate4565]

A tablet stand would work. Better angles. Thanks

[@KB2CWN]

That is what I've been using. But that doesn't fix the flaw of the receiver.

[@gary-kr7dm]

No Air band, No record facility, very expensive, what actually are you paying for ?

[@KB2CWN]

To be honest, it's not worth the money they are asking. And I would think the price will be dropping in the future.

[@bubuino]

DAB+ ?

[@KB2CWN]

DAB? What does that mean? What is your comment?

[@DavidParker-jr5bd]

volume up

[@KB2CWN]

Meaning???

[@DavidParker-jr5bd]

@@KB2CWN Recording volume doesn't come thru as well as most. Otherwise great review!

[@andrzejpl9897]

Why ? Is not made in Japan , that’s why . Different mentality . Only profit in the mind .

[@KB2CWN]

Most of your shortwave receivers these days are made in China. Tecsun being one of the better choices has made decent receivers that feel and work very well. Mostly all my gear is made in Japan and Germany, Portugal. Putting a thicker bail and a carry handle, using a different software for the addition of airband and putting stationary rubber dust protectors wouldn't have dramatically changed the going price. Most of the radios that Tecsun has released work very well and it is surprising that they dropped the ball on features with the 501x. I don't think it has much to do with not being made in Japan, it's more like the thought process was neglected with this model.

[@BillboardPenguin]

I learned a long time ago that Tecsun is a brand to avoid.

[@user-rw4oc5zi8t]

What brand is better than Tecsun according to you? All the other brands still in the game have major issues...

[@BillboardPenguin]

@@user-rw4oc5zi8t Not many good choices these days. The Belka DX is an outstanding HF receiver. However, recent events may make getting one difficult.