Tecsun PL 990x Verdict and personal observations October 12th 2020

[@drspeed01]

FWIW, my thoughts: -AM/FM/SW Radio: works really well (as discussed) -Bluetooth Speaker (by itself, not a big deal, but as a part of a product like this, it's very nice) -SD Card Player -Uses a common 18650 battery which it can recharge or you can put in a fresh one -Good battery life (yeah, the 18650 is big-ish, but it lasts a long time) -Seems very durable -Comes with a case (not great, but good in a bag) -Can use an external antenna (yeah, those cheap-o spool antennas, but they work great, esp. when camping) -The common knobs are on the side, which makes it easy to use, you can easily operate it in the dark -When you turn it on/off the volume goes on/off gradually (quickly but not just ON/OFF) -The UI is pretty intuitive given the features, there is a learning curve but it does a LOT -Downside: Yeah, the strap is wheezy and it cannot record -If you plug it into a cheap MLA50 antenna it's quite amazing, those antennas are cheap and you can put that in in your attic or balcony etc. -Downside No RDS, so you don't know the call sign of a broadcast station. May not be important I've had a DX-440 for many years and I'd assume this radio would last a long time as well. Even though it's pricey, I'd expect that it would be useful for 10 years.

[@PrivateSusi]

The leather case has weird orange color, but I just bought a kit version where the case is within a bigger army green hardcover toolbox-like case. Within a toolbox comes also Tecsun Q3, so when I connect it to PL-990x now I also have quality radio recording feature. But yeah, it should have been out-of-the-box for PL-990x. Anyway, looking forward to getting into this radio amateur world.

[@slam854]

Very helpful review. I have a PL-660 which I am very happy with and also an S-2000 which is a pleasure to use. The 660 Sync function I never understood until a couple days ago. It actually functions surprisingly well. I let it learn USB, then LSB, then press Synch again which combines the signals. If you touch the tuning knob Sync is lost.

[@NickelodeonTuber]

Sounds to be an honest and fair review. You have many supporting videos where you've clearly broken down features, benefits and short falls. I'm looking forward to your take on the PL-330. Christmas season is approaching! Thank you and Boo!

[@dxace1]

Thanks for the good reviews Gilles -- one note, even when calibration is done the receiver will still vary from MW through top of the SW bands, requiring re-calibration. But the good news is that at least with the sample of the radio I had for testing, SSB error was not beyond an acceptable margin. If you calibrate say in the middle of 31 meters, when you go to 25 meters, and certainly to 19 meters, you WILL have to re-calibrate. But it's so easy to do....

[@OfficialSWLchannel]

will check that out

[@simontemplar0468]

thank you for the good sold review on the 990x. You always do a good job.

[@tenfourproductionsllc]

This is what I am getting as the next step up, $499. The Xiegu G90 HF Amateur Radio Transceiver. I'm not a ham but seeing youtube videos of this radio in action is just unbelievable and really is several steps above the 990 or Tecsun S-2000. Seriously, check out some videos about it, this appears to be a complete beast (and a transceiver for those who want to become a ham).

[@ronaldzuccala1889]

Hello. I value your reviews above all others as you tell it the way it is. Thankyou. Ron. Z

[@slam854]

I am dying to hear your review of the PL-330. That is a radio I may get.

[@ceecee3152]

I am thinking of getting the 990x.... I live on the top 7th floor of an apartment building,,,,... have unobstructed view to the south. The general area is NOT noise free, to be honest. However...... there is no way for me to pass co-axial cable to the outside. My balcony is 21 feet long, btw. I was at first looking at a MegaLoop MLA-30 antenna....but can't do much with it Question: Should I just forget about treating myself to this radio....considering my situation. I mainly like SSB. Thanks a lot !! Chuck.

[@55stangdude]

Im just waiting for them to get back in stock.

[@catalinalb1722]

DAB+ and DRM are also missing...

[@ronaldzuccala1889]

Ps. I really wish you would review the tecsun s 8800 as it is very good also. Once again thanks. Ron z.

[@catman581]

The bad sync detector, is a no go on this radio for me

[@davidsradioroom9678]

It is still a good radio. If I were looking for a new SW portable, I would give it serious consideration.

[@714SNF]

how does this compare to the sangean 909x?

[@WolandSilent]

WHy you dont have pl-880?

[@OfficialSWLchannel]

never found it at a decent price here and chose other receivers to review instead

[@ut4646]

Great review!!!

[@lizzyfan1986]

Do you have your ticket?

[@lindsayreid8347]

I think I'll wait until there's one that can record - preferably with a way to set a timer! IN the meantime, I'll stick with my Sony ICF-2001D

[@OfficialSWLchannel]

that Sony is a great radio already

[@JosephTyson]

Gilles, do you have a "10" portable radio? How about your "10" desktop radio?

[@OfficialSWLchannel]

no portable has a 10 ... I would give a 9 to the Grundig G5 as for desktop... my Icom IC R8500 would get a 9 also

[@nr3rful]

Good review , i think, .. may i add correction criticism....keep the radio away from your mouth. Those of us that need help with lip reading (hearing impaired) helps to see your mouth. You had the radio in front of your face the whole time. Thanks