TecSun PL880 VS. PL660 - Which one is best?

Showdown on PL880 vs. PL660. Both interesting and different receivers. You'll make a choice after watching this.

[@dancampbell141]

This is the best, if not one of the best, reviews of a product I've seen on KZbin. Good job Robert!

[@markregan24]

Hi. After much consideration then watching your video I decided to take your advice and order a PL-660. Placed the order ex Hong Kong and it was in my hands 5 days later in Australia. After an hour of testing I find it to be everything you said and more. I'm a ham (VK2ZB) for many decades with many top if the rage HF rigs in the shack. This PL-660 is excellent value for money and has taken me back to the thrill of just listening to SW that I enjoyed back in the 60's. Cheers.

[@sidneycavalcant]

Qual o ponto principal pela escolha do 660 ?

[@radiohobbyist13]

I have an 880 and really like it. I wouldn't have any idea how bad this radio is if you hadn't told me. I have a 660 on order and will make my own comparison soon. It's so sad to see how many of the international broadcasters have disappeared. What a mistake. LONG LIVE SHORTWAVE ! ! !

[@rangacharlujwalapuramnaras7741]

David Branscome

[@spqa2004]

It's been two years. Have you made your own comparison? What do you think about each radio??

[@phoenixrising4073]

@@spqa2004 sadly he slipped on his 660 in the middle of the night and has since passed away. The radios were sold at an estate auction and the radios will never be seen by the eyes of a clean soul again. David will be remembered by his dedication to the Tecsun brand and all it stood for. The great people of this country mourn the loss of a truly great man. Long live the 660 and 880. Keep fighting the good fight for David.

[@sidneycavalcant]

@@spqa2004 Quero saber também

[@massimiliano2258]

​@@phoenixrising4073ahahah 😅

[@MrBrian8749]

I am so disappointed with the PL 880. These radios are very expensive here in Europe, more so than the US. I love the slick look of the 880 but that's all it got going for it. On the other hand My PL 660 has done an outstanding job for me. I take it everywhere with me, from northern Europe to the Balkans it always pulls in a good stable signal. I highly recommend it for professional and the the novice will never be disappointed operational wise and price. Thanks for the Great Review.

[@k5wxp22]

Hi Bob, I went ahead and bought the 660. Man, what a cool little radio! Listening to guys in Missouri on LSB 40 meters right now... I like it a lot already. Thanks again for the comparison video, and 73!

[@HamRadioLiveShow]

Bob I highly agree with your review. I have the 880. It has far superior sound in terms of FM use, but that’s about it. If I’m “chasing DX” The deeper sound of the 880 actually becomes a detriment in my mind. The cleaner sound of the 660 really helps there. I always liked the 660 a lot because it just sounded better working DX on MW and SW. I just wish they could’ve made the fit, finish and “higher quality” feel of the knobs to the 660. The 880 is a joy to use because of how smooth all the knobs work. It “feels” like a high-quality portable receiver. I’d like to use this video on my channel to talk about both radios as I don’t have the 660. I’ll make sure to credit your channel of course as well as put a link to it in the description. Keep up the good work my friend! All the best to you and yours! Larry de K7HN

[@powertube5671]

As a long time ham operator, I found my PL-880 to be acceptable for SSB listening. CW sounds fine. There's no comparison to my FLEX rig, but I wouldn't expect it to be as good. I really like how easy the memory is to use. I can't use it for shortwave or even MW AM with the built in antenna because my house has aluminum siding. I tested it outside for the first time today and it works fine. Anyway, thanks for the comparison. It's good to know the differences. Also , thanks for pointing out how to find the hidden features. I always appreciate when folks like you take the trouble to put up these valuable videos! The line out was too high, so I was able to bring down the output level. I also added the seconds to the clock, a nice touch. The FM sounds great when the line out is connected to my sound system. 73 - WA2WHV

[@NSNorfolk]

You do a great job on reviews. I have both and prefer the PL-880. That said, both represent VALUE! They are both superb performers, well in advance of their reasonable price. I've been a ham for almost 50 years and remember when a radio with digital frequency display, multiple bandwidths, etc... was not available at any price. I started with a Hammarlund HQ-180 and Heathkit HX-10 Marauder.

[@sidneycavalcant]

Qual o motivo principal de preferir o PL 880 em comparação ao 660 ?

[@rwl0323]

Great video!!!!!! I already have a 660. Great radio. After this video the knee jerk to upgrade has disappeared :) Thank you!

[@powellmountainmike8853]

I have owned a PL-660 for several years. Mine is black, which I think has a more timeless look, and weathers better. I am VERY happy with this receiver. Its tuning is remarkably sensitive and selective, and accurate too. I use it for general DXing on both the shortwave bands as well as the AM broadcast band. I find it is really quite good on the AM broadcast band, but really excels on shortwave. Even indoors, on the built in antenna, it can give some of my old "boat anchors," hooked to my outside antenna, a run for their money. I collect and restore antique radios as a hobby. Another use I have found for it is to double check the output of my signal generator (a classic EICO model 324) when I am doing alignments. For the IF frequency I use the 2nd harmonic, 910 KC for 455 KC IF and so on. For regular frequencies I just punch in the desired frequency on the PL-660, and then tune the signal generator to give max volume through the radio at that frequency. The signal generator is very close, but with the radio as a reference I can get the output spot on, and get great alignments.

[@MrJasonMcintyre]

That settles it. I'm buying the 660. Excellent review.

[@johnpotter4750]

And me, ordered from A........n, Even more pleased after seeing the review . . . . . G8JMU

[@357bullfrog2]

Yep. 660 has it hands down in my opinion

[@mikemansfield6263]

pl-680 slightly better

[@Sky1]

@@mikemansfield6263 in what way is it better?

[@georgew5038]

Yeah i researched sw radios like an autist one morning and i settled on the 660

[@slam854]

Bob, I have been using the PL-660 for a couple weeks and find that it performs wonderfully. SSB along with a host of features are functional and USEFUL. The Sync function which appears to be for SSB has not worked as well as manual tuning which is rock solid. The default SSB is narrow bandwidth which strangles volume. You can switch to wide bandwidth improving volume if adjacent conversations are not too busy. Using whip antenna for now until I decide where and how to install a permanent configuration. Something I learned concerning grounding the lead-in coax is that a inductive/capacitive tuner is a must if lead is over 15 ft in length to make the earth ground function properly. Signal will improve and noise will diminish. I live in Salt Lake and the air channel is very clear and active. I found the tower normal frequency and by listening to the tower redirect conversations to other frequencies, you can key in and save them to memory. I have 7 frequencies stored which can be scrolled thru just by turning the tuning dial. The PL-660 is sensitive, selective and a joy to use. Sound quality is very good. Controls are logical and work well. Tuner is like an analog in that no tuning muting is used and the tuner can be calibrated to display the actual frequency of a known source. Calibration is separate for narrow and wide band in SW mode. This is not in the manual but can be Googled. I have 5 SW radios and this is my favorite. Stock NiMH batteries are 1000mah which I replaced with Batteries+ 2700mah. They last a long time. North Korean Radio was broadcasting how happy their people are. Kind of like the cold war days.

[@robertnagy2163]

Steve- OK, one thing, the Sync feature is for AM. You are basically using a type of SSb reception for AM. Also, the radio is VERY sensitive. It is actually too sensitive. So don't hook more than 20 feet of wire to it as an antenna. It Will overload. If you are in a quiet area static-wise, you are a lucky man. The radio will do so much better. It is set to operate on it's little antenna, so feeding it from anything too much bigger is a no-no. I would certainly go ahead and try an SDR receiver. I'd suggest the RSP-1A. Not the #2, the 1A. See my review. $99 for a super wide-band receiver with excellent software. And, it is a good learning tool. Best of luck! Bob-AB5N

[@edtriana6250]

Excellent comparison presentation and very helpful too...The best I've seen comparing these two radios. Thank you for doing such a great job!

[@oldradiosnphonographs]

Ok I bought the 680! I’m glad I read and watched reviews first and saved $100

[@Larrymarx]

Thank you for taking the time to do a test study with both radios, excellent demonstration!

[@timm7524]

Years later, came across the video. Just got an 880 and the warbling can be defeated. If you hold down USB or LSB a second time, it disables sync lock and is very stable for manual tuning. No warble. Still with fine tuning for BW also.

[@aaronmathias6739]

Fantastic review! A gold standard for all Radio reviews.

[@LivePDOfficerInterviews]

I wanted to take a moment to say thank you for a very concise and clear and well put together video! You made my choice for me just by giving me the chance to listen to these two radios side-by-side. I am very much not an expert but I could tell the difference as well. Thank you for doing such a great job with this video!

[@runthomas]

i have the 880 and i love it ...but i love these radios .ill get a 660 also...all i do is listen to radio so why not...this guy really knows his radio though...great review.

[@pappydc12]

Excellent review Bob...I thought I was going to need to replace my 660 (which I like even more now!) Mine is worn but still functions 100%. Great for road trips with the wife. Switch off driving and I'll stick an earbud in and get my "ham fix". Maybe even try and cpy some cw. Great little radio! Dan KG9KF

[@hamrad88]

Excellent comparison. It really points out how poor the 880. Mine is gathering dust as I prefer the 660. The 880 was definitely an unfinished product and a waste of money especially if you want to listen to SSB,

[@Spencerwalker21]

hamrad88 tecsun pl398bt Im looking to get this model because off the Bluetooth if you have tried it out how's the sound is it comparable to a Bluetooth speaker like something from anker

[@hamrad88]

I have not tried it but it is on my short list. Looking forward to your review.

[@Spencerwalker21]

hamrad88 I probably won't I know pretty much next to nothing about radios just a lot of local sports are on am radio

[@ofthedawn]

I love the 660. Do you guys think it will last a long time? I've seen how radio prices can jump over night and was thinking about getting a back up.

[@ofthedawn]

I've had mine since 2016 and I use it all the time. No problems so far. Energized lithiums work great and last.

[@Moondog9322]

Very nice review. Being a long-time educator, I must point out that when comparing two things, proper thing to say is "which one is better". Enjoyed, liked, subbed.

[@wd5jlr]

The 660 is a wonderful radio. it is a good choice all around and inexpensive. I recommend getting one while they are still in production.

[@NBartrina]

Good video. I have a PL 660 and I am delighted. Specially when I go next to French border by the sea. Congratulations from Barcelona , Spain

[@mikemcmanus3918]

I like the quality of the audio speaker on the Tecsun PL 880 but prefer the Tecsun PL 660 for everything else.

[@sidneycavalcant]

Atualmente escolheria o 680 ?

[@jungleman4921]

I live in New Zealand and the only way we can buy these receivers is to have someone import them.I found an importer and he imported a few PL 660s both black & silver.I bought a black one and unboxed it and turned it on.There was a high pitched sound on all Short wave frequencies. It happened each time I went to a new frequency,after a few seconds it was there almost like it followed me as I tuned further up or down.It was an internal sound.So I returned the radio and exchanged it for a Silver one.The Silver one gave no problems at all.I had tried another black one and it did exactly the same as the first one.So I found the Silver PL 660 to be faultless .I bought it over 5 years ago and to this day it's one of my best portable SSB receivers.

[@octavmandru9219]

it's 2019 ans still a very good review. Some may say one should compare using the same antenna but I don't necessarily agree. I would have loved a new release from Sony, but in 2018 we have to settle for what we get...

[@graydonrogers5453]

A very good and knowledgable review by Nagy. The very best I have heard by anyone. 5 stars.

Truly a side-by-side comparison - what a concept! Thanks - very well done! The SSB "warble" is fixable - look up hidden features.

[@abbeyroadstudios4999]

A brilliant review, I was trying to decide which one to buy, after watching this clip/video, it's the PL660 for me, thanks Robert. 👍‍

[@prestonrenify]

great comparison. thanks so much. not that i've spent much time looking in recent years, but you approach of comparing the two so KZbinrs can listen to the difference themselves was super. I too vote for the 660. When i do it I enjoy DXing listening and hate sensitivity and selectivity issues. Thanks.....again

[@joerotman5214]

This is a terrific comparison. Thank you for taking the time to create this video. I look forward to viewing your other videos. Joe, N9JCQ

[@78bilwi]

My dad had a Philip short wave radio during the was in Central America we use to listen to the voice of America, radio Jose Marti, the voice of Russia radio Nederland. It was the only way to stay informed about world affairs and the war during Ronald Reagan. I my self bought one eton grunding 5.Nace review thanks took me back to the 80s.

[@ricbrady]

I see you are a flashlight guy also, nice Olight Nova!! Thanks for your concise, info filled review, it was extremely helpful!

[@o00scorpion00o]

I just seeing this review I posted 1 year ago and I can honestly say that I have hardly used the PL-880 due to the un-natural and distorted sounding SSB and dodgy AGC. I even went to the expense to get the S-8800 to find it was just as bad and it completely ruins the radios for me because I listen a lot to SSB. Another issue is that the 4 Khz filter does not work on my S-8800 and PL-880. However the radios are excellent in every other way so if you're really listen to SSB a lot I would avoid the S-8800 and PL-880 and get the PL-660 or PL-680 + SYNC is terrific on the 660. I have the 660 and by far SSB is so much better and a joy to listen to after listening to the 880 and 8800 other than that the S-8800 and PL-880 are perfect for Non SSB use and the remote control for the S-8800 is really convenient. It's not just the tecsun radios that have the SSB issue, I've heard the eton radios too that have this issue on SSB. Seems it's a dsp issue they probably all use the same chip. There is one exception, the XHDATA D-808, it has very minor SSB distortion and I can forgive that because it costs a fraction of the price of the Tecsun radios and it's a lot better to listen to and for SSB the sound to me is actually clearer. The D-808 is not as easy to tune. But it's not bad once used to it. The XHDATA has good MW reception but it's almost deaf on LW, the Tecsun PL-880 and S-8800 are much better for LW and MW. Surprisingly, the S-8800 MW reception greatly improves with external antenna connected to the BNC Antenna input. So, if you listen a lot to SSB like I do the PL-660 has great natural SSB sound, the lack of filtering can be an issue on a crowded band however in my opinion, the perfect non-distorted sound more than makes up for this. If you are on a budget then I guarantee the XHDATA is a fantastic radio for SSB and MW, FM, SW, slight distorted sound at the beginning of SSB transmission but stops during transmission with the tecsun 880 and s-8800 it's bad in the beginning of transmission with slight distortion throughout the rest of the transmission, very irritation if you're a HAM. Tecsun have announced that the PL-990 and H-501 radios will be the last "high performance" radios from Tecsun. I do hope their SSB performance is much better than the PL-880 and S-8800, it's sad but true. In a few years it probably won't be possible to buy a new multiband radio with SW and it will have to be SDR which needs a computer. It would be nice to see some portable SDR radios with 7 inch screen and waterfall, buttons and knobs. Telescopic whip, external antenna inputs, good lithium battery and DRM capability. I hope this information is useful to some.

[@mikecar52]

o00scorpion00o Great information. Thank you.

[@DonzLockz]

Thanks for the great info, very helpful. :)

[@o00scorpion00o]

@@DonzLockz You're welcome, I have since got the Tecsun H501x and it's a much improved version of their DSP radios, there is still some distortion on SSB but it's much improved along with the sound quality on SSB, it's a big radio and nice to operate compared to the portables. It sounds good too via the 2 speakers. LW/MW reception via external antenna input is very rare and very welcome as using the external Bonito Ma305 whip with optional longer whip greatly improves MW reception and longwave though there is some over loading on longwave, it's not all bad but it's a radio I will keep a long time, not perfect but dramatically better sounding on SSB compared to the 880/990x and S-8800. The H501 does have a very minor bug in the firmware, when you turn on SSB in the beginning it always defaults to very muffled sounding filter but cycling through the filters via the "BW" button fixes that, cycling through the filters via "fine tune" makes it sound bad again like the 880/990 so you have to always use "BW" to cycle through the filters. I have some videos on my youtube channel.

[@DonzLockz]

@@o00scorpion00o thanks for the quick response, info and tips! I will definitely look at the H501 and your video's.👍 I can live with that minor bug no problem. Thanks again. I'll be checking out your channel. 👌🤓👍

[@PP-ob8zr]

Beautifully done. I enjoyed you presentation. Great example and information. 😊👍 Just bought a PL 660 Tecsun just now. Thanks.

[@SS-qy9ec]

I have both 660 and 880. I love the sound on fm on the 880 and it feels slightly more premium. The Tecsun PL 660 is the better tuner for me especially on SSB. The 880 is just so noisy on SSB and the sound is Wobbly!. Hope this helps!

[@o00scorpion00o]

Return Stroke you’re correct , the 880 is a disaster, I saw my first review there and posted another. I put my more positive first review down to being excited with a new radio but the more I used it the more I hated it. I am using my 660 great radio and great to use SSB on SW to greatly reduce fading and it’s very effective at reducing QRM from close stations. Can’t do that with the 880. The sound over all is clearer on the 660. The intelligibility of weak signals is much better on the 660. I ordered the PL-680 and it arrived today but haven’t had a chance to test it out, my old 660 is physically beat up from lots of abuse but still performs really well. I’ve my PL-880 up for sale and the S-8800.

[@sidneycavalcant]

@@o00scorpion00o Pode dar sua opnião agora do PL 680 ?

[@o00scorpion00o]

@@sidneycavalcant Gosto muito, muito melhor do que o PL-880, um bom som analógico. Eu vendi o PL-880. Eu uso a antena Chicote MA-305 Bonito e funciona maravilhosamente com o PL-680. A filtragem não é tão boa quanto a PL-880, mas no SSB o som é tão ruim e o filtro de 4 Khz não funciona e o uso do SSB no AM funciona muito bem para reduzir o qrm de estações próximas, não pode fazer isso no PL -880 porque o áudio é muito ruim no SSB. Espero que isso ajude você? e espero que a tradução no google funcionou :-)

[@sidneycavalcant]

@@o00scorpion00o Deu para entender no português ! rsrsrs

[@sidneycavalcant]

@@o00scorpion00o Os DX aqui no Brasil, estão recomendando muito o xhdata d 808, qual sua opinião dele ?

[@lawriegraney9929]

Really good review. Thanks. I'm looking to buy the PL-660 over the PL-680. The PL-660 offers best performance for the price, I think.

[@tonyperone3242]

I had planned to buy a 680 but since this comparison I've changed my mind in favor of the 660. I would that it was better on MW. There are a few FM stations about 50 plus miles away that are sometimes difficult to tune in. Here it sounds like the 660 would do good. Thanks. Enjoyed.

[@jims1942]

Good comparison, I enjoyed watching it. Thank you for doing it. That is a question I have been pondering for a while, but you've been a great help in answering it. I'm going to get busy and order my PL-660 now. :-) ~ Another part of my decision is in the availability and price of the batteries for the PL-880. (?)

[@WB3CAI]

Appreciate the comparison and your comments. I read there was an issue with the 880's firmware and wonder if you have the latest update. These seem to be excellent performers for the money. I kind of like the selectable filters and narrow bandwidth of the 880.

[@memorgan1]

I have to say, Iv had my 880 for a couple of years now (newest Firmware) and its a tuning performer. More than happy with it. There are always going to be better and worse out there, but, for me, the 880 works really well, sounds great and has everything i need. A.M Synch is so bad its an "undocumented feature", but again, not an issue for me.

[@leewaun]

After watching this for the third time I ordered the 660. Here in Canada the 660 sells for $161 and the 880 sells for $259. Your video makes me happy I bought the cheaper model.

[@robertnagy2163]

You can be happy that you WILL get the better radio. Glad I could help

[@RevolutionaryBrewer]

Im also in Canada and I got the PL600 paid 103 total - love it so far. Cheers!

[@stephenwilliams5201]

New 660 right out of the box. made its selfe at home here. Rechargeable battery/aa dry cells. All work fine. On board bfo. Is also a plus. beats my carrying a bfo unit any day of the week. Tks Fer good show. De kv4li

[@mccoyburgess844]

Thank you for a thorough review. My Kaito 1103 died and Kaito says repair plus shipping is greater than cost of new one. I had the older version and liked it a lot in spite of the ergonomics. I almost pulled the on the 880 before I saw your review. Probably will get the 660now, unless that 680 looks better. I am subscribing to your channel and hope you give more similar quality reviews since I now have my Ham Tech license. Thanks again, and please keep up your good work. McCoy

[@Yavor54]

McCoy- Like I tell my friends, if you hang out with me- you are going to buy some radios...but you'll have a lot of fun! Check out my other reviews and welcome to a GREAT hobby!

[@Aco747lyte]

I have the Tecsun PL660 bought as a bargain for £55 off amazon uk about 3 years ago. Mine's black and I can't fauit it except for its silly little pull-out wire stand that topples the radio. I cured it by placing the radio in a little wooden bocx leaning on its lide. Shortwave reception and FM is excellent. Nice radio with a lock button so it doesn't accidentally switch on during transit. I can't fault it. I guess both radios have merits anyway.

[@poikaa3]

I had both the PL-660 and the PL-880. Both receivers are good! My 880 is a good example except for the SYNC, I can live with that! I sold my 660 not that I did not like it but it was surplus to my needs and a friend needed it. But for the SYNC the 880 is my favorite!

[@Larrymarx]

Excellent review on the PL-660 vs. PL-880... Thank you for taking the time to make and post this video....

[@glenn2595]

About the broadcast overheard on the radios: Straight weight 30? In my day the street hot rod-ers used 30W Wolfs Head oil in their rides. The El-Camino was a great street drag car in it's day and 30W Wolfs Head was the oil of choice for us local kids with no money and had to rebuild cars from junk yard parts. About the radio: Not caring about the air band nor the 53K LW difference I still like the PL-330 due to the price and the frequency range is about the same Thanks for the review.

[@MisterBobbyPens]

Bob, Thanks so much for the excellent comparison (much better than some other, long-winded, useless reviews). I just ordered the PL-660 since I do want to monitor the ham bands and, being close to a major airport, I like that it covers the air band, too. 'Hope to hear you on the bands! 73, Rob KD7H

[@Bulletguy07]

Just bought a used 660 off ebay after reading on a website pretty much what you said on your vid. Here in UK price of new 660 is more around the $120. I paid $95 for mine which is used but in mint condition with all the "bits". Price of most things in UK is always more expensive than US!!! I bought it to use when traveling around Europe in motorhome. At home i have a Trio-R1000, Sony 2001D, and Sony SW-1.

[@RED1111111111]

you DEFINATELY are a great wealth OF knowledge thank you i now know which one to buy! THANK YOU FOR THIS GREAT VIDEO....

[@seasterl]

Would be great to know if the review was done using the PL-880 Firmware 8819 or 8820. (Thanks!) If it was on 8819 and the 8820 came out subsequently and outperformed the PL-660, then this would make lots of difference for first-time buyers like myself.

[@RJDA.Dakota]

I have a PL 880 with the new updated firmware. It is a vast improvement over the PL 660 and the previous 880. Love the SSB on the 880. Also try the XHData 808

[@forgetyourlife]

RJDA Dakota lol, the ssb on the pl880 wobbles badly..Even on the newest firmware. You may not notice but 99% of the other reviews do. I sent mine back.

[@Homer19521]

Nice review. Thanx. I am thinking PL-680 someday. I have a PL600 now & I like the "no bass" sound for my old ears. I keep hoping Tecsun will fix the SSB on the 880 & I worry about the lower AF response. Another possibility is the newish Eton Satellit (sp?) It is a bit smaller, but it is supposedly has good SSB performance with fine tune. It is priced close to the 880. 73 - Bob

[@marksommers4868]

Hi! I have both a 880 and a 660- both good radios- I put in High Cap AA , And the other has that big rechargeable, one thing I'll mention, that big battery has a plastic wrap, and it's very hard 2 see, I had to call the company to be told about the plastic wrap on the battery- Anyway, everything is O.K. Now- They're good radios- I also got a loop antenna for AM-

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

I am in the Philippines and considering a radio so thanks for the reviews!

[@mikemcmanus3918]

I have a Tecsun 660 and an 880. You can't beat the speaker audio on the 880 but for routine listening you can't beat the Tecsun 660. Better on USB and LSB and better synch detection on the 660. The 660 is cheaper to buy too.

[@sidneycavalcant]

Em 2020 qual seria sua escolha ?

[@umbsix]

I got my Tecsun pl 880 in Durham Radio, and I really love it :) I got it recently actually... I find it works really well, but I'm scared of that battery. Its one I just can't get at my local store hehe but, I guess its good for now... Thanks for this review !!!

[@fraudsarentfriends4717]

The single 18650 rechargeable is also two CR123 Disposable batteries.If you didn't already know

[@NickB]

I discovered after buying my PL-880 (and a second MFJ-18650 battery from Universal Radio) that the 18650 is commonly used for E-cigarette (vaping) devices. I've invested in an external charger, an XTAR VC4 which will allow me to charge up to 4 from a USB supply. www.xtar.cc/products_detail/productId=64.html

[@nigelholmes9332]

18650 is becoming the AA of the LiPo world - used in torches, making laptop packs. Often dud laptop packs have one or two dead cells & the others are fine - good source of 18650 for experimenting.

[@evapena100]

Thank you very much this is a GREAT review of this product. A REAL REVIEW.

[@BritishBeachcomber]

My all time favourite all band radio has got to be the Sony ICF-2001D. Old, yes. Bulky, yes. But I just love it.

[@laffontcompetition-arkansa2581]

Agreed. Loved mine. ANY Sony is better than these two radios.

[@normanbloom]

So far I think that the PL 880 Radio is the best type to buy. From what i have heard i would look into this radio.I wonder if the FM is in Stereo when you attach headphones.

[@TheFilm2011]

Robert, Excellent report, very helpful. Thank you

[@MerchantsOfMisery]

Great video, cool background too. Nice change of pace from the usual KZbinrs' sterile/boring backgrounds.

[@solidaudioTV]

Thanks for the excellent comparison review! I prefer the speaker quality and controls on the 880, but the 660 clearly performs better on SSB. Anybody know what it would take to put a better speaker in the 660? Seems like an easy enough mod.

[@umlaut22]

My 880 does fine on SSB I like the 880 better but its all in what you like

[@lovetheblue6659]

Just for the record, my 880 does better on SSB than the unit depicted here - but still not as good as the 660. If you want really good, stable SSB, the Tecsun S-2000 and/or Eton Elite 750 (AKA Grundig Sattelit 750) both do a great job - but, of course, they’re not as portable. One key is the inclusion of a dedicated RF gain control on the 2000 and the 750. It really helps out when you have a “local” ham talking to a DX ham.

[@ditto1958]

Very interesting comparison. In your video, on my earbuds, the 660 sounds better to me. The 880 looks like a $300 radio, though, while the silver 660 looks like a $20 radio. If I were trying to decide, I don’t know which of the two I’d choose.

[@bobnagy9084]

If you are going to also listen to SSB, then it is the 660. If you are only using it for AM shortwave and FM broadcasts... then the 880 is better.

[@jeangys]

Bob Nice review the 660 is a winner in my book thank you...Very close to the my Sangean ATS 909

[@GEAUXFRUGAL]

I like the 660 for the battery selection I can buy AA Rechargeable batteries. That specialized radio battery is not something I am fond of. We have a day after situation I rather have more local options than having to go over seas for replacement. The way governments flip shot today we could be in trade relations today and gone tomorrow. I took my 660 to a Perkins rowe Baton Rouge LA top floor parking garage building and MAN does this thing show you the stations on FM. The I love the way the memory works too just a joy to operate if you like to change stations. Great place to set up is that top floor of the parking garage but I was right on top the Swaggart bible broadcast it bled over a bit I could have gone to the down town garages but pulled in enough with FM.

[@RickCutter]

I wonder iff the new production runs have fixed the flaws you highlighted in the pl880 ?

[@Richard-Seekingwulf]

I have read a lot of reviews and watched a lot of videos on the pl 880 and it seems to me that it is now the best Tecsun radio to have.

[@RickCutter]

I found your review very helpful. Battery type is a factor for me, I like AA rechargeable batteries, also i listen with an ear piece. If a radio “chuffs” while turning I an annoyed. The Pl-660 does not chuff.

[@Richard-Seekingwulf]

I don't think I heard anything about this radio having a chuff issue but I do like the 18650 batteries I hammock camp in the Ozark Mountains and use them in my flashlights and lanterns they seem to last a long long time before needing a recharge but I'm not quite sure about this battery it generic but you can get them on Amazon along with a cheap One battery charger then always have some ready.

[@worldwide1376]

A well thought out and informative review. I also found similar comparative results between my PL-680 vs. PL-880. While the PL-880 does have better sounding speaker that shines on FM broadcast, there are better radios for AM/FM, the Crane CCRadio 2 comes to mind.

[@FrancisLitanofficialJAPINOY]

64 - 108 MHz for PL-880, 76 - 108 MHz for PL-660 that comes with AIR BAND.

[@CREGGYAS]

>buys 880 of of ebay, then finds this video...

[@Seekthetruth3000]

😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@DarkGMarine]

Wow that pl-880 is not the business. Im getting a PL-680 soon! Thanks for this cideo glad i watched!

[@RGC198]

Hi Robert, Thanks for the interesting video. I have a Tecsun PL-390 which also works very well. Wishing you the best. Robert.

[@MARKLINMAN1]

Glad I saw this, I was about to order the 880. Oh well the search continues.

[@greggaieck4808]

Robert Nagy your two Tecsus receivers are cool iam thinking about getting the Tecsun H 909x or Tecsun pl6 60 or the Tecsun Pl 8, 80

[@marcosmza1962]

I recently bought one 880. I have a 660 that I love. I will test the new one sure!

[@RJDA.Dakota]

It actually depends on what you are really using each set for.

[@wesfoulds47]

This is the best radio for all around

[@mamatalu]

Went to Amazon to check the price and buy. I wonder why 880 has much better reviews. This video clearly shows 660 is better!

[@robertanderson533]

great radio comparison video. thanks very much

[@ModernPitmaster]

Robert, thanks for this review. I'm trying to find my first SW radio, and am having trouble deciding between the PL660 and the Sony 7600 with it's apparently better sync detection. I am a total SW newbie here, what are your thoughts?

[@timj.8056]

Thank you for your professional review!

[@marcosmza1962]

I love my 660

[@joaquinmurrieta7008]

marcosmza1962 can i listen to mexican stations if am in dallas ??

[@robertnagy2163]

Mexican AM radio stations? 1050 you can hear in Dallas. Maybe one more....

[@hdofu]

+Joaquin Murrieta depends on the distance away, antenna and band and time of day and location conditions.

[@donjayh]

Great video! My question: Can the PL-880 be used to continuously scan a block of frequencies, like, say, the Ham portion of the 20 meter band without storing anything to memory?

[@jungleman4921]

The PL 660 also has the local Air Band .I have found this older one to be the best.

[@David-xd9iu]

What Firmware Version was the 880?

[@vinniegrosso3521]

Great comparison, I'm a HAM and value sensitivity and selectivity a great deal, but once exposed to the 880's unstable oscillator, it would bug me forever. Been an AM DXer and SW Listener since I was a kid -- Have the icf-2002, the icf 2010, but like the Kaito 1130 for its ease of use, so the 660 looks good to me ! Do I need another radio LOL ! And thanks for stating a clear opinion!

[@BokBarber]

It's worth noting for anyone watching this in 2024 and beyond: the 880 is the only choice left, the 660 was discontinued, and they've thankfully fixed the issues with the unstable oscillator... but not the crummy sync detector or most of the other features. I'd say that the 880 is still a good buy if you can find one on a good sale. I wouldn't chance a used one unless you can confirm that it was built after 2018 or so, which seems to be when they managed to get the oscillator fixed. Or maybe just wait for a nice used 660, or maybe even go with a different brand entirely like XHDATA (which has its own set of issues but is a decent little radio.) I do sincerely hope that somebody eventually jailbreaks the 880s firmware so that we can do things like unlock the external antenna for AM (we know it works because there's a bug that allows you to temporarily enable it) and maybe improve that sync.

[@playerish]

How about compared with Sony ICF sw7600g or ICF sw55?

[@realtypo]

Sorry, the 660 has air band? and 880 has USB port to charge? Thank you.

[@N4TCM]

Had a Grundig G3 for a while. It bit the dust. Surface got sticky. Time for a new one. Believe I'll go for the 660. Universal Radio has it for a $109.95. Don't need the air band. Tim N4TCM

[@jeffking4176]

A year ago I had the pl660, and was looking at the pl-880. Had problems with my pl-660. Strange noise would start at just below mid volume - had to reset , but it would come back, so I took a chance on a pl-600. Waiting for them to work out the bugs , then get the pl-660 again. Tecsun really has been very good on quality, for the most part. I have a pl-390 and really love it. DXing is really good on it. The r-102 is good for such a small size. The r-233 is a fantastic analog pocket radio. And I have the r-9710. Wanting the r-9700dx. (Analog) for DXing.

[@jungleman4921]

Read my comments above regarding a strange noise I had on my first "Black" 660.

[@R50_J0]

Such a good comparison. Subscribed. Thanks.

[@ofthedawn]

Did the 880 ever get fixed? It's gone up 20 dollars in price.

[@Richard-Seekingwulf]

From all of the reviews and videos I've watched I think the Tecsun pl 880 is a very very good radio.

[@ofthedawn]

@@Richard-Seekingwulf this was 2 years ago.

[@mickeybrumfield764]

Well done review top notch presentation style. I like the size and functionality of these radios but am primarily into AM DXing listening to SW and FM just occasionally so don't know what to get next as an upgrade to my Tecsun pl-390 since neither of these receivers are considered stellar on AM. I really don't want a large radio requiring D cell batteries with limited number of presets. Confused on what will be a worthwhile upgrade.

[@robertnagy2163]

Well, really, you should consider a SDR. A wonderful SDR is the Elad FDM-S2. It's software is the best in the industry. The old Sony ICF7600 is better than either of these radios. Around $50 on Ebay. Inbetween those two in price would be a Icom IC-R71a. Its 20 years old, but it is a real receiver. Another contender is the SDR Play RSP-1A. Check my review. For $99 you get a decent SDR wideband receiver. Add a 50 ft long wire antenna and a discone antenna for VHF/UHF and you have it all covered.

[@mickeybrumfield764]

Robert Nagy Well will have to look into your suggestions trying to keep my costs down was really having to save my pennies in considering the Tecsun pl-880. Thank you for your timely reply.

[@mickyjb2003]

Excellent review, thanks 660 for me.

[@jeffking4176]

Excellent! Am looking to buy the 880. So now.......... Maybe I’ll look again ❓ Thanks 👍

[@robertnagy2163]

If they come out with a 990... get that.. but if not...the 660 works best.

[@jeffking4176]

Still have not made a choice. I ended up with a PL600. It’s ok. I got an XHData D-808. FANTASTIC little radio❗️ Still thinking about a PL880, or PL680. The PL990 will be out soon now, but I will wait and see. Tecsun has continued to refine some on their radios. 📻🙂

[@Nightwatchman247365]

Really nice presentation Robert. Tecsun PL365 is available out here in Australia as well. Free shipping incl. on eBay by Tecsun Australia. The PL365 has favourable reviews from EHam and others, but your review/comparisons here have now given me food for thought. Tomorrow I will wake up and decide. My feelings right now are the PL660!

[@FrancisLitanofficialJAPINOY]

PL-365, Longwave if MW step select to 9 kHz, centigrade temperature, 10 kHz on AM, fahrenheit but can’t switch to LW band.

[@paulstevens2839]

This video is 7 years old. Since then Tecsun has made the improvements on the PL880.

[@IceCreamKimi]

For the $150 or less range would the PL660 be the best buy or are there other brands to consider? Mostly looking to just listen to SW, in particular the 15-16Mhz range.

[@slam854]

I have had the PL-660 all summer and never tire of listening to it. Had the Grundig Field and the PL-660 in opposite corners of the yard listening to Blues on WTWW 12160 out of Nashville. Sounded very nice until wind brought down the 660 and broke the antenna. Little work and it's up again. Replacement antenna is on its way as parts are very available. Also ordered AN-200 loop antenna and a Tecsun S-2000 receiver. A ?, Bob, Loop antennas caught my interest as they are good S/N and quiet. I an looking for a broadband SW loop to mount on the roof with a rotor. Small antenna with good performance for receive only. MFJ-1886 LNA and Wellbrook ANA 1530 LNB look like good choices with the 1530 looking more favorable. Please, what are you thoughts on this issue. For my backup, I am locating sources and pricing but spend no money until informed. Thanks for your help

[@haydenforarkansas6555]

Steve- Well, the gain (sensitivity) on the 660 is SO HIGH that it will overload easily with any full-size antenna. It really is made for the little whip antenna or the short wire provided. If you are really a die-hard SW guy, it is time to mode up to a real receiver. The S2000 is a good value, but I have not tried one. Good performance on SSB and digital signals is a thing you get with a good RX. None of the portable receivers provide good SSB performance. This takes more costly components. Something like a used Yaesu FRG-100 would be a good choice. A Kenwood R-2000 used...Icom R-75 or R-71A. OR possibly even better, a Icom IC-735 transceiver from the 80's. These are usually $300 or so. Then you can think of loops etc. Build your loop too... These radios really perform. Also, I can suggest the SDRplay 1A. It is a SDR/PC receiver with HUGE coverage. Look for my review of it. $99 gets you a hell of a RX. Have fun listening...or better, get a Ham radio license!

[@tech29X]

@@haydenforarkansas6555Indeed RSP1A is a very nice alternative, throw it on an RPI4, Android Tablet, or an older windows laptop and you have a very competitive RX.

[@ajg2558]

I miss my Panasonic rf 2200, still have rf 1150 and rf 3100 ,

[@k5wxp22]

Hi Bob, just wondering if you have heard whether or not the 880 has been improved? I read the firmware was better, but don't know if they fixed the oscillator issue. I do like to listen to SSB while traveling and have a CountyComm GP-5 SSB that works great, but interested in the Tecsun models. Great comparison video, btw! 73, Brett K5WXP