Why I recommend the XHDATA / Sihuadon D-808, also highlighting pros & cons

[@cfldriven]

I like the battle scars of a radio that gets used a lot and isn't a museum piece.

[@SL-xn2km]

Good review. I bought the xhdata d808 and the tecsun pl300 to test both and ended keeping the tecsun as appeared slightly more robust ie embedded tuning buttons a more robust speaker cover (i like to through it in a rucksack) . However the xhdata is an amazing radio. The xhdata also has a slightly richer but noticeable sound quality than the tecsun. Both of them offer amazing bang for buck.

[@FrancoDX]

Agreed, easily the best value portable. Good audio for a small speaker too 👍🏼 My only complaints are the soft muting and how the ETM search function stores frequencies into separate pages. I prefer how with Tecsun radios you just scroll through them without having to enter the next page.

[@TomSP9TL]

Hi. I just got mine yesterday. A great little radio to take with on holidays, trips, walks (although for walks Tecsun PL-368 would be better due to it's handling). I've had Tecsun PL-330 before. Can't yet compare those two when it comes to signal reception quality, but what I prefer in XHDATA over Tecsun is the RDS for FM radio and air band. My external SG7900 VHF/UHF antenna does a great job with strengthening FM radio signal. I like the modulation of those little receivers, that sound like 80/90s style broadcast radios. Not digitally enhanced, not 100% crystal clear.

[@mutezone]

Congrats on getting the D-808. I agree with RDS for the XHDATA, I don't know why it is not included in the Tecsuns.

[@TomSP9TL]

@@mutezone especially that RDS is a technology from the 80s or something like that. Nothing new really. That is one thing that used to bug me a lot in PL-330, more than the DSP silencing when searching the frequencies.

[@dxer22000]

The XHDATA isn't as sensitive on FM compared to the Tecsuns but does offer RDS.

[@mutezone]

The best FM portable I had before the TEF was the Tecsun PL-390. Same performance as the TEF but lacks the bandwidth filters & RDS.

[@ParamDxer]

Being an owner of the XHDATA D-808, can say that it does not perform bad but most I liked are SW and MW reception. LW is worse on the device and FM is acceptable at a certain point. It was my first official RX to start with along car tuners. Great battery life though and even Air Band. Cheers John 73

[@mutezone]

Everything you said about the D-808 I concur entirely. It still sells at a good price which is why I recommend it as a beginner radio. 73.

[@spanishdxfmom9037]

I have it too, very useful for RDS data

[@marcosmza1962]

Excellent video. I agree

[@mutezone]

Thank you very much.

[@Murat807]

I really am surprised that the PL330 has better battery life.

[@mutezone]

So am I.

[@salimchiadf4ifb60]

I agree all you tell about this radio

[@mutezone]

It is a great radio. Thank you for watching.

[@SWRadio36]

👍

[@mutezone]

Thank you.

[@dxace1]

Soft muting continues to be the plague for many portables...a shame

[@AirwolfBadarse]

It's the digital chip that causes this. It sucks but DSP is still pretty good

[@TomSP9TL]

Tecsun PL-990x does not mute, I think the only one?

[@robsonenduro3316]

@@TomSP9TL {PL-680 also doesn't

[@Homer19521]

How old is yours? I am surprised at the decline of the finish. I just ordered one. 👍

[@mutezone]

Got it in early 2018 so over 6 years. Congrats on ordering the radio, you will find it is an excellent performer.

[@SamFinch-bn8kr]

My condolences to any FM dxers trying to us the 808😅