Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Bob, who spotted something interesting in Sangean’s documentation database.
Sangean has posted what appears to be a product brochure for an ATS-909XSE, dated August 27, 2026 (PDF). There’s also a corresponding manual (PDF) in the company’s documentation database.
Interestingly, another Sangean document (PDF) appears to indicate that the ATS-909X2+ may be the European designation, while the U.S. version is designated the ATS-909X2SE.
Both models appear to have the same feature set:
At this point, however, I haven’t found a formal announcement from Sangean about the ATS-909X2+ or ATS-909X2SE, so I’m not going to speculate about the radio or its availability.
It’s certainly an intriguing find, though, and I’ll be watching for an official announcement. I’m super pleased that Sangean continues to innovate!
Thanks again to Bob for the tip!
Sangean has always offered a great lineup of radio receivers, and the next version of the 909X2 is a welcome addition. I’ve wondered what was going on with Sangean R&D to take the 909X2 to the next level. Other brands have debuted receivers with cutting edge technology over the past two years with new chips and visual frequency ‘waterfalls’. I hope Sangean will raise their presence with their upgraded model. The 909X2 has always placed high in the build quality and technical categories.
..perhaps, Sangean can use the 66686 radio chip on this and other radios..!…?
Just using the 6686 or similar TEF isn’t the solution. The 909X2 and new versions have SSB, so it remains to be seen how the internal architecture is and what’s used. Also, if you look at DSP receivers like the ESP138/D, the AGC performance on the 4732 si chip is terrible. So some careful planning will need to be done by Sangean.
Dan, I agree. The new chips starting to be employed in some new receivers are not the end-all to getting better reception or operation versatility. Everything downstream, and upstream has to be looked at and analyzed before the new addition can be deemed as transformative!!
The differences between the old version snd the new one https://www.reddit.com/r/shortwave/s/3SEIR8xmLV
Use the link above and select the second option and click on it.
Mangoesman
Great find Bob!
So, I’ll have more background on this emerging story in the upcoming issue of the NASWA journal. Indeed, this apparent update was signaled by two comments on RadioReference earlier this year. I received the following responses from Sangean: “…while we are unable to comment on speculation or unannounced developments, we greatly value the feedback and interest from our customers. We encourage you to follow our official website and social media, where any product news or announcements will be shared when appropriate.” And: “At present, the ATS-909X2 is still in production for the Taiwan market and there are no plans to discontinue it at this time. The ATS-909X2 continues to be an important model in our shortwave radio lineup. Regarding the rumored ATS-909X3, we currently do not have any official information to announce. However, we do not rule out the possibility of developing a future ATS-909X3 model as part of our ongoing product research and development efforts.”
This development is in contrast to reports, based on at least one source in Asia, that Sangean would be getting out of the HF portable market. The X2+ or X2SE as the new version is called depending on market, claims improved SSB performance, and finally multiple bandwidths for SSB, along with a new FAST tuning mode. We’ll have to await more information, but we’ll want to learn more. Sangean has clearly been sitting on the sidelines and allowing sales of the X2 to continue. HRO outlets took delivery of 078 firmware receivers with production dates from 2025. How they and other sellers will be able to sell the older X2 amid the rollout of this new version remains to be seen.
One big question — will Sangean address the annoying issue of audio level drop in SSB, and receivers being significantly off frequency.
Here’s my video just posted on the Sangean developments….https://youtu.be/fD8G3NfYcww?si=Eo6M7CPVe3vzrBvu
Dan,
Whilst stirring up Sangean, ask them why they don’t make a model containing Digital Radio Mondiale.
http://www.drm.org particularly the technical manual will highlight the ability to carry 3 audio channels and a data channel, an emergency channel only received within a designated area, Journaline (an indexed text system) and show photos as well. More info in https://www.drm.org/about-drm/drm-handbook/
DRM covers nearly all of India and Radio New Zealand Pacific covers the South Pacific islands and others https://www.drm.org/broadcast-schedule/.
It appears that they will soon – the DRM-40
https://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/portable/0040a.html
Sorry – looks like that was a planned and cancelled release. I should have read the “fine print” before posting.
Carry on…
That’s far more likely than a completely new design. I can’t see many major manufacturers launching a new set when the world of LW,MW and SW is contracting so fast.
I bought a 909X2 in 2024 from Amazon for $230.00. As of August 2026
it had climbed to $389.00. Great radio, but why?
I just realized that the ‘SE’ may mean Special Edition referring to the Titanium color option. There is a mention of improved SSB reception which may mean a correction of the SSB volume problem. Thoughts?
Guess you haven’t been to the grocery store lately either?
Let’s hear what Dan Robinson has to say…