Reader Survey: Comparing the Tecsun PL-660 and PL-680 on AM shortwave

Tecsun-PL-680

[Update: Please note that this survey has been closed, but the audio samples–labeled Radio A and Radio B–will remain to allow others the opportunity to make an evaluation prior to reading the PL-680 review.]

[Update 2: The PL-680 review and readers’ survey results have now been posted! Check it out here.]

I’ve been spending a little time with my new Tecsun PL-680 today, and it’s been most interesting. Of course, I’ve already begun to form a few opinions about the radio and am taking notes. Yet I never believe a shortwave radio can be judged in one sitting; there are simply too many variables to account for, such as minute changes in propagation, fading, local radio interference, all of which can have a temporary effect on performance. It’s better to judge a radio after having used it over the course of at least a week or so, in diverse reception conditions.

Still, as I tuned the PL-680, I was already wondering how it compared with its predecessor, the PL-660–? And since I’ve received at least ten emails from readers curious about the same thing, I thought I might start a series of blind audio tests in order to let our readers decide for themselves.

So…ready for some fun?

TecsunPL680andPL660

Below, I’ve embedded eight recordings comparing the PL-660 and PL-680 on shortwave. All of these are recordings of broadcast stations, no SSB yet (I simply didn’t have the time today).

To participate, just listen, then fill out the form that follows with your choice of “Best Radio” for each broadcast. But do note the following:

  1. I’ve attempted to set the audio levels equally on both radios. Iused the broadcast in the first recording to set the audio levels; they remain at this level for the remainder of the recordings. Nonetheless, you’ll note that one of the radios seems to have lower audio on a couple of the higher-band recordings; this is not due to any change in the incoming volume nor adjustments to the audio levels.
  2. As seen in the photo above, I used a Zoom H2N digital recorder to make these recordings on the tailgate of my truck.  Any time you hook a digital recorder up to a radio on the medium wave or shortwave bands, you most likely will inject a little noise. When I listened to each radio without the recorder in-line, I determined that the Zoom injected very little audible noise.
  3. The assignment of “Radio A” and “Radio B” was chosen by a coin toss–so pretty much at random!
  4. I included two recordings of WWV on 25 MHz. This is because the reception conditions from WWV change in a a matter of minutes, which would provide recording variation. I thought it would be best to include two such recordings.
  5. Both radios have the gain set to “DX” and bandwidth set to wide. None of these recordings employ synchronous detection. The telescopic antenna was fully extended on both units. Additionally, both radios had the tone control set to “bass.”
  6. No less relevant: it was 32F/OC with strong wind gusts and blowing snow in my face when I made these recordings. But I knew our readers would understand (and likely appreciate) this dedication to the absorbing art of  SWLing…just as I appreciate your participation in judging this head-to-head radio showdown!

Audio Samples

9,395 kHz – Radio Prague via Global 24 (strong signal example)

Radio A

Audio Player

Radio B

Audio Player

25,000 kHz – WWV Fort Collins, CO

Radio A – 1st recording

Audio Player

Radio B – 1st recording

Audio Player

Radio A – 2nd recording

Audio Player

Radio B – 2nd recording

Audio Player

17,620 kHz – Radio France International (weak signal example)

Radio A

Audio Player

Radio B

Audio Player

Submit your response

Click here to use our response form to vote on your favorites, or simply use the form embedded below:

Mother Jones takes a look at new BBG CEO Andy Lack

motherjonesMother Jones, a nonprofit news organization that specializes in investigative, political, and social justice reporting, recently published an article entitled, “Can the Guy Who Brought You “Friends” Win the Propaganda War Against ISIS and Putin?”

MJ Reporter, Jenna McLaughlin, takes a look at who Andrew Lack is and what he faces as he attempts to move the BBG in a positive direction.

Take note that former Voice of America Chief White House correspondent (and avid DXer), Dan Robinson, is quoted in this article.

Click here to read the full article at Mother Jones.

Unboxing the Tecsun PL-680

Tecsun-PL-680-6When I got home, after a very long day, I found that FedEx delivered the Tecsun PL-680 I ordered from Anon-Co.  I haven’t even had a moment to listen to the PL-680 yet, but I hope to make time tomorrow.

Tecsun-PL-680-7

I’m happy to see that the PL-680 has hassle-free, well-designed packaging: a simple cardboard insert inside the box, yet everything was held in place firmly (no rattling).

Tecsun-PL-680-2

The PL-680 comes packaged in its padded case.

Tecsun-PL-680-3

Once it’s removed from the box, you can see the accompanying accessories: four standard Tecsun AA rechargeable batteries, one external wire antenna, one set of earphones and one AC adapter/charger.

Tecsun-PL-680-4

 

The PL-680 was enclosed in a poly bag inside the padded case–it also ships with a protective plastic film over the display.

Tecsun-PL-680-5

Wow! The PL-680 certainly looks like a spitting image of the PL-600. I believe this is a good thing as I always preferred the look of the PL-600 over that of the PL-660.

More to come tomorrow! Follow the tag PL-680 for all posts about this new Tecsun radio.

The Tecsun PL-680 now shipping

pl680-frontantenna-big

SWLing Post reader, Steve, writes:

Anna [at Anon-Co] has the PL-680 in stock according to a email I received from her this morning. Readers who are interested in ordering the radio should be aware of the Chinese New Year and the potential for delays.

Thanks, Steve. I received a similar email from Anna. They have listed the PL-680 on their website and, I’m sure, will post on eBay soon. The price is $95 US plus shipping; a reasonable price, if the PL-680 is an improvement over the PL-660.

I have already ordered a PL-680 from Anon-Co and it is on the way. I paid extra for FedEx shipping, so it should arrive before week end. I’ll post updates as I test this radio.

As Steve mentions in his note, Anon-Co will observe the Chinese New Year and will be unavailable from February 13th to the 26th.

I *should* have at least a preliminary review posted before the 26th so those of you who are tempted by the PL-680 will at least have some insight prior to purchase.

Michael Stevenson reviews the Wellbrook ALA1530S+

ALA1-2

I just noticed that my buddy Rob Wagner has posted Michael Stevenson’s review of the Wellbrook ALA1530S+ antenna.

Michael does an excellent job describing the Wellbrook, its performance, and even includes comparison audio clips. Click here to read the full review.

If you haven’t already, make sure you bookmark Rob’s excellent site!

Radio Australia antenna azimuth settings

RA-PropMap

SWLing Post reader, George, recently asked about the new Radio Australia antenna settings accompanying the modified (trimmed) broadcast schedule.

The following are the new azimuth settings for the antennas at the Shepparton transmitter site:

  • 9,580 kHz: 070 degrees 0900-2100 UTC
  • 12,065 kHz: 355 degrees 0900-2100 UTC
  • 12,085 kHz: 030 degrees  0900-2100 UTC
  • 15,240 kHz: 030 degrees 2100-0900 UTC
  • 15,415 kHz: 355 degrees 2100-0900 UTC
  • 17,840 kHz: 070 degrees 2100-0900 UTC