Tag Archives: eBay

Tecsun PL-680: Another ludicrous eBay price…

In today’s episode of absurd eBay prices, I present the Tecsun PL-680:

A price of $513.03 US (shipped) from an eBay seller with a 96.3% approval rating, when you could purchase the same radio from the excellent Anon-Co for $111 US shipped?

When I see over-inflated eBay listings, I feel so sorry for the unlucky person who pulls the trigger and buys an item at five times the retail price. I must assume–based on the sheer number of these listings on eBay–people are indeed purchasing grossly overpriced items.

No matter what sort of radio you’re seeking on eBay (or elsewhere) please do your research in advance. Check reliable retailer prices (Anon-Co, Universal Radio, Ham Radio Outlet, DX Engineering, Amazon, ML&S, Nevada Radio, RadioWorld, etc.) prior to purchasing anything that’s currently in production.

If you’re seeking a vintage or rare unit, use eBay’s excellent price research tools that reference past sold listings. In addition, consult Fred Osterman’s excellent book: Shortwave Receivers Past & Present.

This has been an SWLing Post Public Service Announcement! 🙂

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Sony ICF-6800W: Dan notes a possible record sales price on eBay

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Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dan Robinson, who writes:

A couple of years ago I did a talk a the annual SWL Fest on the best radios of all time (in my opinion anyway). The SONY ICF-6800W was among them, for reasons I think are valid — high sensitivity and beautiful audio, the major ones. Now, one has sold for what could be a record price on eBay — more than $1300. This shows how much folks are willing to pay for 6800Ws that still have the original box….

Wow–to many the ICF-6800W is a “Holy Grail” receiver. Amazing that it has held its value so well. If memory serves, it’s not the easiest radio to work on, but is certainly serviceable.

Thanks for the info, Dan!

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Troy spots a rare Philips AE3905 on eBay

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Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Troy Riedel, who writes:

The radio is the PHILIPS AE3905 – and made in … wait … Austria!

There is one on eBay right now.

The first listing started at $275 – there were no takers – so now the second listing is set at $250.

Phillips still has a support page for this tiny little radio – which is essentially a page where people can download a manual:

http://www.p4c.philips.com/cgi-bin/cpindex.pl?scy=DK&slg=EN&ctn=AE3905

Universal Radio lists it on their “Discontinued” page here:

https://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/portable/ae3905.html

I do not believe it was ever reviewed in Passport to World Band Radio. The first appearance of it was an advertisement in the 1992 Passport. It also appeared in an ad in the 1993 Passport, but by 1994 it was gone. This radio was released to compete with the Sony ICF-SW100 and was apparently very short-lived.

There isn’t a lot of online information about it, just a forum posting asking members to list “the most over-rated SW radio ever” and this one received a vote. The posting states this radio was known to have capacitor issues (just like every other radio of the era) & “poorly designed battery contacts” that would fail.

There is at least 1 video of the radio on YouTube pitting it against the ICF-SW100, and the Sony is very clearly better.

This appears to be a radio [only] for collectors &/or uber radio enthusiasts, but I feel this price point is a bit steep.

Click here to view on eBay.

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Dan spots a mint Panasonic RF-B65 on eBay

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Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dan Robinson, who shares the following:

This does not appear to have the AC adaptor — not all kits included that, but they are findable on Ebay] OK, folks here’s your chance — a Panasonic RF-B65, one of the best portables of all time in terms of overall sensitivity and audio (in this size category) in what appears to be Like New condition. Price is about right for one of these complete with box, manuals, etc I usually jump on these but I already have two in this condition….

Click here to view on eBay.

The RF-B65 is certainly a highly regarded portable and Dan knows I’m on the hunt for one. Frankly, I’ll probably wait until next year to search for a deal. This model is not the cheapest, but looks incredibly clean and is being sold by a seasoned seller with 100% positive feedback. If you’ve been considering an RF-65B, this is a good one. Thanks for the tip, Dan!

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eBay Deal: Tecsun PL-660 for 50.90 GBP shipped

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Many thanks to SWLing Post reader, George T, who writes:

Just a tip that I found a bargain price on eBay for a new Tecsun PL-660. The price is £50.90 with free P&P…best I’ve ever seen. I grabbed one. The unit ships from China. The seller has a 97.4% positive rating and apparently sells a high volume. Many of his negatives are about shipping time. I suspect the shipping is basic post from China, so I don’t expect it to arrive anytime soon. Also, eBay will back the purchase. It appears they have at least a few more available.

Oh yes…the seller notes they ship worldwide with the following exceptions: “Germany, Puerto Rico, Hong Kong, Indonesia, United States, Burkina Faso, Lesotho, China” What an intriguing set of exceptions!

Click here to view deal on eBay.

Thanks for the tip, George!

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Grundig Executive Receivers on eBay via Heartland America

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Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Troy Riedel, who notes that Heartland America is selling several refurbished Grundig Executive receivers on eBay.

Troy scored a great deal on a Sattelit yesterday. These units are set up as auctions, but don’t seem to be very active. If you can snag an Executive Sattelit for under $140 shipped, that’s a decent deal. I personally wouldn’t exceed $140 since these are refurbished units and we have seen prices on new units as low as $156 shipped.

Click here to view Heartland America’s Eton radio selection on eBay.

Thanks for the tip, Troy!

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eBay Deal: Eton Satellit $139 CDN / $113 US shipped

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Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Troy Riedel, who notes:

The Eton Satellit [Black Case] is on closeout from Radio World Canada on eBay right now for slightly less than $115 + Free Shipping.

Thank you, Troy. That is an excellent deal for an excellent portable! If you’ve been considering the Eton Satellit, you should grab this deal–I’ve never seen the price lower. The seller has 100% positive feedback and a deep history.

Click here to view on eBay.

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