Hi there, after the first set of recordings were analysed, the score was 4-3 to the ICF-2001D, demonstrating how similar these two great receivers are in overall performance. There were a copule of notable differences however. The synchronous detection circuit on the ICF-2001D allows the user to effectively tune through a signal in 01. kHz steps, whilst the receiver automatically locks onto either the upper or lower sideband, depending on the frequency offset. The ICF-SW77 synchronous detection system differs in that the user must tune the signal and select the sideband. The results of this test confirmed that whilst the ICF-2001D almost always retained SYNC lock, the ICF-SW77 was very prone to losing lock, which of course affected the audio quality in many cases. The other issue was with the ICF-SW77 in that the narrow audio bandwidth filter often seemed to deliver ‘muddy’ audio. Whilst this feature proved to be excellent in terms of mitigating adjacent channel QRM, it also reduced signal clarity/ audio discernibility a little too much in my opinion. However, overall, sensitivity and selectivity was very similar between both radios – in fact, one recording had to be judged a draw (Radio Bandeirantes, Sao Paolo on 9645.4 kHz) – I simply couldn’t split them. Part two of the reception testing follows, using signals from Canda, DR Congo, Brazil, Cuba and Peru.
I hope you enjoy the recordings – text links and embedded videos follow below:
- Which is the best? Sony ICF-SW77 or ICF-2001D? Test #9 CFRX Toronto 6070 kHz
- Which is the best? Sony ICF-SW77 or ICF-2001D? Test #10 Radio CANDIP 5066.4 kHz
- Which is the best? Sony ICF-SW77 or ICF-2001D? Test #11 : Radio Alvorada 4965 kHz
- Which is the best? Sony ICF-SW77 or ICF-2001D? Test #12 Radio Verdes Florestas 4865 kHz
- Which is the best? Sony ICF-SW77 or ICF-2001D? Test #13 Radio Rebelde 1620 kHz Cuba
- Which is the best? Sony ICF-SW77 or ICF-2001D? Test #14 Radio Cultural Amauta 4955 kHz
Clint Gouveia is the author of this post and a regular contributor to the SWLing Post. Clint actively publishes videos of his shortwave radio excursions on his YouTube channel: Oxford Shortwave Log. Clint is based in Oxfordshire, England.