The XHDATA D-219 Receiver Gets a New Look

by Paul Jamet

Two and a half years ago, I shared my enthusiasm for an XHDATA receiver, the D-219, first launched at the end of 2022:

The XHDATA D-219 stands out for its low price and impressive performance. It combines nostalgic analog charm—with its needle dial—with the power of modern DSP technology, delivering excellent multiband performance for its class and cost. Whether you’re an enthusiast, a traveler, or simply discovering shortwave for the first time, the D-219 is a wonderful gateway into the vast world of radio.

More than 25 readers have commented on or contributed to discussions about this little receiver. The D-219 is very easy to use, has a vintage look, a classic needle dial, and runs on two AA batteries. Sources confirm that it is based on a Si4825-A10 architecture, with analog tuning (via potentiometer and voltage), mono audio output, and reception across the following bands:

FM1: 87–108 MHz (International band)

FM2: 64–87 MHz (East Asia)

AM (MW): 520–1710 kHz (10 kHz spacing) or 522–1620 kHz (9 kHz spacing, depending on version)

SW: 9 shortwave bands covering 4.75–22 MHz

Switching between bands is simple—just turn the side-mounted dial.

Recent events have also renewed interest in battery-powered radios and resilient technologies like AM radio, particularly during massive power outages such as:

In such emergency situations, the D-219 becomes even more appealing: it’s lightweight (150 g without batteries), very intuitive to use, and powered by standard AA cells. On top of that, its performance is excellent.

Until recently, XHDATA offered the D-219 in just two classic colors: gray and silver-gray.

But in the past few days, XHDATA has introduced two new finishes on its website: malachite green and grayish white—still under €9 (excluding shipping). Stocks appear to be limited.

Personally, I was immediately drawn to the Malachite Green version.

Its matte finish looks elegant and really highlights the receiver’s craftsmanship. Honestly, I think it’s beautiful! The green gives it a distinctive character and elevates the quality of the finish.

Elegance, performance, and price all come together to make the D-219 an excellent way to discover—or rediscover—shortwave across its nine bands.

With the D-219 ‘Malachite Green,’ radio isn’t just something you hear—it’s something that catches your eye.

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Paul Jamet, who shares the following article that was originally published in the Radio Club du Perche Newsletter.

Note that Paul also includes information about the new XHDATA D-109 and an XHDATA sale in the addendum of his article!

Let’s discover the XHDATA D-219

by Paul JAMET

A truly incredible performance/price ratio

A year ago, many people wondered if it was wise to resume short wave broadcasts to Russia and Ukraine (CIRAF Zone 29). Although a century old, this technology is still widely used around the world. Moreover, the world market for Short Wave receivers is apparently doing well because new models are regularly arriving on the market, in particular ultra-portable DSP receivers with surprising performance. As proof, the latest XHDATA model: the D-219, marketed since November 2022. This is a very easy-to-use receiver, with a vintage look and a needle dial, which is available in gray or silver, for less than $7 (excluding shipping and batteries) on the XHDATA company website.

The D-219 is a “Full DSP” receiver which allows it to be very sensitive and power efficient. It is powered by two AA/R6 rechargeable batteries or by the mains (batteries and 220/5.0 volt adapter not supplied). A small multilingual manual – including French – is provided.

From my point of view, the most important innovation – on a DSP receiver of this price – is the possibility of precise tuning when searching for stations with a pointer dial; there is absolutely no play, which allows perfect and stable tuning to the desired frequency. This receiver has a 3.5 mm jack, a rear stand and a hand strap. The 7-core telescopic antenna is about 55 cm long and provides good reception of FM and SW stations. The sound quality is very good for this 150g receiver (without batteries)! It has two FM bands (87-108 and 64-87 MHz), the AM band (Medium Waves) from 522 to 1620 kHz and nine SW bands from 4750 to 22000 kHz. See photo above.

For a SWL, it’s a real pleasure to explore the 9 Short Wave bands. For instance, I have already easily tuned to international stations several thousand kilometers away only with the telescopic antenna, such as RFA – Radio Free Asia – broadcasting from Agignan Point and Tinian Island in the Pacific Ocean.

Audio samples:

VoA in Dari from Udon Thani on 12075 kHz (250 kW; 9900 km):

RSI in English from Kall Krekell on 6005 kHz (1 kW; 350 km)

Note: A 23-foot wire antenna was clipped onto the whip antenna
recordings made by placing my smartphone near the speaker of the receiver.

QSLs

I received two QSLs (Year of the Rabbit) sent by RFA. See attached images below. These QSL confirm my reception reports (recordings made with the XHDATA D-219 and sent to RFA)

Summary

In conclusion, the XHDATA D-219 is really very easy to use. I can only recommend it to anyone who wants to start exploring the wide world of shortwave with a receiver that offers a truly amazing performance/price ratio!

Paul JAMET

NB: DSP technology – Digital Signal Processing – allows, among other things, to reduce noise and limit distortion; it is perfectly adapted to the processing of radio signals.