{"id":35500,"date":"2019-01-28T14:50:20","date_gmt":"2019-01-28T18:50:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/?p=35500"},"modified":"2019-02-05T07:03:48","modified_gmt":"2019-02-05T11:03:48","slug":"sangean-dt-800-am-fm-weather-radio-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2019\/01\/sangean-dt-800-am-fm-weather-radio-review\/","title":{"rendered":"Sangean DT-800 Review: AM\/FM\/Weather ultra-compact radio"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><a href=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-FM-in-hand.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-35759\" src=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-FM-in-hand.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"510\" height=\"680\" srcset=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-FM-in-hand.jpg 510w, https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-FM-in-hand-225x300.jpg 225w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 510px) 100vw, 510px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Two months ago, <i>SWLing Post<\/i> reader Paul Adler wrote to ask:<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><b><i>&#8220;Any reviews and comparisons of the Sangean DT-800?&#8221;<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<p>The Sangean DT-800? This caught my attention, as I wasn&#8217;t, at the time, familiar with this recent addition to the Sangean product family.\u00a0 So I promptly began investigating the new product, and checked out the manual; I found it has a few features that really intrigue me, namely:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The ability to turn off soft muting<\/li>\n<li>The ability to internally recharge NiMH AA batteries<\/li>\n<li>Multiple bandwidth on AM <i>and FM<\/i><\/li>\n<li>Weather band with weather alerts<\/li>\n<li>FM RDS<\/li>\n<li>No telescoping antenna\u2013\u2013rather, an included wire antenna<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In my mind, these features seemed to set it apart from other similar portables.\u00a0 And with the ability to defeat the soft mute, I wondered if it could make for a formidable Ultralight DX radio?<\/p>\n<p>I contacted Sangean, and they kindly sent me a review sample of the DT-800. It comes in two chassis colors: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/B07GBVDJSR\/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=swlcom01-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B07GBVDJSR&amp;linkId=5c6e7617254bd73a0c30a329452ecd1f\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">standard black<\/a> and and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/B07GBMPP6M\/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=swlcom01-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B07GBMPP6M&amp;linkId=d007ed47db4b7a51c03a97ade61d4aee\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">a bright fire yellow.<\/a> I chose yellow, which makes it easier to spot should this handheld be lost or dropped in an outdoor setting.<\/p>\n<p>Thanks for the suggestion, Paul!<\/p>\n<p><b>Giveaway!\u00a0\u00a0<\/b>By the way: since this is a product sample and was sent to me free of charge, I\u2019m going to <strong>give it away to a lucky <i>SWLing Post<\/i> Coffee Fund or Patreon supporter next week<\/strong>, just to say thanks!<\/p>\n<p>Now, let\u2019s get on with the review&#8230;<\/p>\n<h2>Initial impressions<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-Ear-Buds-AM.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-35751\" src=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-Ear-Buds-AM-674x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"625\" height=\"950\" srcset=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-Ear-Buds-AM-674x1024.jpg 674w, https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-Ear-Buds-AM-198x300.jpg 198w, https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-Ear-Buds-AM-768x1166.jpg 768w, https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-Ear-Buds-AM-624x948.jpg 624w, https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-Ear-Buds-AM.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 625px) 100vw, 625px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>As with almost all Sangean products, the DT-800 arrives as a <i>complete<\/i> package, with all accessories. Inside, you&#8217;ll find the radio, a full-length multi-language owner&#8217;s manual, a warranty card, an AC adapter (with in-line RF chokes, nice touch), in-ear headphones, an external wire antenna, and a belt clip.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-manual.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-35743\" src=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-manual.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"1020\" srcset=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-manual.jpg 800w, https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-manual-235x300.jpg 235w, https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-manual-768x979.jpg 768w, https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-manual-624x796.jpg 624w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-manual-open.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-35748\" src=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-manual-open.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"648\" srcset=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-manual-open.jpg 800w, https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-manual-open-300x243.jpg 300w, https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-manual-open-768x622.jpg 768w, https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-manual-open-624x505.jpg 624w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>The DT-800 fits nicely in the hand, and the matte finish on the sides and bottom of the radio make gripping it quite easy, lessening the chance of dropping or losing the unit.<\/p>\n<p>The front panel is simple: five multi-function preset buttons and a Page\/Menu button. All of the buttons are tactile and have a matte finish, as well; they feel of good quality and have a great response.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-Right-Side.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-35744\" src=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-Right-Side-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"625\" height=\"833\" srcset=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-Right-Side-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-Right-Side-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-Right-Side-624x832.jpg 624w, https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-Right-Side.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 625px) 100vw, 625px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>The right side of the radio (see side view, above) has a tuning\/select up\/down jog switch, a mechanical keylock button and a MicroUSB DC in port.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-Left-Side.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-35750\" src=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-Left-Side-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"625\" height=\"833\" srcset=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-Left-Side-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-Left-Side-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-Left-Side-624x832.jpg 624w, https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-Left-Side.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 625px) 100vw, 625px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>On the left side of the radio (see left side view, above) you&#8217;ll find the volume up\/down buttons and a stereo\/mono\/speaker mechanical switch which you can use to switch between the internal speaker and headphones.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-top.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-35741\" src=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-top.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-top.jpg 800w, https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-top-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-top-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-top-624x468.jpg 624w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>On top of the radio (above) you&#8217;ll find the power button, band selection button and the headphones port, which doubles as the external antenna port.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-Back-Clip.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-35749\" src=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-Back-Clip-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"625\" height=\"833\" srcset=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-Back-Clip-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-Back-Clip-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-Back-Clip-624x832.jpg 624w, https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-Back-Clip.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 625px) 100vw, 625px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>On the back of the radio you&#8217;ll find the DBB bass-boost slider switch, the battery compartment, and a belt clip.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-bottom.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-35752\" src=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-bottom.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"674\" srcset=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-bottom.jpg 800w, https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-bottom-300x253.jpg 300w, https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-bottom-768x647.jpg 768w, https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-bottom-624x526.jpg 624w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>One thing you\u2019ll quickly notice is a lack of any telescoping whip antenna. Instead, the DT-800 ships with a wire antenna that\u2019s almost three feet long. I suspect that this is the same type of FM antenna that shipped with the Sangean WR-7 (<a href=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2018\/05\/a-review-of-the-supercompact-sangean-wr-7-fm-radio-and-bluetooth-speaker\/\">click here to read review<\/a>).<\/p>\n<h2>Design\/Ergonomics<\/h2>\n<p>All in all, I\u2019m very pleased with the DT-800&#8217;s design: it fits well in the hand, the buttons and controls are easy to use, and it\u2019s small enough\u2013\u2013and flat enough\u2013\u2013to easily slip in a pocket, go-bag, or carry-on. A great portable for one-hand operation. It\u2019s also lightweight, even with the batteries inserted. Truly, this appears to be a quality little radio.<\/p>\n<p>Tuning the DT-800 is a simple process: simply utilize the up\/down rocker switch on the right side of the radio to increase by specified frequency steps (selectable 50\/100 kHz FM or 1\/9\/10 kHz AM), or push and hold it in one direction to skip across the band. While the DT-800 does mute between frequencies, it\u2019s not annoying\u2013\u2013in fact, muting is brief and audio recovery is rapid so you can actually carry out meaningful band-scanning, actually hearing stations between the steps. If you press the rocker switch, it will initiate an auto-scan in the direction you&#8217;re tuning.<\/p>\n<p>While the DT-800 lacks a keypad for frequency input (in truth, I would not expect such a thing on a walkman-style receiver) \u00a0it does make tuning to your favorite stations quite easy with 20 FM, 20 AM, and 5 WX presets. Saving a station to memory is truly a breeze: simply select the page you\u2019d like to save it to, then press and hold the preset button to save it to one of the numbered presets. Really, it couldn\u2019t be easier.<\/p>\n<p>To change the volume on this radio, you use rocker buttons on the left side of the radio to increase or decrease volume up to 25 levels. I particularly like the fact that level 1 is very quiet and 25 is as loud as you would ever want from a small radio. I mention this because, in the past, I have reviewed radios that had coarse volume steps, and the lowest setting is louder than I prefer: not so with this little rig.<\/p>\n<p>Entering menu items on the DT-800 is quite easy, too.\u00a0 Some are accessed by pressing and holding the Page\/Menu button and then cycling through and selecting items with the tuning up\/down switch. Others are accessed by pressing and holding the Page\/Menu button, then selecting one of the five buttons on the front panel (note that each menu function is listed below the numbered button).<\/p>\n<p>The DT-800&#8217;s display is backlit and large, thus very easy to read at any viewing angle.<\/p>\n<h2>AC Adapter<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-Adapter-RDS-3.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-35747\" src=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-Adapter-RDS-3.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"734\" srcset=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-Adapter-RDS-3.jpg 800w, https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-Adapter-RDS-3-300x275.jpg 300w, https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-Adapter-RDS-3-768x705.jpg 768w, https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-Adapter-RDS-3-624x573.jpg 624w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>I can\u2019t think of the last time I gave an included AC adapter its own subheading in a review, but the DT-800 power supply deserves one.<\/p>\n<p>Not only does the DT-800 ship with a power supply (AC adapter), <b>but it\u2019s a quality <\/b><strong>one: <\/strong>the cord jacketing is thick and feels exceptionally durable\u2013\u2013and though I\u2019m not going to cut it apart to find out, I expect the wiring within it is a heavier gauge, as well. This adapter also has no less than<em> two<\/em> in-line RF chokes.<\/p>\n<p>In a day and age when included \u201cwall wart\u201d power supplies are often of the cheapest quality and spew so much radio interference that they render attached receivers useless, the DT-800 adapter is a very welcome addition to this radio&#8217;s kit.<\/p>\n<p>Well played, Sangean! I hope other radio manufacturers follow your lead.<\/p>\n<h2>Batteries<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-Batteries.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-35754\" src=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-Batteries-659x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"625\" height=\"971\" srcset=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-Batteries-659x1024.jpg 659w, https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-Batteries-193x300.jpg 193w, https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-Batteries-768x1193.jpg 768w, https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-Batteries-624x970.jpg 624w, https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-Batteries.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 625px) 100vw, 625px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Lately, it seems most new radios are being designed to accommodate slim Lithium Ion battery packs. So, another welcome sight was opening the DT-800&#8217;s battery compartment to find slots for two AA batteries.<\/p>\n<p>While Li-ion batteries have advantages in terms of weight and size, I prefer AA batteries for pocket and travel radios, as AA batteries are so ubiquitous on this planet and are available in all but the most remote regions of the world.<\/p>\n<p>And better yet? You can internally recharge NiMH batteries with the DT-800. The DT-800 ships with a default setting for alkaline batteries. But to internally recharge NiMH batteries, simply open the battery compartment and change the battery type switch from &#8220;Alkaline&#8221; to &#8220;NiMH.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>This is an amazing and useful feature, but just be sure if you ever use the NiMH internal recharging function and then switch to alkaline cells, that you change the battery selection switch back to the alkaline setting. You certainly wouldn&#8217;t want the DT-800 to attempt recharging your alkaline cells!<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-NiMH-switch.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-35745\" src=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-NiMH-switch.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"738\" srcset=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-NiMH-switch.jpg 800w, https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-NiMH-switch-300x277.jpg 300w, https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-NiMH-switch-768x708.jpg 768w, https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-NiMH-switch-624x576.jpg 624w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>As you can see in this photo, I&#8217;ve been using Panasonic Eneloop NiMH batteries in the DT-800. I use a special charger for Eneloops, so have kept the battery selection switch set to alkaline so the DT-800 doesn&#8217;t attempt to charge them. I might even put a small piece of colored tape on the switch to keep it in place for now.<\/p>\n<h2>Audio<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-ear-buds-2.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-35742\" src=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-ear-buds-2-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"625\" height=\"833\" srcset=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-ear-buds-2-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-ear-buds-2-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-ear-buds-2-624x832.jpg 624w, https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-ear-buds-2.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 625px) 100vw, 625px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>The audio via headphones? It sounds great on the DT-800!<\/p>\n<p>Indeed, the DT-800&#8217;s included in-ear style stereo earphones are a cut above most other included-with-a-product earphones, and as a result, produce more pleasant audio.<\/p>\n<p>With the headphones engaged, FM offers selectable mono or stereo; mono, of course, makes marginal stations more stable since the stereo lock isn\u2019t struggling.<\/p>\n<p>Like the Walkman radios of days gone by, the DT-800 uses the headphone cord as an antenna when it&#8217;s attached. If you&#8217;re using the internal speaker, you\u2019ll need to attach the included external wire antenna for FM and WX bands.<\/p>\n<p>The DT-800 internal speaker produces decent audio for the size of the radio. The speaker is tiny, so the audio is somewhat tinny (narrow in range) when listening to music. But the DT-800 also has a DBB (Dynamic Bass Boost) switch\u2013\u2013engaging this will increase the bass response a bit, most noticeable when using headphones.<\/p>\n<h1>Performance<\/h1>\n<p>The DT-800 has three bands: FM, AM (mediumwave), and WX (weather). Let\u2019s take a look at each.<\/p>\n<h2>FM Band<\/h2>\n<p>The DT-800 sports a unique feature on the FM band: the ability to select between a wide or a narrow filter. Since the dawn of the DSP chip, many a portable radio has enjoyed selectable bandwidth filters, but it\u2019s a rare portable that has FM filters. I do pretty much all of my FM listening with the wide filter engaged, but if you live in an urban area with a crowded FM band, choosing the narrow filter,\u00a0even if it compromises audio fidelity a bit, will give you better selectivity. Nice touch, Sangean!<\/p>\n<p>In terms of sensitivity, with the external antenna inserted, I\u2019ve been very pleased with the DT-800. It receives all of my benchmark FM stations. With headphones inserted (used as an antenna) and stereo engaged, it has ever-so-slightly less sensitivity than several of my other DSP portables. With the headphones inserted and FM in mono, I find that it\u2019s on par with\u2013\u2013or surpasses\u2013\u2013my other reference DSP portables.<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s a little wrinkle, though: when listening with the internal speaker, <i>you must insert the external wire antenna to use this receiver on FM<\/i>. Without the external antenna, sensitivity decreases by a good 70-80%, as you essentially have no antenna. If you live in an area with strong FM stations, you\u2019ve nothing to fear, but if you live in a rural area, you\u2019ll certainly want to keep that wire antenna handy.<\/p>\n<p>On one hand, the wire antenna is easier and more flexible to deploy than attached telescopic antennas, which can be bent or broken. But on the other, an external wire antenna is just another item you\u2019ll need to pack and take along with the radio if you plan to listen via the internal speaker.<\/p>\n<p>If you plan to listen with headphones, however, no worries! I find the sensitivity with headphones inserted to be just as effective. In fact, instead of taking along the wire antenna you could bring the included headphones, and they\u2019ll double as an external antenna while listening via the internal speaker. In my tests, the headphones performed about as well as the external wire antenna.<\/p>\n<p>My advice? If you purchase the DT-800, either keep the small wire antenna or a pair of headphones nearby to insure you\u2019re getting the best FM reception.<\/p>\n<h3>Weather Band<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-WX2.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-35746\" src=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-WX2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-WX2.jpg 800w, https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-WX2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-WX2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-WX2-624x468.jpg 624w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>The same notes above about the necessity of an external wire antenna apply on the weather band as well as the FM band.<\/p>\n<p>With the wire antenna or a set of headphones connected, weather radio reception is good. I was able to receive both of my local NOAA weather reference frequencies.<\/p>\n<p>To be clear, the DT-800 is not as sensitive as my <a href=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2014\/12\/review-of-the-c-crane-cc-skywave-portable-radio\/\">C. Crane CC Skywave<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2018\/02\/a-review-of-the-cc-skywave-ssb-ultra-compact-travel-radio\/\">CC Skywave SSB<\/a>\u2013\u2013which are truly WX band benchmarks\u2013\u2013but it will likely receive your local NOAA or Environment Canada broadcasts as well as most other weather radios.<\/p>\n<p>The DT-800 also includes a Weather Alert feature, but as Sangean notes, you should only use this feature while the radio is plugged into mains power, as it will drain batteries about as effectively as if you were listening to an FM radio station.<\/p>\n<h3>AM\/Mediumwave Band<\/h3>\n<p>If there\u2019s a weak point on the DT-800, I would say it\u2019s the AM band.<\/p>\n<p>Don\u2019t get me wrong: at first blush, the DT-800 looks like a little Ultralight DXing dream, as it\u2019s loaded with great features, such as:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>multiple bandwidths (wide\/narrow),<\/li>\n<li>9\/10 kHz spacing,<\/li>\n<li>well-balanced AGC (auto gain control),<\/li>\n<li>as well as the ability to turn off soft muting.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b><i>Yes, the DT-800 has the ability to disable soft mute.<\/i><\/b> <em>Thank you, Sangean!<\/em> So far, Sangean seems to be one of the only radio manufacturers that enables this DSP chip option in their product line. Another receiver with the ability to disable soft mute was the Sangean ATS-405 (<a href=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2015\/07\/initial-review-of-the-sangean-ats-405\/\">check out our ATS-405 review<\/a>). I wish other radio manufacturers would do the same because soft mute is what often makes listening to weak mediumwave signals so fatiguing. With soft mute disengaged, weak signals enjoy better audio stability as they\u2019re not fighting to stay above the muting threshold.<\/p>\n<p><em>But, I&#8217;m sorry, DXers: <\/em>unfortunately, the DT-800\u2019s weakness on AM is the same as the ATS-405 on AM (and shortwave): a higher-than-average noise floor. Somehow, internal noise is being generated and not being contained by shielding and grounding.<\/p>\n<p>I made a short comparison video to demonstrate the noises heard via the DT-800. Before you ask: yes, these noises are present <em>regardless<\/em> of radio location, or whether or not there are other radios nearby. In addition, I made this video on a folding table far away from my house or any other potential sources of noise (with the exception of my iPhone which was used to make the video). This is the same low-noise spot I use to do comparison tests of all my portable receivers:<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"625\" height=\"352\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ylsTM-_QVKA?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/ylsTM-_QVKA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Click here to view this video on YouTube.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>As I note in the video, the noise floor isn\u2019t consistent across the band\u2013\u2013some parts are lower, other parts higher. One of the noise peaks is around 1600 kHz which, unfortunately for me, is where my favorite local AM station resides.<\/p>\n<p>So is this a deal-breaker? \u00a0No&#8230;not necessarily.\u00a0 For the casual AM radio listener\u2013\u2013a listener primarily focused on listening to <i>local<\/i> AM stations\u2013\u2013I think the DT-800 will please. In fact, I might not have noticed the elevated noise floor had I not: 1) listened to weaker AM stations, and 2) compared the DT-800 with other radios.<\/p>\n<p>Since I\u2019ve been using and listening to this radio for the better part of a month, I can state with confidence that most of my other portables outperform the DT-800 on mediumwave. I compared it with these rigs:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Sony ICF-S10MK2<\/li>\n<li>Tecsun PL-310ET<\/li>\n<li>CC Skywave<\/li>\n<li>CC Skywave SSB<\/li>\n<li>Radiwow R-108<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>To be clear, I believe the DT-800 has average MW sensitivity for a radio this size, but the noise floor sort of spoils any hopes of doing marginal or weak signal work, thus also making that awesome soft mute toggle less effective.<\/p>\n<p>If you pair the DT-800 with a loop antenna like the AN200, which I highly recommend doing, it will help those weak signals rise above the noise. Otherwise, if your primary goal in purchasing the DT-800 is to listen to mediumwave, I regret to say, you might want to take a pass on this one.<\/p>\n<h2>Summary<\/h2>\n<p>Every radio has its pros and cons. Each time I begin a review of a radio, I take notes from the very beginning so that I don\u2019t forget my initial impressions and observations. Here\u2019s the DT-800\u2019s list, from the first moments I turned it on, to the time of writing this review:<\/p>\n<p><b>Pros:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Great overall performance on FM<\/li>\n<li>Quality construction and thoughtful ergonomics<\/li>\n<li>Both clock and alarm for the traveler<\/li>\n<li>Ability to switch between FM stereo\/mono with headphones in use<\/li>\n<li>Wide\/narrow AM <em>and<\/em> FM filters<\/li>\n<li>NiMH AA batteries can be recharged internally [make sure switch inside battery compartment is set to &#8220;NiMH&#8221;]<\/li>\n<li>FM RDS (one mode)<\/li>\n<li>Mechanical keylock switch<\/li>\n<li>Ability to disable soft mute (other radio manufacturers take note!)<\/li>\n<li>Small internal speaker providing quite decent audio<\/li>\n<li>Comprehensive gear package includes radio, manuals, quality earphones, quality AC adapter, wire antenna<\/li>\n<li>DC port is standard MicroUSB<\/li>\n<li>Belt clip<\/li>\n<li>Built-in speaker<\/li>\n<li>Dynamic Bass Boost<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Cons:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>While listening via the DT-800\u2019s internal speaker<em><strong> without antenna wire or headphones inserted:\u00a0<\/strong><\/em><strong>FM performance<\/strong> is lacking, while <strong>weather radio performance<\/strong> is very much lacking<\/li>\n<li>AM band: Noise floor is higher than on comparable radios<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Conclusion<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-WX-Weather-NOAA.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-35753\" src=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-WX-Weather-NOAA-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"625\" height=\"833\" srcset=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-WX-Weather-NOAA-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-WX-Weather-NOAA-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-WX-Weather-NOAA-624x832.jpg 624w, https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Sangean-DT-800-WX-Weather-NOAA.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 625px) 100vw, 625px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>The Sangean DT-800 is a solid little radio: it\u2019s simple to operate and feels like a quality piece of kit. It\u2019s perfect for hiking, or any sport or task where you&#8217;d like one-hand operation.<\/p>\n<p>The DT-800 also has a surprising amount of features and customization through the menu settings\u2013\u2013much more than one would expect\u2013\u2013which puts it firmly into what I would call the &#8220;enthusiast-grade&#8221; radio category.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s for this reason that it\u2019s a bit disappointing AM reception on this Sangean isn\u2019t better.<\/p>\n<p>The DT-800 has a lot of icing on the cake, otherwise: FM RDS, the ability to internally recharge AA batteries, built-in speaker, Dynamic Bass Boost, multiple bandwidths on AM and FM, the ability to disable soft mute&#8211;all of these are essentially pro features.<\/p>\n<p><strong>So, if you\u2019re looking for a quality portable radio<em> primarily for FM and WX band listening<\/em> and perhaps catching the odd local AM broadcast, the DT-800 is a great choice.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3>Sangean DT-800 retailers:<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.universal-radio.com\/catalog\/spcialty\/1970.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Universal Radio ($79.95)<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Amazon.com (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/B07GBMPP6M\/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=swlcom01-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B07GBMPP6M&amp;linkId=299af282e1edc912ff56e80a09b4fe08\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Yellow $61.21<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/B07GBVDJSR\/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=swlcom01-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B07GBVDJSR&amp;linkId=d93abc19450f82778cab044ee5b59afe\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Black $61.25<\/a>)<em> [affiliate links]<\/em><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h1 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #339966;\"><strong><em>Do you enjoy the SWLing Post?<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><em>Please consider supporting us via\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.patreon.com\/bePatron?u=7466002&amp;redirect_uri=https%3A%2F%2Fswling.com%2Fblog%2F&amp;utm_medium=widget\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/www.patreon.com\/bePatron?u%3D7466002%26redirect_uri%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fswling.com%252Fblog%252F%26utm_medium%3Dwidget&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1534765144986000&amp;usg=AFQjCNEe7C7aRTKqwuFkU5YIo8XEqPqthw\"><span class=\"il\">Patreon<\/span><\/a>\u00a0or our\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.paypal.com\/cgi-bin\/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&amp;hosted_button_id=TGGFP2XVZDPP2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/www.paypal.com\/cgi-bin\/webscr?cmd%3D_s-xclick%26hosted_button_id%3DTGGFP2XVZDPP2&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1534765144986000&amp;usg=AFQjCNH45maBgVLGpqLmQQvviVKBNMEGUw\"><span class=\"il\">Coffee<\/span>\u00a0<span class=\"il\">Fund<\/span><\/a>! <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Your support makes articles like this one possible. Thank you!<\/em><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.patreon.com\/bePatron?u=7466002&amp;redirect_uri=https%3A%2F%2Fswling.com%2Fblog%2F&amp;utm_medium=widget\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-33932 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/become_a_patreon-patron_button@2x.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"434\" height=\"102\" srcset=\"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/become_a_patreon-patron_button@2x.png 434w, https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/become_a_patreon-patron_button@2x-300x71.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 434px) 100vw, 434px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Two months ago, SWLing Post reader Paul Adler wrote to ask: &#8220;Any reviews and comparisons of the Sangean DT-800?&#8221; The Sangean DT-800? This caught my attention, as I wasn&#8217;t, at the time, familiar with this recent addition to the Sangean product family.\u00a0 So I promptly began investigating the new product, and checked out the manual; [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[373,3781,3,6578],"tags":[4097,7517,1584,600,7516,2710,3463],"class_list":["post-35500","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-am","category-fm","category-news","category-weather-radio","tag-am","tag-dt-800","tag-fm","tag-sangean","tag-sangean-dt-800","tag-weather","tag-weather-radio"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pn3uc-9eA","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":16494,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2015\/12\/sangean-dt-500w-a-new-am-fm-weather-alert-pocket-radio\/","url_meta":{"origin":35500,"position":0},"title":"Sangean DT-500W: a new AM \/ FM \/ Weather Alert Pocket Radio","author":"Thomas","date":"December 31, 2015","format":false,"excerpt":"Many thanks to my pal, Jeff McMahon from The Herculodge, who has just apprised me of a new Sangean AM\/FM\/WX portable: the DT-500W. Jeff learned about the new pocket radio via a comment on his blog. It appears the DT-500W is powered by a rechargeable\u00a0Li-ion Polymer 3.7V (1850mAh) battery. I\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;AM&quot;","block_context":{"text":"AM","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/category\/am\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Sangean-DT-500W-Front","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/Sangean-DT-500W-Front.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":42591,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2020\/04\/five-solid-radios-to-get-you-through-the-pandemic-or-any-emergency-for-that-matter\/","url_meta":{"origin":35500,"position":1},"title":"Five solid radios to get you through the pandemic (or any emergency, for that matter)","author":"Thomas","date":"April 10, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"Over the past four weeks, I've gotten a number of emails from first-time readers of the SWLing Post who've landed here because they're searching for a new radio. While not all these readers are necessarily interested in shortwave, what they are interested in is a good, solid battery-powered radio to\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;AM&quot;","block_context":{"text":"AM","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/category\/am\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/CC-Skywave-Midwinter-Antarctica.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":36755,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2019\/04\/sangean-hdr-15-dpr-64-and-notes-from-2019-catalogs\/","url_meta":{"origin":35500,"position":2},"title":"Sangean HDR-15\/DPR-64 and notes from 2019 catalogs","author":"Thomas","date":"April 2, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Mike Schuster who writes: Hi Thomas, Sangean has quietly buried yet another AM\/FM HD radio in the PDF of their US 2019 catalog [download as a PDF]. It's the HDR-15 which appears to be a small clock radio\/phone dock [photo above]. Also, in their\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;AM&quot;","block_context":{"text":"AM","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/category\/am\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Sangean-ATS-405.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Sangean-ATS-405.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Sangean-ATS-405.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Sangean-ATS-405.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":20195,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2016\/07\/sangean-dt-160cl-the-correctional-version-of-the-dt-160\/","url_meta":{"origin":35500,"position":3},"title":"Sangean DT-160CL: The correctional version of the DT-160","author":"Thomas","date":"July 29, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"After publishing a post referencing the new Sangean DT-160 AM\/FM radio, a number of readers noticed that Sangean has also produced a clear-cased version of the DT-160: model number DT-160CL. This version, no doubt, was designed for\u00a0sale in\u00a0prison commissaries and is probably seen as a replacement for the venerable Sony\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;AM&quot;","block_context":{"text":"AM","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/category\/am\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Sangean-DT-160CL","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/Sangean-DT-160CL-e1469794661639.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":20338,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/unboxing-the-sangean-dt-160cl-and-setting-up-an-endurance-test\/","url_meta":{"origin":35500,"position":4},"title":"Unboxing the Sangean DT-160CL and setting up an endurance test","author":"Thomas","date":"August 4, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"Yesterday, I received my Sangean DT-160CL--the correctional version of the DT-160--from Amazon.\u00a0 Even though the Amazon product page showed 5 units in stock on July 29, and though I get free two day shipping via Amazon Prime, my \u00a0DT-160CL took four business days to arrive. Out of curiosity more than\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;AM&quot;","block_context":{"text":"AM","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/category\/am\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Sangean_DT-160CL_1","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Sangean_DT-160CL_1.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Sangean_DT-160CL_1.jpg?resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Sangean_DT-160CL_1.jpg?resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":20396,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/update-sangean-dt-160cl-v-sony-srf-39fp\/","url_meta":{"origin":35500,"position":5},"title":"Update: Sangean DT-160CL v Sony SRF-39FP","author":"Thomas","date":"August 5, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"It's been thirty seven hours since I started the Sangean DT-160CL versus Sony SRF-39FP endurance test and both radio are still going strong. So far, the DT-160CL's battery indicator still shows\u00a0full voltage. The SRF-39FP has no battery indicator, but through experience I know it's nowhere close to quitting. I've spent\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;AM&quot;","block_context":{"text":"AM","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/category\/am\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Sangean_DT-160CL_21","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Sangean_DT-160CL_21.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Sangean_DT-160CL_21.jpg?resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Sangean_DT-160CL_21.jpg?resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35500","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=35500"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35500\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=35500"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=35500"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=35500"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}