{"id":61373,"date":"2024-12-13T07:13:02","date_gmt":"2024-12-13T11:13:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/?p=61373"},"modified":"2024-12-13T07:26:26","modified_gmt":"2024-12-13T11:26:26","slug":"johns-updated-review-of-the-choyong-lc90-multi-band-internet-radio","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2024\/12\/johns-updated-review-of-the-choyong-lc90-multi-band-internet-radio\/","title":{"rendered":"John’s Updated Review of the Choyong LC90 Multi-Band & Internet Radio"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

A Further Review Update on the Choyong LC90<\/b><\/h1>\n

By John Figliozzi, NASWA Journal Shortwave Center Editor<\/strong><\/p>\n

Prepared December 12, 2024<\/p>\n

Having previously reviewed<\/a> the overall performance of the Choyong LC90<\/a> and then updated that review to include firmware upgrades the radio\u2019s manufacturer has implemented to address some initial problems or shortcomings, I now turn to evaluating how this radio performs as a primary substitute for other comparably sized radios currently and previously on the market.<\/p>\n

First, some caveats should be kept in mind.<\/p>\n

This is the first \u2013 and only \u2013 radio on the current market that makes possible reception of longwave, medium wave, shortwave, FM radio station signals and Internet streaming radio stations in one self-contained unit.<\/p>\n

Exemplifying that unique status, it also allows for connection to personal music sources via Bluetooth and permits the user to access Internet streaming via both WiFi and cellular over-the-air connections.<\/p>\n

Furthermore, in another soon coming firmware update, its developer is promising the addition of RDS capability on FM, metadata transmission within Internet radio streams, as well as music library and podcast access through Spotify and Apple.\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

In sum, the LC90 is a most versatile instrument \u2013 the most versatile radio available anywhere.<\/p>\n

This is also a \u201cportable\u201d radio, not a desktop model.\u00a0 As such it is designed to operate as a \u201ctraditional\u201d radio optimally off its self-contained whip antenna.\u00a0 Though an ability to connect an external antenna is provided, the use of anything other than a relatively short wire is likely to overload the radio\u2019s internal electronics.\u00a0 This is not a design flaw.\u00a0 Therefore, it should be evaluated against other consumer-grade portable radios, not against more sophisticated semi-professional equipment.<\/p>\n

The Parameters of This Test<\/b><\/h2>\n

Having said that, I set out to test how the LC90 works as one\u2019s primary portable radio.\u00a0 By that I mean, for example — besides for use when at home — if one is traveling and has limited storage space in one\u2019s luggage, would taking only the LC90 offer satisfactory performance in the absence of any \u201cback-up\u201d receiver?<\/p>\n

Most of us establish over time a pattern to our radio listening.\u00a0 We regularly tune-in to particular stations at particular times for particular content.\u00a0 This is how I performed this study.<\/p>\n

As one example, I regularly listen to Radio Romania International\u2019s mid-afternoon (mid-morning in eastern North America) transmission in Romanian for western Europe via shortwave.\u00a0 American and European pop rock music is a prominent part of the programming and, since I don\u2019t speak Romanian, I find listening both accessible and enjoyable.\u00a0 This is a good and fair test since RRI is a station with powerful transmitters that, even when not targeting eastern North America, can and does provide reliably good reception here.<\/p>\n

I use FM regularly and primarily for local public radio and their content including their relays of BBC World Service, as well as low power community stations.<\/p>\n

I\u2019ll tune somewhat distant medium wave (AM) stations after dark for content I find unique.\u00a0 One example is CFZM 740 \u201cZoomer Radio\u201d in Toronto which offers old time radio shows at 10 each night.\u00a0 Toronto is about 300 miles west of my home location, so it\u2019s an intermediate distance that usually promises decent nighttime reception.<\/p>\n

And I have several favorite stations worldwide only accessible via Internet radio.\u00a0 Some are current or former international broadcasters that previously used or still use shortwave.\u00a0 Others are domestic stations that make content that I find enjoyable, informative or unique available through Internet streaming.<\/p>\n

Internet Radio<\/b><\/h1>\n

The LC90, as stated in my previous review and subsequent revision, performs very well in finding and listening to Internet radio stations.\u00a0 Its interface is still comparatively a little \u201cclunky\u201d, but in truth all of them are in one way or another.\u00a0 What it comes down to is learning the logic behind each and, once one spends some time with the LC90, its own interface becomes more familiar and directly useful.\u00a0 Uniquely, it also allows for voice search of stations, something that doesn\u2019t always work well and can be frustrating.\u00a0 But it\u2019s fun and useful to try it and if not giving the desired result, one can move on to other provided search methods.<\/p>\n

The LC90 — also uniquely — provides two ways of accessing Internet radio stations \u2013 via WiFi and via a pre-purchase of time on cellular networks.\u00a0 Both work well and the availability of cellular access offers a level of flexibility other Internet radios don\u2019t have.<\/p>\n

In sum, one need not have another Internet radio to \u201cback up\u201d the LC90.\u00a0 It\u2019s more than fine on its own.<\/p>\n

Shortwave<\/b><\/h2>\n

Off its whip antenna, the LC90 performs at least very close to the way most comparably sized quality portable shortwave radios perform that I\u2019ve used or tested.\u00a0 Included among them are the Grundig YB400, Panasonic RF-B65, Tecsun PL-398 and Sangean ATS909.<\/p>\n

Recent firmware updates all but eliminated the annoying \u201cbirdies\u201d that cropped up across the bands previously in the LC90.\u00a0 I have noted some random \u201cticking\u201d at times when listening on shortwave and can\u2019t determine if that phenomenon is due to the radio\u2019s internal electronics or ambient atmospheric conditions that the radio\u2019s sensitive circuitry somehow picks up.<\/p>\n

A further update has added a rather rudimentary ability to tune single sideband transmissions.\u00a0 (It\u2019s all that the radio\u2019s original basic architecture will allow.)\u00a0 But this is important because it opens the potential to hear amateur radio transmissions as well as some utility transmissions such as VOLMET weather reports.<\/p>\n

One caution, though, if your interest is primarily DXing.\u00a0 The LC90 \u2013 while very serviceable as a shortwave radio — is not a DX machine.\u00a0 It is primarily designed for radio listeners<\/b>, not those who see the radio principally as a hobby.<\/p>\n

Nonetheless, the LC90 is both sensitive and stable enough to mostly match and sometimes exceed the performance on shortwave of other portable radios of comparable size.<\/p>\n

FM<\/b><\/h2>\n

All that needs saying here is that the good sensitivity of the LC90 on FM combined with its superior audio performance, especially for a portable radio, makes listening on FM most pleasant, noise-free\u00a0 and satisfying whether at home or away.<\/p>\n

Longwave and Medium Wave<\/b><\/h2>\n

Though its engineers have tried several ways to improve the \u201cAM radio\u201d performance of the LC90, this is where it meets its one Achilles heel, so to speak.\u00a0 It does have an internal ferrite rod antenna (unlike the now discontinued \u2013 again \u2013 Eton E1), the performance of which can be marginally improved with use of an inductive tuned loop antenna like the Terk Advantage.\u00a0 Absent that, extending the rod antenna also improves reception a little, as does connection of a reel-type extended wire antenna.<\/p>\n

But despite all these attempts, the internal circuitry of the LC90, including its screen, creates a prodigious noise floor in the longwave and medium wave bands that all but the most powerful local stations cannot effectively overcome.<\/p>\n

What this means is that while the LC90, as stated, is a good performer on shortwave, it will likely disappoint most on long and medium wave because even inexpensive AM radios will outperform it in this one respect.\u00a0 That means that, unfortunately, the LC90 is not a good option for me to pull in 740 Toronto when at home.<\/p>\n

Having said that, no one yet has solved this noise problem and, given all the effort Choyong has put in to try and do so, it might well be unsolvable at least in an affordable way.\u00a0 Luckily, there are a wealth of very compact and inexpensive AM radios out there that can give one what one wants if he or she is determined to use MW to listen.<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/b><\/h1>\n

And that last point about determination is crucial.\u00a0 The fact is, now that Internet radio is almost universally available, that must be first choice for the listener focused on content and \u201ceasy listening\u201d.\u00a0 If conditions are such that one can\u2019t access what one wants to hear from AM, FM or SW, Internet radio access will more than likely provide it and in better listening quality.\u00a0 And the LC90 lets the user access Internet streaming from more places than any other radio — almost anywhere (except the very few places without access to a WiFi or cellular network).<\/p>\n

But also conversely, on occasions when Internet radio is inaccessible, the LC90 provides other ways to receive entertainment and information \u201cover the air\u201d.<\/p>\n

Furthermore, LC90 engineers are about to introduce music streaming and on-demand podcasts through another in an impressive series of firmware updates that continually have improved and enhanced the performance of this radio.<\/b><\/p>\n

The LC90\u2019s batteries have remarkably long life between recharges, another important factor whether portability is a convenience or a necessity.<\/p>\n

Finally, Choyong has established a dialogue with the radio\u2019s users through a Facebook page that provides for direct interaction with the LC90\u2019s chief engineer and developer.\u00a0 In fact, that interaction is not only tolerated, it is encouraged, and has led to a number of enhancements, corrections and improvements that have been implemented in the LC90 through firmware updatws..\u00a0 Where else has that happened?<\/p>\n

So, my judgement is an enthusiastic \u201cyes\u201d — the LC90 can readily serve as one\u2019s exclusive standalone portable, entirely suitable as it is for everyday use around home or on the go<\/b>.<\/p>\n

Click here to check out the Choyong LC90 on Amazon.com.<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

A Further Review Update on the Choyong LC90 By John Figliozzi, NASWA Journal Shortwave Center Editor Prepared December 12, 2024 Having previously reviewed the overall performance of the Choyong LC90 and then updated that review to include firmware upgrades the radio\u2019s manufacturer has implemented to address some initial problems or shortcomings, I now turn to […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","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":[3,129,43,154,4652],"tags":[10290,999,703,10289,4082,4086,4724],"class_list":["post-61373","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-news","category-reviews","category-shortwave-radio","category-shortwave-radio-reviews","category-wifi-radio","tag-chaoyuan-lc90","tag-internet-radio","tag-john-figliozzi","tag-lc90","tag-shortwave-radio","tag-shortwave-radio-reviews","tag-wifi-radio"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pn3uc-fXT","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":58771,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2024\/01\/michael-compares-the-choyong-lc90-export-and-chinese-versions\/","url_meta":{"origin":61373,"position":0},"title":"Michael compares the Choyong LC90 Export and Chinese Versions","author":"Thomas","date":"January 25, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Many thanks to\u00a0SWLing Post\u00a0contributor,\u00a0Michael Ye (BD4AAQ), for the following guest post: Twins, Yet Each One Unique - A Comparison of the Worldwide Version of LC90 with its Chinese Counterpart by Michael Ye (BD4AAQ) The export version of the LC90 is now available in the market [affiliate link]. Previously, we examined\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "AM"","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\/2024\/01\/LC90-Export-and-Domestic-Comparison-1.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/LC90-Export-and-Domestic-Comparison-1.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/LC90-Export-and-Domestic-Comparison-1.jpeg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/LC90-Export-and-Domestic-Comparison-1.jpeg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/LC90-Export-and-Domestic-Comparison-1.jpeg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":61576,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2025\/01\/lc90-firmware-4-7-new-features-fixes-and-chatgpt-integration\/","url_meta":{"origin":61373,"position":1},"title":"LC90 Firmware 4.7: New Features, Fixes, and ChatGPT Integration!","author":"Thomas","date":"January 8, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Many thanks to Chenzhi with Choyong radio who shares the following update: Hello Thomas, I hope everything is going well with you. I'm writing to you today as I want to let you know that the LC90 has just released its 4.7 firmware version. Based on user feedback so far,\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "News"","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/category\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/LC90.webp?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/LC90.webp?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/LC90.webp?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/LC90.webp?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":59139,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2024\/03\/johns-in-depth-review-of-the-choyong-lc90-export-version\/","url_meta":{"origin":61373,"position":2},"title":"John’s In-Depth Review of the Choyong LC90 (Export Version)","author":"Thomas","date":"March 1, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor and WWLG author, John Figliozzi, who shares the following review: A Review And Analysis Of The Choyong LC90 (Export Version) By John A. Figliozzi General To my knowledge, this is the first radio to combine AM Shortwave with Internet Radio.\u00a0 This makes it the\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "AM"","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\/2024\/03\/LC90.webp?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/LC90.webp?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/LC90.webp?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/LC90.webp?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":64334,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2025\/10\/michael-reviews-the-choyong-wt2-multifunction-handheld-radio\/","url_meta":{"origin":61373,"position":3},"title":"Michael Reviews the Choyong WT2 Multifunction Handheld Radio","author":"Thomas","date":"October 23, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Many thanks to\u00a0SWLing Post\u00a0contributor,\u00a0Michael (BD4AAQ)\u00a0who shares the following guest post: WT2 Mini Handheld With Everything Radio by Michael Ye (BD4AAQ) What Exactly Is the WT2? No exaggeration. The WT2, a recent radio developed by Choyong, includes nearly every type of radio imaginable: ham radio, traditional shortwave and medium-wave radio, internet\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "New Products"","block_context":{"text":"New Products","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/category\/new-products\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/WT2-Mini-Handheld-1.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/WT2-Mini-Handheld-1.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/WT2-Mini-Handheld-1.jpeg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/WT2-Mini-Handheld-1.jpeg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/WT2-Mini-Handheld-1.jpeg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":63794,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2025\/08\/choyong-lc90-a-multiband-internet-radio\/","url_meta":{"origin":61373,"position":4},"title":"Choyong LC90: A Multiband Internet Radio","author":"Robert Gulley","date":"August 30, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"(This Review was originally published in The Spectrum Monitor in the April 2025 issue, and is used by the kind permission of Ken Reitz) The Choyong LC90 is, to my knowledge, the first of its kind: a portable Wi-Fi\/4G\/E-SIM FM\/LW\/MW\/ SW\/SSB radio. Or, to put it in simpler terms, a\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "News"","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/category\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"LC90","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/LC90-Stock.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/LC90-Stock.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/LC90-Stock.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/LC90-Stock.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":57504,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2023\/08\/guest-post-a-review-of-the-chaoyuan-lc90-hybrid-shortwave-4g-internet-radio\/","url_meta":{"origin":61373,"position":5},"title":"Guest Post: A review of the Chaoyuan LC90 Hybrid Shortwave\/4G\/Internet Radio","author":"Thomas","date":"August 15, 2023","format":false,"excerpt":"Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Michael Ye (BD4AAQ), for the following guest post: The LC90, a Great Radio Spanning Two Worlds by Michael Ye (BD4AAQ) It is an awkward era for radio receivers. Although technology becomes more and more advanced and increasingly sophisticated radios are made, there are fewer\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "AM"","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\/2023\/08\/L90-Shortwave-WiFi-Radio-1-1.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/L90-Shortwave-WiFi-Radio-1-1.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/L90-Shortwave-WiFi-Radio-1-1.jpeg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/L90-Shortwave-WiFi-Radio-1-1.jpeg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/L90-Shortwave-WiFi-Radio-1-1.jpeg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/61373","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=61373"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/61373\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":61377,"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/61373\/revisions\/61377"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=61373"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=61373"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=61373"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}