{"id":6809,"date":"2013-07-02T14:16:21","date_gmt":"2013-07-02T18:16:21","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/?p=6809"},"modified":"2013-11-01T18:00:36","modified_gmt":"2013-11-01T22:00:36","slug":"a-review-of-the-shouyu-sy-x5-dsp-shortwave-radio","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2013\/07\/a-review-of-the-shouyu-sy-x5-dsp-shortwave-radio\/","title":{"rendered":"A review of the ShouYu SY-X5 DSP shortwave radio"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"The<\/a>

The Shouyu SY-X5 mechanically-tuned, DSP portable radio. (Click to enlarge)<\/p><\/div>\n

The\u00a0ShouYu SY-X5 shortwave radio came to my attention only a few weeks ago<\/a>. It is yet one more mechanically-tuned, DSP based, portable shortwave\/AM\/FM radio. I have reviewed several other models based on the same DSP chipset: the Silicon Labs SI4844–see my reviews of the Degen DE321<\/a>, Degen DE32<\/a>, and the Kichbo KK-9803<\/a>. I also recently reviewed the Tecsun R-2010D<\/a>, though it is based on a slightly newer, though similar, SiLabs DSP chipset.<\/p>\n

What makes the ShouYu SY-X5 stand out is the fact that it can be powered by either a rechargeable slim battery pack (found in the DE32) or three standard AA batteries. \u00a0It also has a built-in MP3 player that uses a standard microSD card for media storage. Why are these features of particular note for me? \u00a0I have been searching for a shortwave radio\/mp3 player for use by my charitable non-profit, Ears To Our World<\/a>. ETOW works in parts of the world where people lack mains power as well as access to the Internet (or else simply can’t afford Internet service). In such settings, radio allows teachers and school children to hear up-to-date international news via shortwave, and through pre-recorded educational material, they can play (and replay) MP3 content as needed.<\/p>\n

Therefore, I immediately ordered an SY-X5 for review here, hoping to donate it for use in the field care of Ears To Our World<\/a>.<\/p>\n

First impressions<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Degen<\/a>

Degen DE321 (left) Shouyu SY-X5 (right)<\/p><\/div>\n

The ShouYu SY-X5 is a small radio, almost exactly the same size as the very portable Grundig G6 and only slightly larger than the Degen DE321 (see left). It feels sturdy and even slightly heavy in your hand (no doubt, due to the number of batteries it holds). The antenna is rotatable and feels more robust than other radios in its price class.<\/p>\n

The SY-X5 has a back stand that likewise feels sturdy enough. Note: to open the battery compartment, you must lift up the back stand.<\/p>\n

The overall quality is better than one might expect for $27 (US), with one notable exception: the printed frequency display behind the analog dial on my unit is positioned slightly off-center and not level, making needle position on the dial, well, frankly ambiguous.<\/p>\n

Audio<\/strong><\/p>\n

Without a doubt, the greatest aspect of the SY-X5 is the audio delivered from the built-in speaker. It is exceptional<\/em> for this size radio, full and with impressive bass characteristics. It very much reminds me of the Melson M7 (not yet reviewed here) and the Degen DE1129<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"(Click<\/a>

(Click to enlarge)<\/p><\/div>\n

Performance<\/strong><\/p>\n

I’ve reviewed enough of these mechanically-tuned DSP-based radios now that I’m beginning to note performance commonalities that can only be\u00a0attributed\u00a0to the design of the DSP chipset itself (regardless of how they are implemented in each model of radio).<\/p>\n

At risk of sounding like a broken record, this radio’s sensitivity, selectivity and AGC performance is nearly identical to the Degen DE321<\/a> on every band; here’s a summary:<\/p>\n