After using this radio (I have the 501 version), I can honestly say that this receiver is a pleasure to use! The audio is excellent. This is the best of all my receivers , when it comes to audio, selectivity and sensitivity , including my older Grundig Sattelite receivers, hands down! The only problem I see , and it's nothing I really should be complaining about (!) is the fact that the rear bail seems a bit flimsy. When I am pushing on the buttons on the front of this radio, with the radio propped up on the small rear bail, it seems as though that rear bail has a lot of "play" to it. It might break after a short period of time? By the way, I find the reception of the shortwave bands to be superb JUST with the internal whip antenna fully extended! That is no small advantage IF, like me, you live in a location with no actual access to an outdoor antenna. On a scale of 1 to 10? I give this receiver a 9.5!
To me, Tecsun makes several really great radios. What you’re paying for here is the sound quality. If that’s important to you, you should get this one. This model seems like a great value for what you’re getting. Thanks for doing these reviews.
I have an older Bluetooth, rechargeable 🔋 battery Bose stereo speaker 🔊 for some time, and it does sound good 👍 with my input devices. That being said, the Tecsun H-501, H-501x, does sound very good 👍 and I am glad to have it.
I love your reviews.... You're so honest letting your listeners know, if you're looking for the radio that ends your search for the "Holy Grail" of Radios, this probably isn't it...
Hello. I like your radios' presentations, I have watched a lot of them and I have a suggestion, the verbal part of presentation can be interrupted by a few very short demonstration of the device's operation to finally show, at the end of the review, how a given radio works in relation to the subject. That is, as you usually do in your reviews. Thanks.
It's quite clear that the H-501 and 990x are the way to go for those who have a bit more finer requirements such as the ability to re-calibrate in SSB and multiple bandwidths in SSB. All Sangean had to do with the 909x2 is put one or both (preferably both) of those features in that radio and it would be competitive. The way things are, the quality H-501 and 990x IMHO just leap those receivers over the Sangean from the start..
I don't think there is an ultimate portable on the market. It would be nice if they sent a couple SWLs a pre-production model for them to critique before offering a radio to market.
Very good review. It’s surely maybe the of the best what you can get today. This is exactly my problem with today’s portables. I’ve got a now ancient Sony ICF-2001D/2010 from 1983. That Sony blows away this and any other Tecsun portable radio. As for sound quality, that aspect is about the only feature that blows away the Sony. It really does. But this is the only thing that is better than on the Sony. And I haven’t even brought up the old Grundig Satellite series. In short, we simply have to do with what we can buy today. For this reason we must praise Tecsun!
You can plug in high quality amplified speakers into any radio, and get far richer, louder and powerful sound quality, if that is the priority for you. For DXers like me, sensitivity, selectivity and able to hear the weak signals better in the QRM and QRN is far more important. Does this radio offer that ability in much improved level for the price? That seems the point.
Gilles, with that said, excluding price and adding in these options like audio and feel, is it correct to say this is the best currently available portable radio on the market. Again excluding price, is there anything better. Thanks
The broadcast AM bandwidth is exceptional. I think you are in Montreal??? If so 940 AM must sound great? They play a nice mix of music both English & French, in the winter months after dark they come into the Maritimes quite well.
Had the tecsun s2000 for one day. The rf from the power cord makes un unbearable, my pl368 was more clear so I returned the s2000. I think I'll get the H501x instead
I keep coming back to this video everytime I think about upgrading from the PL880. I'm satisfied with the 880 sound quality and not interested in extended range am/fm as I'm within 50 miles of 2 metro centers with a variety of radio formats. I'll wait for something better, would like an upgraded "base" receiver, but I see nothing on the market outside of a HF transceiver with SW range, so..... I'll wait.
Great review. Thanks for your hard work to make this channel great! To make this the ultimate it needs RDS, HD, and decent sync. Sangean design would be great but not at the expense of what Tecsun brings to the table. Getting the Eton Elite Exec for now. Looking at the Eton Elite Satellite when it releases but not holding my breath for when that may be. Likely would have gotten the E1 years ago but XM instead of HD, really? Ugh. Yes I love FM dx too. I may end up getting the H-501 when the hard case becomes available at the end of June.
Thanks for a great review. I am right at the stage that you mentioned with my XHDATA. Should I change it. Well there is one question I would like to ask and this really does annoy me about the XHDATA. That is the chuffing noise between frequencies when tuning. So does the H-501X do that or is it quiet. That may seem to be nit picking but it is annoying all the same. Also I have a IK Multimedia iLoud speaker to play mp3's so I could sell that as it won't be needed. Another plus is that I do like the more detailed frequency readout on SW SSB. So any advice would greatly accepted thank you.
I just ordered the H501X... How will it compare to my other SW radio Radio Shack DX-398...? I think I am ready for another radio... My DX-398 had some mods done an external antenna and the tuning mute was removed... It has served me well...
Thank you Giles for information. Well said, I've got both the 680 (used a lot for listening to aviation band) and the 880. This new one is beautiful but I can't justify spending that much when I have those other two which work perfectly. Maybe the 880 will stop working sometimes as it's used every day and has travelled so much. But then the 680 is only a year old so it will be a good replacement.
Hej Gill agree that it would be nice if the Tecsun H-501X had a more modern display and also, with RDS would be a nice feature to have and recording. But maybe in the next models from Tecsun we have Rds and a upgraded display. Anyway, I think the Tecsun H-501X is a nice big radio and I'm excited friday is the day when my Tecsun H-501X will arrive. I think the days go by slowly you know Gill when you waiting for candy take care and have a lovely week.
I understand this topic is about SW radio. A lot of listeners would resort to fm for music. I want an H501x Radio. It just looks like the best engineered product. I like the idea of owning the best. Sorry that sounds somehow selfish. I understand the states have a different approach. My problem in the uk is that the UK Government intends to turn off fm radio in 2034. Just wondering what your thoughts are on this... whats happening in the states.. re turning off fm.. I do understand the topic is shortwave. But no one tunes into shortwave for good audio quality.
Back in my day, people used to say that about those Zenith Trans-Oceanic Radios. Not to take anything away from them and they’re great performers. This is just like that. Also wish it did have the SD recorder. Even Retekess supplies a cheap SD recorder for shortwave; that would be fun.
Tecsun does offer an inexpensive recorder (ICR-100) that can be connected to their radios for recording directly to an SD card. In fact, it is supplied with the kit versions of their PL-880 and PL990X radios.
Recording to an SD card would be handy because when I am near a computer, I can't get any stations. The recording device has to travel with the radio. They don't even need a codec for it with enough capacity on the card, and high fidelity. Perhaps the SD card would cause interference? Something else they could add is morse code decoding to text of those beacons.
Great video man! I love all your videos. I have this radio. What would better than this radio? I wouldn’t mind buying another radio receiver if it’s more superior in functionality, quality etc….What would be better in your opinion? Thanks brother…..
I agree that this receiver is exceptionally good. But the technology is too complicated. I purchased this radio new on eBay and I am returning it. I have set this radio beside and old Sangean 818 cs and compared the receiving capabilities of both. There is not that much difference. I have found myself referencing the instruction manual time after time just to program frequencies. I always enjoy your shortwave radio reviews. Thank you for sharing.
Eton Elite XM (the original version) is the one I am told is the top of the line shortwave. Good luck finding one however, list price on ebay is typically $900 or so. Dont be fooled, the new release of the Eton Elite is not good at all (sold at $600)
I purchased this radio off ebay, it is not the x but the seller said I didnt need the X in USA. It gets the worst reception of my 3 shortwave radios, and very poor FM. I was wondering if it could possibly be counterfeit or does the X make a difference. Thanks
I have the eaton 750, how does this compare to that? I was thinking about getting this one for more portable uses? The 750 is not a small one, would like to see if this a radio i can take to work type?
Really like the H-501X, but I agree, its not nearly perfect. The sound is nowhere near as good as the S-2000, and honestly, the Tecsun 8800, which is not stereo but still the best mono sound for me. Sensitivity? That's what I really value, and this one is really good, but about the same as the major Tecsun portable radios. Do not own the S-2000. The H-501X is superior to my disappointing 990X. That one was a wasted purchase IMHO.
Hi does the external antenna port work on fm on the techson p hi does the external antenna port disconnect the telescopion fm on thetechtechson pl 990x thank you very much
Can you try a FM scan using your discone maybe compared to the telescopic? I'm not even a FM DXer, but I'm curious! SWL recording is a two-edged sword because the same feature can be used to record a interesting or historic news broadcast or a some very cool utility or numbers station can also used to record someone's stupid pop song. ...jerks. :(
i AHVE ONE, AND IT IS SUPERB FOR MY SITUATION - LOCAL INTEFERENCE THAT BLOTS OUT RECEPTION ON PRETTY MUCH EVERY OTHER RADIO I OWN OR HAVE TRIED. tHE tECSUN PULLS IN STATIONS WITH NO PROBLEM WHEN MY EXPENSIVE RADIOS CANNOT GET ALL THE bbc STATIONS, WITH THE LOCAL TRANSMITTER IN LINE OF SIGHT. iF YOU HAVE INTEFERENCE ISSUES LOCALLY, TRY THIS RADIO - IT SEEMS TO RECEIVE WHERE MOST OTHERS STRUGGLE. YES, NOT CHEAP - but YOU DO GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR. Dratted CapsLock... need to re-disable it - Windows thinks it knows better than me, keeps resetting my key disabling!
After using this radio (I have the 501 version), I can honestly say that this receiver is a pleasure to use! The audio is excellent. This is the best of all my receivers , when it comes to audio, selectivity and sensitivity , including my older Grundig Sattelite receivers, hands down! The only problem I see , and it's nothing I really should be complaining about (!) is the fact that the rear bail seems a bit flimsy. When I am pushing on the buttons on the front of this radio, with the radio propped up on the small rear bail, it seems as though that rear bail has a lot of "play" to it. It might break after a short period of time? By the way, I find the reception of the shortwave bands to be superb JUST with the internal whip antenna fully extended! That is no small advantage IF, like me, you live in a location with no actual access to an outdoor antenna. On a scale of 1 to 10? I give this receiver a 9.5!
To me, Tecsun makes several really great radios. What you’re paying for here is the sound quality. If that’s important to you, you should get this one. This model seems like a great value for what you’re getting. Thanks for doing these reviews.
I like the fact that it has separate knobs for bass and treble, is stereo, has an MP3 player, is rechargeable. It is a good-looking radio.
This has an mp3 ? Great. It doesn't say that in the description on Amazon
I think so also. I kind of like the retro look. It looks 80's boom box.
I have a cheap, tiny Retekess pocket radio that can record to SD card so I'm amazed that a radio of this price can't provide that facility too.
I have an older Bluetooth, rechargeable
🔋 battery Bose stereo speaker 🔊 for
some time, and it does sound good 👍
with my input devices. That being said,
the Tecsun H-501, H-501x, does sound
very good 👍 and I am glad to have it.
I love your reviews.... You're so honest letting your listeners know, if you're looking for the radio that ends your search for the "Holy Grail" of Radios, this probably isn't it...
Hello.
I like your radios' presentations, I have watched a lot of them and I have a suggestion,
the verbal part of presentation can be interrupted by a few very short demonstration of the device's operation to finally show, at the end of the review, how a given radio works in relation to the subject.
That is, as you usually do in your reviews.
Thanks.
Great. It is important to know all the facts before making a decision. [ As for me, I will be getting one - eventually ].
📻🙂
It's quite clear that the H-501 and 990x are the way to go for those who have a bit more finer requirements such as the ability to re-calibrate in SSB and multiple bandwidths in SSB. All Sangean had to do with the 909x2 is put one or both (preferably both) of those features in that radio and it would be competitive. The way things are, the quality H-501 and 990x IMHO just leap those receivers over the Sangean from the start..
I don't think there is an ultimate portable on the market. It would be nice if they sent a couple SWLs a pre-production model for them to critique before offering a radio to market.
Very good review. It’s surely maybe the of the best what you can get today. This is exactly my problem with today’s portables. I’ve got a now ancient Sony ICF-2001D/2010 from 1983. That Sony blows away this and any other Tecsun portable radio. As for sound quality, that aspect is about the only feature that blows away the Sony. It really does. But this is the only thing that is better than on the Sony. And I haven’t even brought up the old Grundig Satellite series. In short, we simply have to do with what we can buy today. For this reason we must praise Tecsun!
You can plug in high quality amplified speakers into any radio, and get far richer, louder and powerful sound quality, if that is the priority for you. For DXers like me, sensitivity, selectivity and able to hear the weak signals better in the QRM and QRN is far more important. Does this radio offer that ability in much improved level for the price? That seems the point.
Gilles, with that said, excluding price and adding in these options like audio and feel, is it correct to say this is the best currently available portable radio on the market. Again excluding price, is there anything better.
Thanks
Great review...a great radio and a lot of attractive specifications.
very honest review Gilles, thank you...
I really like the H-501. BUT... Why doesn't it have HD Radio too?
I think having HD would really complete the package.
Thank you for all your reviews.
The broadcast AM bandwidth is exceptional. I think you are in Montreal??? If so 940 AM must sound great? They play a nice mix of music both English & French, in the winter months after dark they come into the Maritimes quite well.
Can you do a comparison between the Tecsun H501x and the Tecsun S2000 (Grundig 750)?
Hear Hear. That's what I really want to hear. Thinking of the S2000 in the Spring....that would complete my Tecsun collection.
Had the tecsun s2000 for one day. The rf from the power cord makes un unbearable, my pl368 was more clear so I returned the s2000. I think I'll get the H501x instead
SONY ICF 2010 is THE Ultimate Rec'r...but because of you...I got this one!
I keep coming back to this video everytime I think about upgrading from the PL880. I'm satisfied with the 880 sound quality and not interested in extended range am/fm as I'm within 50 miles of 2 metro centers with a variety of radio formats.
I'll wait for something better, would like an upgraded "base" receiver, but I see nothing on the market outside of a HF transceiver with SW range, so..... I'll wait.
It’s beautiful!
ok, So No portables get a 10, is what you said about the PL-990, back in 2020'. But Does the Tecsun H-501 come closer to a "10" than the PL-990 ?
Great review. Thanks for your hard work to make this channel great! To make this the ultimate it needs RDS, HD, and decent sync. Sangean design would be great but not at the expense of what Tecsun brings to the table. Getting the Eton Elite Exec for now. Looking at the Eton Elite Satellite when it releases but not holding my breath for when that may be. Likely would have gotten the E1 years ago but XM instead of HD, really? Ugh. Yes I love FM dx too. I may end up getting the H-501 when the hard case becomes available at the end of June.
How would you compare the audio and sensitivity to the Grundig Satellit /Eton 750….another large “portable’??
Thanks for a great review. I am right at the stage that you mentioned with my XHDATA. Should I change it. Well there is one question I would like to ask and this really does annoy me about the XHDATA. That is the chuffing noise between frequencies when tuning. So does the H-501X do that or is it quiet. That may seem to be nit picking but it is annoying all the same. Also I have a
IK Multimedia iLoud speaker to play mp3's so I could sell that as it won't be needed. Another plus is that I do like the more detailed frequency readout on SW SSB. So any advice would greatly accepted thank you.
I just ordered the H501X... How will it compare to my other SW radio Radio Shack DX-398...? I think I am ready for another radio... My DX-398 had some mods done an external antenna and the tuning mute was removed... It has served me well...
NICE . I'm sure it's great, but I think I'll stick with my Eton 750 Elite and Sangean 405 til the prices come down . Keep up the great reviews! 73s!
Its down now. Good time to purchase the H-501X.
Thank you Giles for information. Well said, I've got both the 680 (used a lot for listening to aviation band) and the 880. This new one is beautiful but I can't justify spending that much when I have those other two which work perfectly. Maybe the 880 will stop working sometimes as it's used every day and has travelled so much. But then the 680 is only a year old so it will be a good replacement.
Hey, the price is WAY down now as of December 2021. Can get this one well under 300.
Hej Gill agree that it would be nice if the Tecsun H-501X had a more modern display and also, with RDS would be a nice feature to have and recording. But maybe in the next models from Tecsun we have Rds and a upgraded display. Anyway, I think the Tecsun H-501X is a nice big radio and I'm excited friday is the day when my Tecsun H-501X will arrive. I think the days go by slowly you know Gill when you waiting for candy take care and have a lovely week.
Gilles your Tecsun H-50,1x mw lw fm streo SW ssb 5 bands receiver is so awesome
Thanks for the analysis.
Gilles your utube videos are awesome
The ultimate receiver in my eyes would be a Tecsun radio like the PL990X but with a color display with a portable PLL receiver with a DSP SDR!
I understand this topic is about SW radio. A lot of listeners would resort to fm for music. I want an H501x Radio. It just looks like the best engineered product. I like the idea of owning the best. Sorry that sounds somehow selfish. I understand the states have a different approach. My problem in the uk is that the UK Government intends to turn off fm radio in 2034. Just wondering what your thoughts are on this... whats happening in the states.. re turning off fm.. I do understand the topic is shortwave. But no one tunes into shortwave for good audio quality.
Back in my day, people used to say that about those Zenith Trans-Oceanic Radios. Not to take anything away from them and they’re great performers. This is just like that. Also wish it did have the SD recorder. Even Retekess supplies a cheap SD recorder for shortwave; that would be fun.
Tecsun does offer an inexpensive recorder (ICR-100) that can be connected to their radios for recording directly to an SD card. In fact, it is supplied with the kit versions of their PL-880 and PL990X radios.
Recording to an SD card would be handy because when I am near a computer, I can't get any stations. The recording device has to travel with the radio. They don't even need a codec for it with enough capacity on the card, and high fidelity. Perhaps the SD card would cause interference?
Something else they could add is morse code decoding to text of those beacons.
Great video man! I love all your videos. I have this radio. What would better than this radio? I wouldn’t mind buying another radio receiver if it’s more superior in functionality, quality etc….What would be better in your opinion? Thanks brother…..
I agree that this receiver is exceptionally good. But the technology is too complicated. I purchased this radio new on eBay and I am returning it. I have set this radio beside and old Sangean 818 cs and compared the receiving capabilities of both. There is not that much difference. I have found myself referencing the instruction manual time after time just to program frequencies. I always enjoy your shortwave radio reviews. Thank you for sharing.
Read through all comments. Found not a single female. I wonder what makes radio male-only hobby. Any theories ? 😊
This would Probably be a good first Radio, and quite cheap for what it is ???
Hello Giles! H-501x looks amazing. But how is the sound quality of H-501x compared to Eton Elite Field you have reviewed earlier? Any recommendation?
as good if not better, plus stereo makes it even more interesting
Between tecsun h501x & tecsun s 2000, which is a better radio?
H-501x
Do you think the signal would overload with a mla 30+ on shortwave?
have not had any overload on the H 501X using it
Eton Elite XM (the original version) is the one I am told is the top of the line shortwave. Good luck finding one however, list price on ebay is typically $900 or so. Dont be fooled, the new release of the Eton Elite is not good at all (sold at $600)
I purchased this radio off ebay, it is not the x but the seller said I didnt need the X in USA. It gets the worst reception of my 3 shortwave radios, and very poor FM. I was wondering if it could possibly be counterfeit or does the X make a difference. Thanks
It is very sensitive...make sure you did not get a bad one.
501x is an export version.
It is working better on AM tuning in US or Canada.
I have the eaton 750, how does this compare to that? I was thinking about getting this one for more portable uses? The 750 is not a small one, would like to see if this a radio i can take to work type?
Really like the H-501X, but I agree, its not nearly perfect. The sound is nowhere near as good as the S-2000, and honestly, the Tecsun 8800, which is not stereo but still the best mono sound for me.
Sensitivity? That's what I really value, and this one is really good, but about the same as the major Tecsun portable radios. Do not own the S-2000. The H-501X is superior to my disappointing 990X. That one was a wasted purchase IMHO.
Maybe we could get it to record if you ran a cable from the audio out to the audio in jack....JOKING!!!!
Nice overview!
Hi
does the techsun pl990x external antenna port work fm. I think it works on sw mw and lw??? Thank you very much
Hi does the external antenna port work on fm on the techson p
hi does the external antenna port disconnect the telescopion fm on thetechtechson pl 990x thank you very much
what's the difference between the 501 and 501x ?
X is for their export model.
Hola me parace una radio excelente me podria decir cuanto dura la batería. Gracias un saludo.
Can you try a FM scan using your discone maybe compared to the telescopic? I'm not even a FM DXer, but I'm curious!
SWL recording is a two-edged sword because the same feature can be used to record a interesting or historic news broadcast or a some very cool utility or numbers station can also used to record someone's stupid pop song. ...jerks. :(
You can get large tabletop, not portable though, receivers that cost thousands.
Thank you :)
Why do folks doing radio reviews not play the radio?
A review talks about the performance and features,it is not a demonstration video. want to see me play with it, there are dozens of videos.
Is there the possibility to use common AA batteries ?
No, it only accepts 18650 cells.
Excellent
i AHVE ONE, AND IT IS SUPERB FOR MY SITUATION - LOCAL INTEFERENCE THAT BLOTS OUT RECEPTION ON PRETTY MUCH EVERY OTHER RADIO I OWN OR HAVE TRIED. tHE tECSUN PULLS IN STATIONS WITH NO PROBLEM WHEN MY EXPENSIVE RADIOS CANNOT GET ALL THE bbc STATIONS, WITH THE LOCAL TRANSMITTER IN LINE OF SIGHT. iF YOU HAVE INTEFERENCE ISSUES LOCALLY, TRY THIS RADIO - IT SEEMS TO RECEIVE WHERE MOST OTHERS STRUGGLE. YES, NOT CHEAP - but YOU DO GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR.
Dratted CapsLock... need to re-disable it - Windows thinks it knows better than me, keeps resetting my key disabling!
What is on shortwave radio these days?
There is all kinds of stuff. From international broadcasters and ham radio operators to aircraft flying over the ocean.
And we don't get to hear it..
If you would take the time to go through the videos...you will hear it dozens of times.
No Aircraft Band...
A basic scanner does that way better than any portable receiver with Shortwave
No way
Wait till the malachite is upgraded it will will wipe there ass