Dismal USB audio level on the Sangean ATS-909X2: comparing with the Tecsun PL-880
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- Опубліковано 30 вер 2024
- Hi there, the Sangean 909X and the 909X2 are two of the best looking portable shortwave receivers ever in my opinion. They challenge the best of the Sony's from back in the day. The X2 is an improvement upon the X in several aspects that have already been covered many times, so I won't repeat what others have said. However, for me personally, the maximum audio level on SSB is sow low it's just about unusable in most circumstances. How on earth did the Sangean engineers converge on this design?! It's beyond me. Here's a direct comparison with the brilliant PL-880.
Thanks for watching. 73
I just got My Sangean and here is my impression and I hope to get your feedback.
First of all Compared to the price of the device, there are two things that seem incredible to me.
This device was supplied to me without the batteries. Know that in France, I paid more than 300 euros
While all the others (tecsun, XHDATA) have their original battery.
Also, I'm surprised that this radio doesn't have a wrist strap that provides security.
to avoid dropping the radio.
Let's move on to the technical side. In my opinion this radio has very good FM and Air Band reception.
On the other hand, I very much regret that the LW and MW range are affected by a noise that covers the
distant stations. I think that this noise is also caused by the clock block part etc ...
I am very disappointed because I love to capture MW even in the middle of the day and if you have an idea to reduce
those parasites would be great.
I am also disappointed by the SSB band for the low volume but it was mentioned hundreds
times. This radio has reception problems on the different bands that I mentioned.
It's a shame because I have Firmware 078 and nothing is really superb.
If you have any solutions and opinions for me, thank you for your comments
I bought a X2 when they first came out. I sent it back two weeks later for that same reason. Hard to believe Sangean would even ship those radios with that audio. You couldn't even get kicked out of the public library with that audio!😂😂
LOL so true Doug!
@@OxfordShortwaveLogBoa tarde..em FM qual é mais sensível Tecsun 880 ou o Sangean ATS 909x2 quem leva a melhor?
Just carry the Reel type supplied portable antenna wire with you and hook it up anywhere and the audio on SW/SSB will improve with the incoming signals.Thats what I do now because the telescopic antenna is only good for FM.Not any other band,unless you have the 909X2 with local Air Band.
Thanks for your comments
I have the PL-880 and with a long wire Shannon Volmet is loud!. I live in the Scottish Borders too....
Great stuff Graham!
I also live in the Scottish Borders, Sangean 909 seems ok, check this video out.
ua-cam.com/video/7nWXEkzuie8/v-deo.html
Ah this is what puts me right off buying another. The first one I bough which I quickly sent back had an annoying whining noise across the MW band. Has the latest firmware fixed the low audio on SSB maybe ? No, probably not !
They're just not worth the money and it's pot luck as to whether you get a decent example!
Clint if you really wanted to embarrass Sangean, just place your Belka-DX on the speaker grille of the ATS-909X2....:)!
73 and have a nice day!
Well quite! Thanks my friend - you too! 73
@DXingSlovenija had the same problem. He even sent the radio back to Sangean (check out his channel). They said either accept the radio as it is, or they would have given him a full refund.
I bought the 909X2 in white from Martin Lynch and Sons. I have the exact same issues that you have mentioned. I decided to keep it, as I like it. Not great though and far too expensive, to not be able to perform on the SSB (both LSB/USB). However, plug in an external antenna and you’re ok. It’s just “quiet” when using the whip.
It's not just me then! What a shame because it has the potential to be a great radio. Thanks and 73
@@lespetitszoiseaux3774yes and that’s for LW and MW only. It does nothing for SW reception. As that uses the telescopic whip, along with FM and Air.
Good lord that is faint thumbs up for the Tecsun have a good week sir me back to work
LOL yes it is Sir! 73
I recently bought the Tecsun PL-660, but performance is inferior to my old Eton E5, the Tecsun being rather deaf by comparison. It also has poor audio quality.
Most (maybe all) new radios are DSP-based, which I suspect is the main problem.
There's no doubt DSP has its limitations
To be fair the 880/990x Tecsuns are some pretty loud ass radios. But I'll always love the style and long telescopics of the 909 series more.
Totally agree - you can't beat the aesthetics of the 909 series. 73
Seems like almost everything that's come out lately has a QC problem. Pretty disheartening.
Totally, Dave. 73
A big difference in the audio level and sensitivity from what I can hear.
I have the PL330 and the PL600. I'm looking at the PL660 to get airband or the PL880. I think either ate better than the PL990.
I thought the Sangean was the ants pants but that looks not to be true.
Cheers for the demo and info.🍻🤠
The Tecsun PL 330 is another sub portable unit I use all the time. Between the Tecsun PL330 and XHData D808 I have a not bad setup. Both these radios seem to compliment each other.
All looks and lots of flaws unfortunately! You're welcome and thanks for commenting. 73!
I've got a 330 - I must use it more!
I had the Sangean on my Christmas list - and then I watched this video and took it off again before my wife could waste her money on it. I want a radio with SSB capability, and one that is almost inaudible in SSB mode, at that price, is as much use as a paper crash helmet.
Glad to help, Andy! I wold go for the PL-880...absolutely superb radio. 73
Such a shame as I love the look of the Sangean and with RDS on the FM band it would make a great travel radio. That ssb problem is a deal breaker though. I will be stickiing to my D808 and Belka i think!
Th D 808 is a wonderful sub portable radio.
Agreed - the 909X2 is a great looking radio, but many flaws. 73
Definitely!
One of the most beautiful radios but sent back after such frustration with SSB volume.
I know - it's a shame...73
Love my 880!
Me too! 73
I say that you are spot on with your opinion of the Tecsun pl880 as one of the best radios currently available , and Matthias ended up swearing by it with some brilliant results with it.
Very true, Sir. I am working on another commentary - the best SW portables I've used. Coming soon. 73!
I went back and re-tested my ATS-909X2 audio levels and they are perfect!! very happy...
Great to hear!
Why is the audio reception so dull on the ATS 909x Telescopic antenna? You would think Sangean would have improved this problem with the newer 909X2.
They did improve the sensitivity on the telescopic with the X2 but the sideband audio levels are rubbish.
Ah bummer, i have an old Grunding G3 world traveler and it's started showing it's age, and i was looking at the shiny new Sangean 909x2, the white color version, but you have now convinced me to look at the Tecsuns, probably the 660 or 680 since i want to keep air band as well.
Definitely go with either the 660 or 680! 73
Um rádio lindo e não funciona !
Just like some Jaguar automobiles I know of.
LOL!
I enjoy my 880
Glad to hear.
Tried 3 different productions models of these Sangean 909x2s but sent them all back, as well as the SSB audio, across all AM bands stations were 5khz off frequency so the stations on 9670khz was on 9665khz on the Sangean and can not be re-calibrated, also they were infected with birdies and sporadic ghost carriers. At least with the Tecsuns you can re-calibrate on SSB (tune it by ear then log press USB or LSB until the screen flashes and sets it to 00) and get decent loud audio. I wont be going near another one of these 909x2s anytime soon. 73s Clint.
Sorry to hear of your experience with the 909X2, but I'm not surprised. Flawed and not worth the money, I'm afraid. 73
Is there away inside the radio circuit to improve this problem?
Possibly but I'd rather just own a better radio for SSB reception!
Maybe the telescopic antenna is filtered too much?
No, there's more to it than that.
إتجاه الهوائي يلعب دوراً انت لم تجعل الاتجاه في الجهازين نفس الوضعية
Thanks for your comments. 73
Mine is good (audio) and no other problems. I recommend the Sangean ATS-909X2 fully..
I think you're in the minority - which isn't great for this product. 73
Can a 5-element FM antenna be connected to this Tecsun? If so, how will it work?
Hi no, it's only got an external SW antenna socket.