What is the best shortwave radio for me?

Question

I want to listen to cool stuff! like broadcasts from all over the world so ideally something that can hear faint broadcasts. I have about 150 to spend. Also is there any that integrate a scanner with it? specific model numbers would help

Answer 1

Here's an article on how to select based on your needs. Also, below, an description of one Sony model for about US$100

SONY ICF-SW35 Digital Tuning World Band Receiver

Enjoy crystal-clear, digital reception of your favorite radio stations!

The Silver-colored Sony ICF-SW35 Digital Tuning World Band Radio Receiver allows you to tune in your favorite radio station at touch of button. It supports FM stereo, MW, LW, and Shortwave Band (up to 26,100 kHz) radio bands. The PLL Quartz Frequency Synthesized Digital Tuning function allows you to tune into most of the radio stations. In addition, its One Step Tuning function allows radio stations to be set in incremental intervals of 1 kHz, and 5 kHz for precise reception. The Dual Standby Memory function lets you set the built-in alarm to sound at two different times or wake you up using two different radio stations. Its unique Memory Scan function quickly scans through all the 10 channels on each of the 5 pages, allowing you to listen to each channel for a few seconds. This receiver can stores up to 50 radio stations (10 presets per page/five pages) for you to access at the touch of a button. Each preset is stored on a page that you can file, and access, by selecting the category or type of the channel.

Using a Variable Attenuator “ATT” Control function, the "Scan" feature pauses only at stations with adequate signal strength and provides you static-free listening experiencing. A sporty Telescoping Antenna and internal Ferrite-Bar antenna, capture even the faintest of radio signals for a clearer tuning into stations. The Backlit LCD Display allows reading the digital frequency of the selected station, even in scarcely lit areas. A 2 1/2” speaker and built-in FM Stereo Headphone Jack enhance your private listening enjoyment.

Digital Tuning World Band Radio

PLL Quartz Frequency Synthesized Digital Tuner

LW/MW/FM/SW Reception

50 Memory Presets

Dual Standby Memory

Backlit LCD Display Step Tuning (1 kHz and 5 kHz)

Headphone Jack

DC-In Jack

Powered By Two "AA" Batteries

Antennas

-a guy named duh

Answer 2

The Degen 1103 seems to be quite a hot performer around the 100-120$ range.

They can be found on eBlay.

It is however a small portable and for your budget you will not get a high performing radio , but for its money it will keep you happily busy for hours.

The only shortwave radios that also have the UHF ranges as well start at the 5 or 600 dollar mark , as that sway out of your proposed price range I haven't included any info on them.

http://www.swdxer.co.nr/