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These things look like a real communications receiver. I have three of them. I couldn't help myself. I bought one, modified it a bit, bought another, and did more mods, the got another and kept it stock. These are fun, interesting radios. Good, but not excellent in anything they do, but they do work, and they do what they are supposed to do. The RF section has an effective preselector. I suspect this was designed as part of a survival measure to help protect from broadband overload, but it does work nicely. The radio has a couple of things going for it: The Wadley loop concept is kind of cool in operation. It is super easy to align, service, and modify. It is my favorite for tinkering and trying out new ideas. There's a lot of info available on the Internet to modify these things into nice performers ... and it looks cool. Nonetheless, this is a FUN radio to operate.
Allied/Knight R-100
A nice, not-so-little superhet that looks and acts as good as any of this vintage pals. For single conversion - no complaints. The Q-multiplier really works and makes broadcast DX a lot of fun. It hears well and its selectivity can be whatever you want it to be.
Hammerlund HQ-100A
Ditto above. Made a lot more professionally than the Knight kit, but similar (typical) circuitry and performance. Again, the Q-multiplier is a gem ... even for CW. The 100A is quite stable, and when aligned properly, it's a hot performer.This, and the Knight, are permanant keepers for me.
Heathkit GR-54
I built this tube radio almost 40 years ago. All totaled, I have probably spent more happy hours tuning HF DX broadcast on this wonderful radio than any other in my stable - many, many hours being entertained by Radio Moscow's propaganda ... those funny little Commies. The Heath mechanical design makes alignment a snap. It's an involved operation, but very straight forward. And when you are done, you have the confidence that this little sucker is as sharp as it can possibly be!
Realistic DX-160 (150/150A family)
Ditto above, but solid state. Inside, it looks like the GR-54's toprography - sort of. Professionally designed, this is what an inexpensive general coverage table top should look and feel like. It's iconic for the period and genre, a la, Hallicrafters slide rule-type dial and the single line of controls ... real purdy.
Lafayette/Kenwood (Trio) HE-30/KT-320
This tube radio is another sleeper. Some folks say it's overrated ... dunno why. I think it's underated ... and often overlooked at swap meets, etc. I love mine. It has kenwood insides and tunes to beat the band. Very business like, not flashy like the DX-160, but noticibly better in overall performance.
Sangean 803A (Realistic 440)
What can I say? I've had three, or was it four, of these portables. I've done full alignments and the published mods. Made my own external speaker jack and more utility external antenna connections. It's a go-anywhere - do it all radio. At the beach, in the woods, or in my hammock - it's usually the 803A by my side. For my money, it's one of Sangean's best efforts.
General Electric SR-III
Oh boy ... where to start? It's an inexpensive portable for AM and FM broadcast only - no shortwave. It is, by a big measure, the hottest AM b'cast radio come down the trail since ... well, ever.
Out of the box is a crap shoot. Chances are that you'll never find your station unless you know the sound of your favorite announcer's voice. Once aligned, it'll be easier to love. It has big sound, thanks to the 2-way speaker system. It uses a small paper cone driver for the tweeter. Much spikie-er than a soft dome tweeter would be, and an under damped, high compliance driver for the woofer, which provides exaggerated output in the 150 Hz area for faux-bass. Still, it isn't too bad, nay, it's respectable, for a carry-around portable. If I ever put a digital display on mine, and an MF preselector with RF Gain control (there's room inside), I think I'd be impressed.
C Crane Superradio
We'll get to this one once my depression over their chronic digital display problems goes away.
