(Hopefully, I will be able to take detailed pictures of the unit at some point in the future.)
Sangean DT-300VW
Contents
- First look
- Package contents
- Features and Functionality
- Advantages
- Disadvantages
- Conclusions
- Similar models and variations
First Look
I ordered my Sangean DT-300VW from Universal Radio. For those who do not know, it is a small radio with FM, FM stereo, AM, NOAA weather band, and VHF TV (Ch. 2-13) capability. When I first opened the package, I noticed the small size of the retail box, indicative of the size of the radio. When I first took it out of the box, I was impressed with the many accessories included (listed later) and the small size of the radio, smaller than even I expected. I will comment on specific details of the radio below.
Package contents
- one DT-300VW unit
- one multi-lingual manual
- one FM/WX/TV antenna with 2.5mm plug. (for when not using earphones)
- EXCELLENT Sangean ear bud earphones with 2.5mm plug (act as antenna when plugged in)
- one 2.5mm plug to 3.5mm (standard size) jack for use with other headphones or equipment. (I hook mine up to my computer's sound card/mixer)
- Snug leather-like protection cover with belt loop.
Features and Functionality
It is amazing how much functionality is put into only 6 main buttons on the console of the radio. There are memory, select, mono/stereo/alarm, band/time, tuning/preset, power button and rotary volume control. There is also a lock switch so you don't accidentally press buttons when it is stowed away in a backpack or shirt pocket. There is a headphone/speaker switch on the side to switch outputs. It can be a bit overwhelming and confusing but they are quite ingenious once you get accustomed to its operation. The select button chooses between actually tuning the stations or using the presets, and you use the tuning/preset buttons from there. An effective and original design.
The FM stereo is excellent and far outpaces anything else in its class. I wish there were more presets, as 9 simply aren't enough for the number of FM stations in my area.
The AM is better than what I've heard out of other equipment in its class, though I am sure the more expensive SW portables that have AM have much better AM reception.
TV is a big win. I get excellent reception and this is really in a class by itself. I wish it also had the UHF TV band, but I realize that would have probably not been really possible with this radio. (There are only two VHF stations in my area, and there are about five UHF stations.)
Weather reception was a tad disappointing. I was hoping for something louder (I have to turn the volume up all the way to hear it amply) and with better reception. The NOAA weather broadcast system itself may have a rather weak signal, so I cannot totally blame Sangean on this one. However, it is sufficient. Channels 2 and 3 on WX are clear enough, 1 and 4-7 are a bit too weak and 8, 9, and 0 have absolutely no reception at all.
There are 9 memories per band, which is a tad on the odd side. 9 memories are OK for AM/FM but are really WAY too many for the TV and weather. Not a disadvantage, but I still find it a bit odd.
The alarms are a nice touch. They can either be set by a countdown (kitchen timer) style or in a regular alarm clock style. The tone used certainly wakes one up but doesn't whine or grate on my nerves. :-)
All the good news about Sangean ear buds is true. These are undoubtedly the best ear buds. Sound is crystal clear and is very crisp.
The built-in speaker was a bit of a surprise. It had much better quality than I expected out of something so small. Of course, it has no real bass worth mentioning, but presents crisp and clear voices and music.
Advantages
- This is a take-anywhere radio.
- Includes needed accessories such as a 2.5mm to 3.5mm converter.
- It packs digital controls and AM/FM/TV/WX into a tiny space. It outpaces everything else I've personally used in this class.
- Quality and construction is superior. For example, the earphone/antenna port is metal, not plastic which some manufacturers use. Metal will hold up better. The case is VERY sturdy.
- Reception on all fronts except weather radio is excellent to exceptional.
Disadvantages
- As mentioned before, weather reception is shaky.
- In addition, there is no "emergency" alarm for the WX portion of the radio to alert of disasters. I feel this could have been implemented as the radio already has an alarm in it.
- Also, you must have something hooked up to the earphone ports to get any FM, TV, or WX reception (the wire hooked up to that port acts as the antenna.) Note that if you an AM radio junkie, you can take this radio anywhere with no accessories as the AM antenna is internal.
Conclusions
It IS a bit pricey (List price $100, I paid $75), but you get exactly what you pay for. If you are looking for a very nice portable radio without the feature of shortwave, this is probably exactly what you want. I certainly recommend it for those wanting a full-featured portable but don't want to cart around an unused tape player as well.
Similar Models and Variations
There are both a DT-300V and DT-300, both without weather reception and the non-V model without VHF reception as well. These must be overseas models as I have located no US supplier of either of these.
There is a DT-200V that is similar to the DT-300V(W), but is larger and takes AA batteries as opposed to AAA batteries, plus isn't as visually appealing. It does not have weather reception. It is cheaper than the DT-300VW, at $59.95 from Universal Radio, and may be a better choice for those who can do without the WX as long as the person doesn't mind the larger size and heavier weight.
There is a DT-110 that is a basic digital tuning AM/FM stereo tuner. It does not have an external speaker or TV/WX. Universal Radio price: $39.95.
Please send comments to Michael Wise.