Sangean ATS-818ACS AM/FM/SW Receiver with Programmable Cassette Recorder

Rating:
Summary: Shortwave came up short
Review: I bought the Sangean ATS-818ACS because it was recommended and because of its programmable cassette recorder. I was especially interested in listening to shortwave broadcasts for the first time and to recording AM/FM programs that I miss because I work nights. From Day 1, the radio was a pain to use. The manual was written in Taiwan by someone who could barely read and write English. Shortwave reception was dreadful, even after purchasing an outside antenna at Radio Shack. The programmable cassette recorder doesn't include a cut-off time, so the recorder runs until the tape ends, and you can only record one broadcast. Plus, the radio comes on every day at the programmed time until you reset a new time, then the radio comes on daily at that new time. The manual doesn't explain how to avoid that annoyance. ...

Rating:
Summary: Wish I have gotten it sooner.
Review: I received my Sangean ATS-818ACS AM/FM/SW Receiver from Amazon.com in two days with the book Passport to World Band Radio, 2003 which is a must for anyone just starting out like me. In virtually five minutes I picked up the BBC and a broadcast from China. This is unquestionably the best radio I ever owned. I recently moved to a heavy populated district that is enclosed by trees so it has been difficult to tune in all the stations in my FM listening zone with my conventional radios. I tried XM Satellite radio but although they pride themselves with their 100 channels of variety after awhile I felt like I was being programmed by another conglomerate like Clear Channel plus there is a monthly fee to continue XM. With my Sangean I can receive at least 50 times more stations then XM and a better variety of music, news and different opinions from around the globe. I am new to the world of Short Wave and even if I don't use it often for the price I paid and the fact that I can get all my FM Stations to come in clear makes it worth the money. Since short wave has endless possibilities my next purchase will probably be the Grundig 800 Millennium or a model by Drake. If Amazon has the Sangean ATS-818ACS on sale again pick it up it will lead you out The Matrix.

Rating:
Summary: Enjoyable radio adventure
Review: This radio was a replacement for a Thomas Radio. With Television being a medium that is starting to become mundane we were looking for a new form of entertainment. We decided to revert back to radio ( talk / Variety ) and this radio fit the bill. I am very pleased with the ease of use and the reception on the shortwave band ( I am a novice ). Contrary to some reviews I found the sound quality very good. The tape recorder is a plus if you have friends that doubt what you might have heard. Overall, this is a good value. One drawback was the owners manual. If you are a novice you,ll probably have to educate yourself to understand some of the terms.