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Grundig G2000A World Receiver

Grundig G2000A World Receiver

List Price: $179.95
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Product Info Reviews

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Rating: 2 stars
Summary: All show, no go
Review: If General Motors could dress up the Chevy Tahoe and sell it to folks who wouldn't be caught dead in a Chevrolet as the Cadillac Escalade, perhaps the same thing could be done with a world band radio. In either case, only people who WANT to be deceived will take the bait.

We're not suggesting that the Grundig G2000A Porsche Design is all that bad, just like the Escalade isn't a bad vehicle if you don't mind being tossed all over the front seat when you run over anything thicker than an expressway expansion joint. Under the genuine lambskin case, the "DESIGN BY F. A. PORSCHE" logo and aluminum-flecked paint job lurks a decent world band receiver, perfectly capable of picking up such powerhouses as the BBC, Radio Netherlands and Deutsche Welle but not much more. In fact, for $20 less, you can get this same radio shorn of all its finery as the Grundig Traveller III.

Fortunately, Grundig itself offers a superior alternative to the G2000A and its plainer sibling, the Traveller III but it WILL take another half of a C-note out of your wallet. Look up the Grundig YB400PE, the latest version of the now-legendary Yacht Boy 400. It, too, is available from Amazon.com. It might not wear the name "PORSCHE" like the G2000A but it WILL make Deutsche Welle (Germany's worldwide broadcaster) sound as close as any local station.

Rating: 2 stars
Summary: Great looks but poor performance
Review: If you are looking for a radio that has good reception and tunes well to AM and SW radio stations this is not the radio for you. On the other hand if you just want great FM reception, decent stereo sound, light weight, alarm clock and above all a sexy looking radio this might be an OK choice. I bought this radio in December 2004 but returned it in three weeks. I took the radio with me on my travel to India. On my way to India I was hardly able to tune to any world band(SW) radio stations. While in India my dad's ten year old no name brand, made in India radio performed much better when tuned to AM and SW stations. Overall this radio was a disappointment. I am still giving it two stars for good looks and FM reception.

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: Beautiful radio with average performance
Review: In recent years, no other portable shortwave radio has rated quite as high on the "neato" scale as the Grundig G2000A. This Grundig's two best design features are its Porsche-designed cosmetics and its handy leather carrying "case." These things alone are cool enough to inspire almost any shortwave listener to want one and have fun using it.

The radio's performance isn't quite as great as its beauty, however. For its small size, it performs fine with an external antenna, but less well with the aerial. Its sensitivity is decent, and selectivity is passable. But don't expect a listening experience on par with rivals within its price class ($100-$150). Bottom line is, you're paying more for the looks than anything else. If performance is what you desire, keep looking.

I give it less than four stars for several reasons. First, it fails to cover the entire shortwave spectrum from 1600 khz to 30 mhz. That's a big drawback among today's digital radios. Second, the keypad is awkward to use, even though it looks fabulous. Third, the software provides a measly 10 memory positions for shortwave, which is okay if you only listen to the major broadcasters.

Nevertheless, the G2000A is an aesthetically nice radio that's fun to operate for casual listening. For a novice listener, I'd recommend something simpler. If you're a more serious, demanding listener, you probably already have something else. I enjoy using it because it reminds me of my dad's old Zenith Royal 500E, which has a great leather case. I like this Grundig, but I'm glad it isn't my only one.

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: Beautiful radio with average performance
Review: In recent years, no other portable shortwave radio has rated quite as high on the "neato" scale as the Grundig G2000A. This Grundig's two best design features are its Porsche-designed cosmetics and its handy leather carrying "case." These things alone are cool enough to inspire almost any shortwave listener to want one and have fun using it.

The radio's performance isn't quite as great as its beauty, however. For its small size, it performs fine with an external antenna, but less well with the aerial. Its sensitivity is decent, and selectivity is passable. But don't expect a listening experience on par with rivals within its price class ($100-$150). Bottom line is, you're paying more for the looks than anything else. If performance is what you desire, keep looking.

I give it less than four stars for several reasons. First, it fails to cover the entire shortwave spectrum from 1600 khz to 30 mhz. That's a big drawback among today's digital radios. Second, the keypad is awkward to use, even though it looks fabulous. Third, the software provides a measly 10 memory positions for shortwave, which is okay if you only listen to the major broadcasters.

Nevertheless, the G2000A is an aesthetically nice radio that's fun to operate for casual listening. For a novice listener, I'd recommend something simpler. If you're a more serious, demanding listener, you probably already have something else. I enjoy using it because it reminds me of my dad's old Zenith Royal 500E, which has a great leather case. I like this Grundig, but I'm glad it isn't my only one.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Transmit !
Review: On more than one occasion I've packed my trusty batteryoperated larger than my purse radio on vacation. This lug would gowith me to the remote places I've been. Monday mornings would come & I would spend the hours between 6:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. in search of the "market update." With the not so good fortune of hearing blurps and bits of up..dow..nsdq. That was before... GRUNDIG. Recently I was able to flip this beauty on and walla, I enjoyed the rest of my vacation. The first try, was a success. I tuned in my favorite speaker,much to my surprise every word was clear, crystal clear, I was able to listen to every detail of every trade. After receiving such pleasant news, I sat by the creek and tuned in some music to relax by. After a bit I tuned in some clear country music, and continued my hike. Hats off to Grundig for making a classy information piece. It is so light and looks so costly. Great Job. END

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: looks good
Review: People might think this Grundig Radio is too expensive, but it's worth it! Why? Many people might like it because it's so good at all its radio functions, but I think it's worth it is because it also looks good, it is the best looking radio I have ever had, it's awsome! Love it!

Rating: 1 stars
Summary: Not a recommended product
Review: Sensitivity is below par on short wave. I also own a Sony ICF-SW7600GR - a much better radio in all respects. If you want a good radio for short wave listening, buy the Sony.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Looks good.
Review: The best looking Radio in the world, you will love it no matter what. Handsome little machine.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Makes a great gift
Review: The Grundig G2000A is a great looking piece! Given the leather case and F.A. Porsche design, I think the G2000A is one of the most stylish radios in the shortwave market.

A few of its best features include the handy keypad so one can type in the stations directly, and the easy to use meter band selection and tuning controls. Being able to preset 20 stations also makes listening a breeze.

Best of all, the size, weight and timer/alarm features of the G2000A make it a great travel radio. Plus, there's a travel power lock - so it doesn't start playing while in your suitcase!

All in all, for me, it's an eye-catching radio great for gift giving or to keep on a desk or table.

Rating: 2 stars
Summary: Flash But No Substance
Review: The Grundig G2000A is like the pre-TV series Anna Nicole Smith: hot looks, feels great, but not something you want to have around day in and day out.

To be sure, it's one of the nicest-looking radios you'll find, but as a shortwave receiver, it lacks a lot: doesn't tune the whole SW spectrum (why these radios just don't cover the full 1.7- 30 MHz range is beyond me) sensitivity leaves a lot to be desired, and selectivity (ability to separate closely-spaced stations) is in adequate. Plus, the audio is on the tinny side. For the $80 or so bucks you will normally pay for this, you can do much better. Probably Grundig's worst model.


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