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Rating: 
Summary: Current version 2003 is much improved....
Review: Bought a Sony SW77 6 years ago while on a trip to the US.... (Mark 1 variant) Please read the whole review. I am far more positive of it's replacement which I compliment at the end of this review.Generally I felt at the time the Sony Sw77 (- my Mark 1 version) receiver had excellent sensitivity selectivity and functionality, though the menu system for storing stations requires concetration. I did note considerable background hiss in all modes though - especially FM and especially on headphone. I assumed this to be typical of the PLL type receiver as several Sony examples I tested at the time were similar. Punching in the station frequency via the number pad works great, but scanning frequencies using the scan function is not much use as it simply halts at every detectable signal, and this is a very sensitive receiver. Manual scanning bands using the rotary frequency dial was poor, because of a great deal of "chuffing" background noise (well that's what it sounded like). After 18 months of regular bedside use (I am a BBC junky) the radio suddenly lost control of the audio volume control (a syndrome reported in the Deja news groups, by others too). At the time Sony declined to repair their surface mount technology (6 months out of warranty), offering a rather modest discount on a new one. I declined the offer and the radio continued to limp along on Short Wave mode only (the FM modulated uncontrolably). It has good days and bad though. I controled the SW listening volume with an accessory walkman headphone. The SW-77 is a very high end consumer product with a hefty price tag, and I had expected better from Sony. I was very dissapointed. My previous Barlow Wadley gave 20 years of perfect service before I sold it on. I had hoped for as much from the Sony. Quick follow up #1.... A Sony representitive at a local retail chain suggested that I contact their service center online to have it repaired...despite the fact several years had passed. I found the service page online and filled out a request for repair which was accepted. Mailed the radio off... waited 4 weeks... Website service query said to call. They said they were awaiting repair parts. I was terribly impressed that I was called back twice on the repair progress, including that it was done...... Well I got it back - unrepaired. Refused exchange yada yada yada......! Unrepairable, out of warranty etc.... Quick follow up #2. I didn't give up however, and after carefully explaining the exact history and current situation to the helpful people at Sony, I returned the defective unit once more and was pleasantly surprised by recieving an excellent N.I.B. replacement, for the cost of a repaired unit. What follows are comments on the latest version of the Sony-SW77 that I now own. Gone is most of the hiss on stereo FM mode with earphones. Gone is the agressive PLL "chuffing" sound while using the rotary tuning dial on all bands. Sensitivity and selectivity appears about the same, though the sound is so much cleaner than my original radio. This is a very sensitive reciever, and the reason I selected the SW77 in the first place. The rotary dial is stiffer to rotate, and this is an advantage as it the dial lock need not remain locked most of the time. The new version has an 11 segment antenna. Overall the new version really is a very much better receiver and so while my original SW-77 rated at less that 1 star, I have rated the new version as a 4. It's not perfect and it's expensive, but it so much improved I am indeed happy - and considering the history that is amazing.
Rating:
Summary: Current version 2003 is much improved....
Review: Bought a Sony SW77 6 years ago while on a trip to the US.... (Mark 1 variant) Please read the whole review. I am far more positive of it's replacement which I compliment at the end of this review. Generally I felt at the time the Sony Sw77 (- my Mark 1 version) receiver had excellent sensitivity selectivity and functionality, though the menu system for storing stations requires concetration. I did note considerable background hiss in all modes though - especially FM and especially on headphone. I assumed this to be typical of the PLL type receiver as several Sony examples I tested at the time were similar. Punching in the station frequency via the number pad works great, but scanning frequencies using the scan function is not much use as it simply halts at every detectable signal, and this is a very sensitive receiver. Manual scanning bands using the rotary frequency dial was poor, because of a great deal of "chuffing" background noise (well that's what it sounded like). After 18 months of regular bedside use (I am a BBC junky) the radio suddenly lost control of the audio volume control (a syndrome reported in the Deja news groups, by others too). At the time Sony declined to repair their surface mount technology (6 months out of warranty), offering a rather modest discount on a new one. I declined the offer and the radio continued to limp along on Short Wave mode only (the FM modulated uncontrolably). It has good days and bad though. I controled the SW listening volume with an accessory walkman headphone. The SW-77 is a very high end consumer product with a hefty price tag, and I had expected better from Sony. I was very dissapointed. My previous Barlow Wadley gave 20 years of perfect service before I sold it on. I had hoped for as much from the Sony. Quick follow up #1.... A Sony representitive at a local retail chain suggested that I contact their service center online to have it repaired...despite the fact several years had passed. I found the service page online and filled out a request for repair which was accepted. Mailed the radio off... waited 4 weeks... Website service query said to call. They said they were awaiting repair parts. I was terribly impressed that I was called back twice on the repair progress, including that it was done...... Well I got it back - unrepaired. Refused exchange yada yada yada......! Unrepairable, out of warranty etc.... Quick follow up #2. I didn't give up however, and after carefully explaining the exact history and current situation to the helpful people at Sony, I returned the defective unit once more and was pleasantly surprised by recieving an excellent N.I.B. replacement, for the cost of a repaired unit. What follows are comments on the latest version of the Sony-SW77 that I now own. Gone is most of the hiss on stereo FM mode with earphones. Gone is the agressive PLL "chuffing" sound while using the rotary tuning dial on all bands. Sensitivity and selectivity appears about the same, though the sound is so much cleaner than my original radio. This is a very sensitive reciever, and the reason I selected the SW77 in the first place. The rotary dial is stiffer to rotate, and this is an advantage as it the dial lock need not remain locked most of the time. The new version has an 11 segment antenna. Overall the new version really is a very much better receiver and so while my original SW-77 rated at less that 1 star, I have rated the new version as a 4. It's not perfect and it's expensive, but it so much improved I am indeed happy - and considering the history that is amazing.
Rating: 
Summary: King of all radios !!!!
Review: Hello folks its Vince the radioman . I have been a collector and buff for many years and love to do compares. This is the undisputed KING OF ALL RADIOS! It is miles above all the others in functionality , tuner sensativity and overall performance . However , it has a price to match . I know that this is an expensive radio so I take that into account when I rate all the others . But , if you can afford this price GO FOR IT ! It has a 162 memory capacity , it has .1 kh increments ( thats point one) only found on professional equipment. It has a great sound and wonderful functionality ( great information window , timer , factory presets , editing capability ...etc.)And a spectacular side band set up . I love it! It is my main radio and I have approx. 50+ radios . If you can afford it , its the best and most complete radio out there . KING OF ALL RADIOS!!!
Rating:
Summary: One of the great ones
Review: Shame to see this greatest of the great shortwave portable receivers discontinued from the Sony line like the venerable and magnificent ICF 2010. Most long time dedicated shortwave listeners will undoubtedly own one or both of these two great radios from the Sony of days gone by...Let's hope that Sony is avidly working on an even better successor, but somehow I doubt they can top this one...Since they are still available here and there, grab one while you can - if you are a short wave enthusiast, this radio is worth every penny!
Rating:
Summary: Sony SW77 - A great shortwave radio
Review: This has been called the best of the current Sony Shortwave radios. Infact it may be the best of any manufacturer's portable shortwave. I have several radios, both desktop and portable. When compared to my other radios, this one has excellent sensitivty and selectability.I use it with a loop antenna as a bedside radio to find the distant AM stations at night. When I lock in the station with the synchronous feature it greatly improves the stability of the station and makes listening a lot easier. On SSB I am able to listen to Military and Ham broadcasts with no difficulty. It even has stereo on FM with a headset. I like the radio and I highly recommend it. Jim
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