Nice and interesting comparision video of two great portables. I used to own the DX-440 (actually the Sangean ATS-803A) about 20 years ago and it's an excellent performer with external antennas. Its sound quality is superb. The station on 7395 is Radio Romania International, by the way. 73!
Yes, the station you were listening on 7395 KHz was "Radio Romania International" in Romanian. The repetitive notes are the first notes of the Romanian Anthem "On our flag is written 'Union'", referring to the times when Romania became one country in 12/1/1918 (Union). After that, the station reproduces the first accords of the "Romanian Rhapsody Nr. 1" composed by the famous Romanian composer George Enescu. He composed many symphonic concerts and other famous pieces internationally recognized. After the Soviets "exported" the Communism to Romania, George Enescu left the country to France, never to come back again. He was buried in France.
Technically, the 880 should be twice as good as the 440. :) Enjoyed the video, and yes indeed, they are both fine radios. I prefer the DX440/ATS803a for MW and SW program listening but the 880 has good audio for its size and a few extra filters, noise fighters, etc., for SSB and weaker signal/DX hunting. I'm not giving either one away anytime soon, I like 'em both.
Very good video, enjoyed the comparison...I love my Dx-440 and was very lucky to get one in excellent condition...If I had to choose, I'd walk away from the 880 in a heart beat...Sangean built a fine radio in the 803, which I believe Siemens also re-branded it...If I had one con, it would be it's weight, which for a portable is heavy, but also makes the radio feel rugged... 73's
I have DX-440 branded as SIEMENS and the only diference is DIN audio recording output on the left side. It gave me important service while I was running legal licenced FM radio station in Northern part of Serbia in 1993/4. As I decided to broadcast independent program from government I was exposed to all kind of state run terror. What was the role of my SIEMENS "DX-440"? First it used to set my broadcasting frequency. Transmitter was trimmer capacitor osc type. So, setting was manuály. When tx had "cold start" there was frequency that shifted after some 30 minutes to the frequency kept OK. Second role was monitoring. Short Wave International stations have been the only source what happening in Serbia and Yugoslavia, now in wars. Also, i was listening to HAM radio operators, and they gave very important reports. And when output transistor blasted off, I was broadcasting on CB Channel 14, and while continuous broadcasting, I needed to hear listeners reactions and reports on other CB frequency. And there was DX-440,...A Hero!
Sangean always made/makes a high quality radio. I had a DX440 ( until it was “borrowed “). Have a Tecsun PL-660 now. In some ways, I’d like to have my DX440 back, or a DX390. ( I’m not a fan of the battery set up on the PL880). Great “shootout “ of 2 great radios. 📻👍🙂‼️
Yes. Now days there are some very good radios that are in-expensive. I don’t think Tecsun makes a bad radio. The R-9012 is a great one for a budget minded (ie: broke) person.
I agree mr.king. I have a r-9102 and use it every nite. I had a 660 it lasted about 5 years and then wouldn't power up. I also run a grundig g3 for ssb. trying to get a realistic dx-398 currently. have a good one. 73,kb3aum
I know from your other videos that your outdoor antenna is a long wire with an unun transformer at the end and as such is dc grounded. That said, do you worry about static damage to the 440 or the 880 with externals? I have both radios as well (AT-803 & 880). I like the SSB better on the former and find the dedicated bass/treble are easier for discerning weak signals.
I checked the comments out and reviews by Hams on Eham.com and they rated the DX-440 radio pretty good. I was also think that the larger speaker in the DX-440 should give a lot more punch and better sound? I would prefer the larger radios over the smaller units.
Hi, good voice, I too have a 440 and 880 and am 65yo, that said I find the 440 more of a KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) operation, I love the old school BFO on the 440, also there is a mod for the 440 called the shuff mod that eliminates the chunking sound when tuning (or the shuff sound), I like both radios but if I had to make a choice id choose the 440, good review, thanks.
+Rich W Hi, would you happen to know which companies make SERIOUS equivalents to the DX-440 in 2016? I know the Sangean ATS-803a is the exact same thing in a slightly different case.................but are there any others? I'd mostly be looking for a tunable BFO switch (for SSB) and would be willing to pay anywhere from $165 - $300 for something equivalent. Do you have any ideas?
Well it is old technology, but you can still get the 440 and 803 on ebay for a reasonable price, you might also look at the DX-160, yes I love the old school BFO also, good luck
I have owned the Sangean ATS 803A since the mid 80`s and it`s identical to your Radio Shack one. I have owned about 7 different brands and sizes of SW`s and the 803 is still the best I ve seen, although I would have liked a volume control that turned instead of slid. Been looking at the Tecsun line for about a year and the 880 looks good for the money. Thanks
+1fanger I owned a DX-440 once for about 10 years between 1990 - 2000 or so. I used to be able to pick up some interesting stuff with a 48 foot dipole attaching to the gutter system in my house in southern NJ. If I wanted to get something as good as this for about the same price (taking 2015 - 2016 into consideration), which one would be best for me for the money. The one thing I'm looking for the most is a variable BFO switch (for SSB). I've had a smaller Radio Shack receiver that didn't have any SSB capabilities and really missed it. Should I buy a Sangean or is there another company out there that has the same capabilities as a 440?
Actually the DX-440 is also branded as the Sangean ATS-803A model Shortwave SSB Radio. I was able to get the Sangean ATS-803A off from ebay someone selling for 50 bucks in good shape. When I do get it I will do a nice thorough cleaning job inside and out. Yes sir the DX 440 was the best first SSB radio that was made and very durable and long lasting. As long as you keep it clean and putting in a dust free environment it should last for years.! By Paul N4UUQ Ham operator.
Used to have a DX-440. Great radio (but was stolen from me ca: 1996.) wish I still had it. Interesting comparison. (I believe the 440 was made by Sangean, and re-badged as a Realistic).
Radiodog I like your utube videos my hobbys are painting pictures and lisining to shortwave and ssb iam thinking about getting my ham license I have 4 shortwave receivers
Hi, I just ordered a DX440 . I had one back in the 80s. Can you tell me what size the external antenna port is? I need to rig an inside antenna up. I live in the city and can not have one outside. Thanks
