Sunday, October 30, 2011

ETON S350 AM/FM Shortwave Radio

S350 AM/FM/SHORTWAVE RADIO - With the rugged look of a retro field radio and the latest in AM/FM/Shortwave radio technology, the S350 Field Radio features the best of analog and digital. The S350 is the perfect addition to active lifestyles that demand high-performance portable audio capable of receiving news and information from across the globe.

Amazon Sales Rank: #67642 in Consumer Electronics Color: Silver Brand: Eton Model: S350 Number of items: 1 Dimensions: 3.56 pounds Fully modern AM/FM/shortwave radio with retro design and easy-to-read monochrome LCD display Continuous coverage of 14 shortwave bands for listening to radio broadcasts from around the world FM tuner with Automatic Frequency Control (AFC) automatically picks up the strongest signals RCA line-out jacks connect to home amp or stereo; wide and narrow bandwidth filter controls Runs on 4 D batteries; measures 10.5 x 6.5 x 3.5 inches (W x H x D); 1-year warranty

Amazon.com Review Experienced shortwave radio aficionados rejoice: Now you can pick up a fully modern radio with a design that hearkens back to the early days of your hobby. The Etón S350, which is actually produced by the respected European electronics manufacturer, Grundig, offers a great feature set for listening to radio broadcasts from distant shores. The design is suitably rugged for use in the field, or you can use it at home as a simple, yet powerful AM/FM receiver and alarm clock. Design If you long for a return of the fashions from the film Breakin' and you're a fan of the 80s design aesthetic, the S350 is right up your alley. Everything from the blocky, silver and black case to the over-sized dials and switches will take you back to the "Ghetto Blaster" era. While the design gives the radio a solid look, we were a little disappointed that the E350 -- unlike many radios made 20 years ago -- is completely made of plastic (with the exception of the speaker cover). While the plastic knobs and controls are made to look metallic, they don't quite deliver the solid feel of metal -- something that would be nice in a rugged field radio. This quibble aside, the controls are responsive and well-positioned and the case does feel solid. The prominent tuning knob is designed well with concentric gross and fine dials. These are made all the better by a big, easy-to-read monochrome LCD display that lets you step through frequencies with extreme accuracy. It's a minor detail, but the padded carry handle is a nice touch, too. The S350: Rugged, retro, and ready to tune in the world. See all of the S350's features. Easy-to-use, durable controls. View larger. Connectivity galore. View larger. Features At the heart of the S350 is its robust synthesized digital tuner section, meaning the tuner is analog, but frequencies are displayed on a digital readout. FM tuning offers an AFC (Automatic Frequency Control) mode that automatically picks out the strongest stations -- great if you're someplace with a crowded FM dial. You can also switch the AFC mode off for fine tuning less powerful stations. Although the S350 sports just one speaker, you can listen to FM stations in stereo through a pair of headphones. AM tuning can be switched between narrow and wide sensitivities to control interference. Further tuning refinements are available via the low pass filter switch, as well as a handy RF gain dial. Both of these features can also be used when tuning one of the three shortwave bands. And if you're serious about shortwave, you'll be glad to know that the S350 can accept external antennas that can augment reception from the built-in, telescoping one. There's also an antenna port for enhanced FM reception. In addition to a headphone output, the S350 has stereo RCA line out jacks for connecting the unit to an amplifier or home stereo. The radio supports battery and AC power, but we were in for a surprise when we opened the battery compartment. Not only can the radio run on four "D" batteries, but there is also another, smaller compartment that accepts four "AA" cells -- a nice little bonus if you need temporary power and you only have the smaller cells on hand. Lastly, the S350 offers basic sleep, alarm and snooze functions that were fairly easy to set and use. The LCD has a backlight button, so nighttime viewing is no problem. Tuning In FM tuning is very impressive. Because the radio can tune frequencies down to the hundredth decimal place, you'll easily tune problematic FM stations, or perhaps stations you've never heard before. Meanwhile, testers with very little experience or understanding of shortwave radio were able to quickly tune in stations from as far away as Japan and Russia (Etón includes a handy crash course on shortwave tuning in the user's manual). Our only complaint in the tuning department: It's impossible to keep a station tuned on one band while tuning on other bands. For example, with an FM station locked in, switching to shortwave and tuning there changes the tuning on the FM band when you return. This is understandable on an analog tuning dial, but we didn't expect it from a digital tuner. Pros Exceptionally accurate tuning Advanced filtering and interference control Fun, retro styling Cons Plastic knobs and case Cannot "lock" stations while tuning on other bands What's in the Box S350 AM/FM Shortwave Field Radio, AC adapter, user's manual. Talk about easy listening. The Grundig Etón S350 shortwave radio is brimming with style, portability, and functionality. With the S350, you aren't limited to shortwave signals--you get FM and AM radio, too. Shortwave enables you to hear stations from around the world. Get first-hand news and other programs direct from their sources. Listen to the BBC, CDC, Voice of America, DW Deutsche Welle, Radio Taipei International, and dozens of other broadcasting organizations. The S350 receives continuous coverage from 3 to 28 MHz, including 13 international broadcast bands: 11, 13, 15, 16, 19, 22, 25, 31, 41, 49, 60, 75 and 90 meters. Use the S350's manual gain control to compensate for atmospheric and other conditions. With its excellent sensitivity and selectivity, the S350 can receive stations most radios can't, including weak daytime shortwave signals. Other features include a backlit multifunction LCD, a telescoping FM antenna, antenna jacks for SW, AM, and FM, as well as sleep and wake timers (wake to radio and use the S350 as an alarm clock). The radio features a single speaker designed for clear sound. A .125-inch headphone jack (compatible with stereo or monaural headphones, not included) lets you listen in private, or you can route the unit's stereo analog (left/right) RCA outputs to your home stereo system, a tape deck, powered speakers, or other devices. The S350 runs on 4 D batteries (not included), the supplied AC/DC power adapter, or an optional DC vehicle power adapter (12V to 6V DC). Grundig's design-driven Etón line of portable-audio offers a graceful combination of form and function. Unique product design is the basis for all models, as well as functionality above and beyond other products in the same category. With features that satisfy high-tech, style-conscious listeners, Etón products have an added flare that will attract people seeking distinctive portable audio. What's in the Box Radio, AC power adapter, leather carrying strap, a user's guide, and warranty information.

Most helpful customer reviews 132 of 134 people found the following review helpful. Grundig shortwave By mahogany09 This radio is of excellent quality and the receive on AM, FM and shortwave is very good. Being a ham radio operator I really appreciate the rotary tuning knob that has a fine tuning adjustment knob built in. I just can't see myself buying an expensive shortwave radio with no tuning knob. Half the fun of radio is being able to play with a VFO! I also own the GE superadio that other reviewers have commented on. The Grundig does not feel and look cheap like the GE superadio but the GE superadio will outperform the Grundig in a side by side comparison. The superadio has two speakers that are designed for better fidelity and louder audio than the smaller Grundigs single speaker can achieve. When listening to weak stations in heavy static on the AM band the superadio did a better job of pulling out the audio. The shortwave reception is the best part of the radio however and this radio is a real jewel for shortwave use! The selectivity is great, no overlapping of stations that is found on cheaper shortwave radios like the Sangean SG 622. The radios sensitivity is excellent also, I could not ask for better performane from a shortwave radio. I know I made the correct decision passing up some of the more expensive Sony and Grundig shortwave radios that look so tempting to buy but lack a knob to tune with. 67 of 71 people found the following review helpful. Great radio! By Jmark2001 I love this radio. I fell in love with it because of the unique retro-military analog design - all of those analog dials! The sound is big and full. Am reception is strong - I could detect no difference between this and the GE Superadio. Shortwave: I only bother with BBC and Voice of America (VOA), and Radio Canada and they all come in great. If you are a shortwave fanatic who tries to get third world countries in, I have no idea how it will do as I have no interest in that. FM is very good. It has a sleep timer, alarm, clock, BIG numeric LCD display and bright back light.. The handle is comfortable. I also have a Yacht Boy from Grundig but that is only because this is too big to slip into my briefcase. If I could, I would take this with me everywhere! My favorite radio! 45 of 46 people found the following review helpful. Best All-Around Premium Radio for the Money By M. JEFFREY MCMAHON As a radio freak with no tolerance for even the slightest glitches in reception, I own three premium radios: a portable Sony ICF-SW35, a Tivoli PAL, and, most recently, the Grundig S350. If I had to choose one, I'd go in a heart beat with the big military style retro Grundig. First, its reception beats the Tivoli PAL (second place) and the Sony (third place). It's tied with the Tivoli for ease of use. But it beats the Tivoli in sound and is thirty to fifty dollars cheaper. I would have saved twenty dollars had I bought the Grundig on Amazon with free shipping and no tax. But I got impatient and bought it at a so-called discount outlet. I learned my lesson. Back to the Grundig. Its owner's manual is the best and easy to understand. The radio produces clear, big sound. I get KGO 810 radio from San Francisco in my Los Angeles home with the Grundig. I get weak stations loud and clear. Try getting the jazz station or an NPR station at the left of the dial any clearer. You won't. The telescopic antenna is huge and says it means serious business. In short, the Grundig radio indulges those who, like me, must have confidence in their reception. Finally, let me tell you I compared the Grundig S350 to smaller, more portable Grundig models and I'm sorry but those models were cheap and tinny compared to the big Grundig S350. In fact, one Grundig model , a tiny piece of tin with inferior sound and reception, cost almost twice as much. No way. For every day use, stick with the Grundig S350. See all 53 customer reviews...

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