Grundig S350 Deluxe AM/FM/Shortwave Radio, Black
by Eton
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Category: Speakers
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Digital Photo Product Details
Manufacturer: EtonBrand: Grundig
Edition: Electronics
Model: S350 Deluxe
Color: Black
Publisher: Eton
Studio: Eton
Music Label: Eton
Product features:
- AM (530-1710 KHz), FM (88-108 MHz) and shortwave - continuous coverage from 3 to 28 MHz.
- Highly sensitive and selective analog tuner circuitry with AM/SW
- Frequency Lock, Rotary volume control and Variable RF Gain control
- Inputs for supplementary AM/FM and shortwave antennas
- This includes 13 international-broadcast bands (11, 13, 15, 16, 19, 22, 25, 31, 41, 49, 60, 75 and 90 meters)
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Grundig S350 Deluxe AM/FM/Shortwave Radio, Black
Customer Review: Just barely a usable item
Summary: 2 Stars
With many SW radios to choose from, some prohibitively expensive, there's no wonder that many consumers are left confused about which one is right for them. Costs for a radio can range from $10 to $10,000 depending on the make, model, and features one is looking at. Many radios in the price range of the S350DL are tiny and due to compact size, have terrible sound output as limited by the accompanying small speaker. So is the S350DL a good middle of the road option?
That all depends upon what you need, and what you're willing to put up with. The features of this radio can be summed up in basically one sentence; AM/FM/SW, with tone control, band filter, Hi-Z input, and gain. That's pretty much it.
As far as sound quality, the S350DL is rather good. I've used various other SW radios and this one puts out some of the best in its price range. I've seen other reviewers hold the sound quality against this radio when actually in my opinion and experience, this is one of its shining points. The sound quality is on par with my 750 Satellit, and blows away the compact portables such as the G6 and Sangean portables.
Other great options with this radio not available in other radios of this price range is the option of RCA stereo line out and plugins for Hi-Z antennas. Just get a very long speaker wire, plug it into the back, and you've got a super cheap and effective shortwave antenna with a length and the geometry of your choosing. MOST SW radios do not have this. Kudos.
But the Achille's heel of this radio is the tuning. The tuning is so bad, it's almost unusable except to all but the most determined and patient. Sure there is a digital readout, but the tuning itself is analog. That's ok, but the analog tuning is very poorly designed, leaving cheap radio tuners outperforming this one.
For one there is no consistency with the tuning. We're afforded coarse and fine tune knobs but this makes little difference. Turning the fine tuning knob 1/4" at one part of the band might move you 5khz. Another part of the band it might move you over 100khz! I was first listening to the clock in Colorado at 5000khz and managed to tune to it within about 20 seconds. Same thing at 10000khz took almost 2 minutes and I almost gave up on it entirely. Couple that with the fact that there is no direct entry tuning or frequency lock, and you're stuck fiddling with the knobs for a ridiculous amount of time.
In addition to that, when the radio is overloaded it will drift quickly on you. I tuned to 27185khz to test the radio with my handheld CB (which is channel 19). Keying up the mic at low power settings on a 5w transmitter made the radio drift several hundred khz! I had to employ my wife to drive down the road with the radio while I watched and at 1/4 mile away there was no drift when she keyed up. What this means is that if you're tuning to a station, by the time you know you're overloaded (which happens easily), the station has already drifted before you can even adjust the RF gain, and you're stuck fiddling with the clunky knobs for a minute or two to get back on track... provided that you haven't reduced the gain so much that you don't get the station again. Very frustrating!
Even without overload there is inherent frequency drift. Drifting 20khz in less than 10 minutes is not uncommon... and getting back on frequency means dealing with those knobs again...
These problems presents themselves with FM and AM as well, although the results aren't as debilitating to reception. I was trying to tune to 93.3 FM and just couldn't get it right. I'd be at 93.50, tune down a bit it jumps to 92.8, back and forth, back and forth. FINALLY I got it to 93.39 and just left it there. I could get the station but stereo was in and out because I wasn't right on frequency.
If you're looking for a cheap radio and you know exactly the stations you want to listen to, then this will serve you better than some of the $100 miniatures that lack options for antennas and have tinny sound with no tone control. If you want to "browse" the SW band looking for interesting stuff, then avoid this one. If you're even somewhat serious about SW DXing, spend a little more and get the Satellit 750. Look for my review on that radio as well for more details.
Description of Grundig S350 Deluxe AM/FM/Shortwave Radio, Black
AM/FM/Shortwave Radio. With its rugged body and military-style controls, the S350 Deluxe is ready for any challenge you throw its way. The large, full-range speaker gives you crisp, clear sound, wherever you are. The external antenna output allows for excellent AM, FM, and shortwave reception, and the separate bass and treble knobs put you in control. Whether you're out in the field, or just out in the backyard, you'll enjoy listening to the best that radio has to offer.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. |
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
- Plastic knobs and case
- Cannot "lock" stations while tuning on other bands
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.
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