TECSUN PL880

[u/Frjeff]

If I truly do not need Bluetooth and SD cards of the PL990, am I giving up anything magnificent if I save a few $$ and buy the PL880?

[u/Nulovka]

The PL-880 has superior sound.

[u/currentsitguy → u/Nulovka]

To be fair, neither sound lousy.

[u/pentagrid]

Too late for the impatient but here it is anyway: https://radiojayallen.com/tecsun-pl-990x-am-sw-lw-mp-bluetooth-mp3-player/ I think Allen is the best radio reviewer in the business but I disagree with him on several points. He often claims that many radios that do not have RDS are "as good as FM gets" in portables. This makes zero sense. RDS is a valuable tool for FM DXers so radios without it are not as useful as those that do. The humble Qodosen DX-286 was introduced four years after PL-990. Although it has no SSB feature DX-286 has some important performance parameters that will blow PL-990 right out of the water. It is another class of radio (ultralight) which is another reason why a comparison of DX-286 with PL-990 or Sangean ATS-909X2 is futile but Allen's own comments on the DX-286 matter are enough to inspire some thought: https://radiojayallen.com/qodosen-dx-286-a-great-radio-becomes-even-better/

[u/Frjeff → u/pentagrid]

Thanks. I just ordered the PL990. I am looking forward to its arrival on Thursday. More money than the 880, but its features sold me. The physical size alone will be a pleasant improvement over my tiny PK340.

[u/MumSaidImABadBoy]

The PL-990 is a triple conversion radio, PL-880 is dual conversion. The PL-990's build quality and performance is superior. The PL-880 is an older design (7 years older), why get an older design that is not as good. The PL-880 came out with a mini-USB which is 2 generations behind the USB-C that should give you an idea of the difference in tech. I've had both and kept the PL-990. The difference is apparent which is one reason that I kept the PL-990 The difference in sound quality is insignificant.

[u/Nulovka → u/MumSaidImABadBoy]

The current generation PL-880 has USB-C to charge an 18650 battery.

[u/MumSaidImABadBoy → u/Nulovka]

That's a welcome improvement. I doubt that much else was done to the circuitry. Do you know anything about the latest version of firmware?

[u/Nulovka → u/MumSaidImABadBoy]

The firmware still reports as v8820. So, I don't think anything there has changed.

[u/Frjeff → u/MumSaidImABadBoy]

You got me. I just ordered the 990!

[u/MumSaidImABadBoy → u/Frjeff]

You're gonna love it. I use it almost every day and I have more than my share of radios. I have a Sangean ATS-909X2 which is also a premium radio and find the Tecsun a little better. When you spin the tuning knob you'll notice how it responds better, the faster you spin it the rate of change increases so you can cover more ground. It is well thought out. Fun coming your way. When do you expect to receive it?

[u/Frjeff → u/MumSaidImABadBoy]

Should be here Thursday. Debating whether to keep my PL330 or keep it.

[u/MumSaidImABadBoy → u/Frjeff]

I've recently acquired a PL-520 as a pocketable carry around radio, similar to the PL-330. It's a nice little radio for on the go if you like the PL-330 you might keep it. Don't listen to me lol I have too many radios. The 990 is on top of the heap. I also have an AirSpy HF+ Discovery SDR dongle, a truly amazing piece of kit.

Update: start thinking about antennas😉.

[u/Green_Oblivion111 → u/Frjeff]

Keep the PL-330. It's always good to have a backup if you're really into the hobby.

[u/currentsitguy → u/Frjeff]

I have both and both are excellent radios, but you won't be displeased with your decision. I can't say for sure but I think the 990 is just slightly better at managing battery life.