TECSUNPL990 Digital Worldband AM/FM Shortwave Longwave Radio with Single Side Band Reception & MP3 Player, Matte Black

As a licensed ham radio operator I find myself buying all sorts of radios and have 4 shortwave radios. 1) The radio arrives in a high quality box expertly packed. 2) includes an impressive leather case. 3) The speaker and sound this radio produces is a noticeable level above other radios of equal or lesser value. This is a fabulous sounding radio. 4) At this price you expect SSB, great sensitivity and selectivity and great reception. This radio checks those boxes. 5) At this price you expect package to include optional long wire antenna. Included. Of all these features the feature this radio provides over other models is the amazing sound quality. You won’t be disappointed.

It’s my third radio and finally on I love. Nothing i don’t like about it. Greatest tuning, fabulous speaker and I totally love the numeric keyboard with large and easy to press keys.

This receiver supports it's specifications and, as an added bonus, has excellent audio fidelity. FM is excellent and tuning all bands is extremely is easy and precise. I highly recommend this receiver for anyone that needs a good, portable all-band receiver.

Just received it, so I'm still playing with it. Biggest surprise: How *good* FM sounds on the speaker. Full, deep and rich. Biggest disappointment: The tuning knob is a bit tweaked and doesn't rotate freely. I've owned the Tecsun PL-360 and PL-880 (both of which I lost in a divorce). I'm thinking of returning the PL-990 for an exchange to one that doesn't have the funky tuning knob. The knob isn't a show-stopper, just irritating. Otherwise, It's a fine piece of equipment.

I really enjoy this radio. It doesn’t get all the HF stations my ham rigs get but it’s fun to listen in bed as I fall asleep. It picks up some HF stations and the AM band is really sensitive.

Solidly built. Great reception on FM with whip antenna. AM reception is ok but terrific with a loop antenna. Shortwave is good with whip antenna and pretty good with exterior antenna.Controls are easy to use. ATS is a great feature in scanning for available signals in the MW, FM and SW bands. SYNC option is pretty useless as it is in most TECSUN SW radios. I am impressed with the Pl-990 and recommend it. The extras in the box such as external SW antenna, leather like carry case and charging block are nice touches. I like the PL-990 over the 330 due to it being larger and having a kickstand.Reception quality is similar in both with the 990 sounding better due to its larger speaker. A word of caution on the 990s whip antenna. The tip is very thin and easily bent unlike the 330 which is smaller and more compact.I will be purchasing the H-501 when it is available in late June. Tecsun is quality and their radios are widely praised by the experts.

Dislikes This receiver has only one power source. I have the generic battery that came with the Tecsun PL-990, plus two brand name batteries I purchased. (50 bucks) Thank you to Scott, who kindly offered a fix, it didn't work (plus, I had already tried the reset 73).1) Only one power source.2) Very short lifespan3) This Receiver has a history of charging failures. (My own fault, I didn't do my homework asthorough as I should have)4) With my number of years getting shorter, I rushed into this purchase.5) Stick with products I'm familiar with.An old dog can learn new tricks; never purchase a single power source electronic device again. The primary reason I purchased the Tecsun PL-990 was due to the fact I wake up, get out of bed & go to our laundry room and listen to the 76/80 meter Amateur Radio Operators chew on the rag. Soon my Wife began joining me in my nightly hobby; listening to the guys chew the rag reminded her of the daytime Soap Operas that once dominated daytime TV. We could go to the 'shak' & fire up one of my rigs, but at the age we are enjoying each other's company is more important in my eyes. But, purchasing an almost $300.00 Receiver and it fails in about 6 months is a sign this Tecsun PL-990 was defective before my purchase. I will say the speaker is clear & crisp. I was actually looking forward to Solar Cycle 25, with our Sun's recent CMEs my hopes are high. The $300.00 I spent on this little thing Tecsun calls a Receiver could have been spent on some Amateur Radio goodies. Oh well, as I stated I want to say Thank You to all the guys who offered fix-it suggestions.

Great radio, works very well and sounds great. Tuning features are excellent.