Eton S350DLS Deluxe AM/FM Shortwave Radio (Red)
by Eton
(Click here)
Digital Photo Product Details
Manufacturer: EtonModel: S350 Deluxe
Color: Red
Product features:
- FM-Stereo; AM; Shortwave (3000-28000 KHz)
- Clock With Selectable 12/24 Hr. Format And Adjustable Sleep Timer
- Set Clock And Alarm While Radio Plays
- Main Tuning Knob And Independent Fine-Tuning Control
- Power Source: 4 D Or AA Cells (not included) Or AC Adapter (included)
- Sony ICF-CD543RM Kitchen CD Clock Radio (Silver)
- Sony ICF-S79V Weather Band Shower Radio
- JENSEN MR-600 AM/FM Weather Band Radio with Storm Alert
- iHome iH5 Clock Radio and Speaker System for iPod (White)
- Sangean MMR-77 Emergency AM / FM Portable Radio
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Eton S350DLS Deluxe AM/FM Shortwave Radio (Red)
Customer Review: More of a Good Thing with Stellar FM
Summary: 5 Stars
The S350 DL Deluxe is essentially an upgraded version of the popular Grundig S350, which features analog tuning with a digital read-out. The improvements on the Deluxe version are as follows: Longer telescopic antenna, an AFC switch for FM to grab stronger stations over the weaker ones; the elimination of "drift" whereby the station "drifts" away from the chosen station; a bigger stereo speaker; and the ability to listen to stereo with the included very nice headphones.
The question for many will be is it worth the extra fifty dollars for the deluxe version. For me the answer is yes. I want stereo and I want the elimination of drift.
As the owner of both the regular S350 and the deluxe version, I can say that both are nearly identical in AM/FM reception. What stands out in the deluxe radio is the brighter stereo sound. In the case of both radios, what really shines is the FM reception. The S350, in both versions, grabs everything on the FM dial.
The internal ferrite AM antenna is such that to improve AM reception, you need to angle the radio, moving it left or right, until you find the sweet spot. It's pretty easy and is a normal procedure for all the dozen radios I own, whether they be digital or analog.
If you're looking for a similarly priced radio with digital tuning and presets, you might want to check out the Tivoli Songbook. You'll be getting a beautiful sound and an attractive package. But while the Tivoli gets above average reception, it's still not quite as strong on FM as the Grundig S350.
For a cheapter alternative, fifty dollars will buy you a Degen DE1107, which I assume will be eventually released as a Kaito 1107. It's an analog radio that presumably has the best FM reception, tied with its digital cousin the Degen/Kaito 1103, and has a decent speaker. You might want to check that out as you're getting similar performance as the Grundig for a hundred dollars less.
Postscript: For those who are disappointed with this radio and have dismissed it in their reviews, may I suggest that some environmental factors, like interference, can be so insurmountable that no radio can overcome them.
Update: AM stations 980 and 1150 overload and bring in two stations at once. Highly annoying. Lack of separation and filter. Maybe AM is "too good." My Kaito 1103 has excellent separation and gets these stations with no overload.
Description of Eton S350DLS Deluxe AM/FM Shortwave Radio (Red)
The S350 Deluxe blends the best of yesterday and today. With the look of a retro field radio sporting a rugged body and military-style controls ¿ the S350 Deluxe also features today's innovation for excellent AM/FM and Shortwave reception and a large, full-range speaker for clear sound. The external antenna input is ideal for enthusiasts. And features such as line-level output, separate bass, treble, and RF gain control, wide and narrow bandwidth filter controls, put you in the command seat for tuning in to local and international news, music and sports.Get the best of both worlds: A modern and high-performance field radio combined with classic styling, rugged construction, and military-style controls. The Etón S350DLR Deluxe AM/FM Shortwave Radio also features highly sensitive and selective analog tuner circuitry that ensures reliable, accurate tuning across the AM, FM, and shortwave bands. Other features include a large, full-range speaker for clear sound; a line-level output; separate bass, treble, and RF gain controls; and wide and narrow bandwidth filter controls. All this and more is contained in a case that's only 10.5 inches wide and weighs under 4 pounds. It's a great way to tune in to local and international news, music, and sports wherever you roam.
Design and Controls
One look at the S350DLR Deluxe and you'll think you've stepped back in time. However, the classic design conceals technology that's anything but retro. The large, integrated speaker offers full-range sound while the digital frequency readout displays accurate frequency stepping for all three bands. The bright LCD screen also displays clock and alarm info. Precise tuning is handled by a large tuning knob and a concentric, independent fine-tuning control knob. You also get variable RF gain control, a rotary volume control, independent bass and treble control, and a low-pass filter for shortwave and AM reception. Controls for clock and alarm functions are arrayed above the LCD display. A built-in telescopic antenna handles FM and shortwave reception, and there's a built-in ferrite bar antenna for AM.
Tuning and Bands
On the AM band, you'll get tuning between 530 and 1710 KHz, while FM tuning is available from 88 to 108 MHz. When tuning in shortwave, the S350DLR Deluxe offers continuous coverage from 3 to 28 MHz. This includes 13 international broadcast bands: 11, 13, 15, 16, 19, 22, 25, 31, 41, 49, 60, 75 and 90 meters. As mentioned, the S350DLS Deluxe is built with high-quality tuner circuitry that maximizes accuracy, while offering an AM/shortwave frequency lock system.
Connections and Power
The S350DLR Deluxe is equipped with a number of connectivity features, including a stereo line-level output and jacks for supplementary AM, FM and shortwave antennas -- great for boosting reception when you need it. A stereo headphone jack makes it easy to listen to the radio in full stereo without disturbing others. The unit can be powered with the included AC adapter, or via four "D" or four "AA" batteries.
Extras
The S350DLR Deluxe also allows you to set the radio's clock and alarm while the radio is still playing. A sleep timer will shut the radio off after a set interval, and last but not least, a convenient, strap-style carry handle makes it easy to take the S350DLR Deluxe along for any jaunt.
What's in the Box
S350DLR Deluxe radio, AC adapter, and user's manual.