The Sony ICF-SW7600GR AM FM LW Shortwave Radio | Full Review
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 มี.ค. 2019
- The Sony ICF-SW7600GR was one of the last shortwave portable radios that the company produced. Does this AM FM LW Shortwave radio measure up to the current competition?
Should you spend your hard earned money tracking one down?
▶ Sony ICF-SW7600GR at Ebay: bit.ly/Sony7600GR
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▶ The Manual: docs.sony.com/release/ICFSW76...
I attempt to answer these questions in this full, detailed review.
Remember I am biased, being a Sony fanboy and all.
Features I like about this radio:
Attenuator - Awesome, helps with the QRM on the SW band.
SSB.
Sync Mode.
Speaker audio is good.
MW reception is solid.
SW reception is good with the whip and external antennas.
Line Out jack.
Headphone audio quality is fantastic.
Nice looking radio.
Made in Japan.
Tone switch.
World Clock that is very useful and accessible.
No Mute on Fine Tuning.
Dual Alarms.
Overall, I am very happy with the price I paid for this near mint example. I find myself wanting to use this radio more then my other portables in the same category. I wish it had more memory, but with my casual use the 100 presets is fine. A well made radio that I am enjoying.
Thank you for watching.
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▶ Sony ICF-SW7600GR at Ebay: bit.ly/Sony7600GR
(paid link) As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase. There are no additional costs to you.
Found this same radio today in a thrift store ($5.00). Put four AA batteries in it and it works great. Had I not found your video I would have been at a total lose! Thank you for showing us how it works.
I have an old ICF-7600D and am amazed it still works.
Back when this competed with the Grundig YB-400, I was Grundig all the way - loved the sound, the features (not always happy swapping out 6 AA's, but had the wall wart). A number of years later, someone actually gave me one of these and I grew to appreciate the build, quality and ability of the "last great Sony." Unfortunately the lack of a tuning knob, FM selectivity that's not selective at all, makes this radio somewhat dated. However, if I were to choose today between the 7600GR and YB-400PE, I'd take the Sony. A classic.
Why last great sony?
I own one (bought new) and love it. Japan-made quality. The ICF-SW7600GR is my "technical" shortwave receiver, and use it with the clip on antenna. It took a while to get used to the knobless interface (I also use a National Panasonic RF-858 I bought new when I lived on Okinawa in the 1970s, and a Sharp FV-1800a that was my dad's, so more accustomed to knobs), but the Sony is portable, high quality, and allows me to use digital tuning and hone in on sidebands. This becomes more important as fewer stations broadcast directly towards the U.S. and precision tuning takes on a more important role for casual listeners like myself. I prefer a portable radio, and the 7600GR is a lot easier to lug around than the FV-1800a.
_You are the real master of that radio, sir. Use it as if you had it in your hands for 100 years. Bravo._
Considered one of the best portable radios of all time.
Could have bought one,10 years ago but passed it up for a couple of other radios, neither one still works 😐. Both long gone.
Oh well, live and learn.
Great review.
📻🙂
I've had one of these for many years. Must be my favorite radio, because it is always right beside my recliner, read for use, at a moments notice.
All in all, a fine performer
More than a review this was a tutorial for me. I learn a lot with your videos. You should consider posting lessons on shortwave listening (if you don’t do it already)(if you do, please let me know )!!!
i was gifted this set by uncle Barber from Ireland more than 18years ago! The set is still working fine, the only grudge is that a lot of broacasters have gone off the SW bands. Thanks for this nostalgic review.
Tu crees q vale la pena hoy en dia
I did buy the fist model in 1992 and still use it. Yesterday I passed it on to my 21 yrs old son who loves these classics and he is amazed with it. Mine is black and light button is on the top. Just 1 page memory. This is an amazing classic from Sony
I have a barely used one. Will it last?
My goto shortwave with the Par endfed SWL antenna!! It’s outstanding on all bands. No issue using the ext antenna port with a wire except my comment below. If you are concerned with the voltage on it Amazon sells a 3.5mm jack with a voltage block- works great.
Only nits are -
1. no narrow filter but that’s pretty small issue
2. External antenna port is disabled under 1710 kHz so you have to use an external loop for longwave and mediumwave DX
My wife bought me this for Christmas years ago. I always planned on taking it out and using it. I did take it out a few times for an hour. It went back on the bookcase and is collecting dust. I might take it out and try it again.
Great review. Not the most intuitive radio ever designed but a super solid performer and Japan made.
Got mine brand new since 2005, paid $130, still got all the accessories. Been in the shelf for a while but I pulled it out again and start listening to it tuning mostly on shortwaves. Great Sony I’ve had so far. Planning to pick up a newer version of shortwave radios. 👍
Excellent review and tutorial.
Thanks Todderbert. Not many would take the time to show a Non Directional Beacon station. The one you got on 389 kHz is station "EN" CODEE NDB KENOSHA, WI. Since it is modulated AM code, it can be heard on frequencies near 389 kHz too. Class: LOMW (The W indicates "without voice". Station identifier is broadcast in Morse Code). Probably putting out 25 Watts.
Frequency: 389
TACAN channel:
Hours of operation: 24
Voice ID: no
Morse ID: . -.
NOTAM facility: ENW
Owner: FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION
Operator: FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION
NG9D
Interesting
📻🙂
I am an owner! This radio rocks, imo. Surprised how much this radio is going for on ebay though... btw, thank you for sharing.
I decided to buy an old 7600gr after viewing some videos and Thomas (Tam) suggestions. I think it was a good choice A great good looking radio, with more than decent performance in LW, MW and SW bands (FM is not a must for me). SSB sensitivity enough for Ham and utility stations listening. The Sync mode is fantastic. Only the Tecsun PL-660 or Sony ICF-2010/2001D can get elusive stations like this lovely receiver using Sync.
Thanks a lot Pete!
Wow, I suscribe this😂2023
Good to hear Glen Hausers world of radio is still being broadcast on shortwave !!! ;-)
This is really helpful thankyou
I have the SONY ICF-7600D purchased in 1986-87 at a time when we did not even know what FM was.. Its now over 30 years I am using it. Still it works ok although it has developed a few problems. Its overall reception strength has decreased, specially on the SW band. But still it is my every day usage radio besides my JVC stereo which I mostly use for music. In the recent months I also bought the SONY ICF P36, TIVDIO 115 (a disaster), a TECSUN PL-380, (mostly as travel radios) and the TECSUN R2010D, a DSP analogue radio with digital display which displays the frequency and time, which is exactly what I was looking for. (Thanks Two hands and a radio for his review).
Do you feel this radio will last a long time if cared for?
I have one. Use it often and take it on trips. Bought it new. Just wish I bought the active antenna before it was discontinued. People want an arm and a leg for them now.
Hi , I have one thats in mint conditions. Use it in Venezuela every time there blackouts. Which other radio is similar to this one?
I bought one over 5 years ago. Still in its box, unopened, never used. Time to set it up.
Can u sell it to me
I have this radio! The best ever!
I got today and learning how to operate.
When I was 11 we got the ICF-SW7600 (no G or GR). It was a wonderful radio that was my window to the world (before the internet) until it died. :’-(
Hi, I'm thinking of buying that sony but I already have an xhdata d-808, is it worth the upgrade to add to the collection or use as a daily driver? Thanks in Advance
I bought mine in 2008 with my tax return. It's traveled all over the world with me, and now in 2021 it's still going strong. Its build quality is excellent, however, I feel like its reception is quite poor at times. It could just be my radio, but I got a Tecsun a few years ago that have reception that's far better than the Sony. Still, I feel like my Sony is going to last another decade or two, while the Tecsun will probably not last half as long.
Fake lies and LARPing. That or you're just mentally challenged and don't actually know how to do anything.
What original accessories come in the box?
I have this one plus the 7600 D.
But my favourite was the Aircraft 7 which had vhf marine band.
Mine is 13 years old, has always lived in the shed in all temperatures, & works like new. I've been shopping around for an upgrade, seen some Sangeans & Tecsuns, but have yet to be convinced that any of them will actually be better at grabbing the faint waves that reach this Scottish island. The Sangean ANT-60 antenna seems to be its natural partner.
I love this radio, the AM Sync is a Dream to use.
_I have had it for over 20 years. The radio has premium FM, MW, SW and LW. I still have it. You should apply a box to it that broke in the antenna area._
? Box?
I have one. Used sparingly. Hopefully it last for a while.
I buy this days analog Panasonic RF 788l (very rare) I am so suprise how is FINE tuning, never see something like that,its heavy and got case for him...pure jewel.
Hi..I am Deniz from Turkey..I have a small question. When I plug in a extarnal antenna jack fm is off.There is no sound.But other bands is on..Is this a ptoblem or normal? Thanks
Mine does the same. It is a circuit cutoff. The external jack works for AM/SW. Not FM for some reason.
Thanks so much..😊
Does this model still available???
is this a transistor radio?
*_Ja imam Sony ICF-SW7600gr. To je SUPER radio._*
i ja.200 eura prije više od 10 godina. još radi -
Would you run the radio by plugging a conventional reel long wire into the jack? I had done that a couple times and never thought about it.
Should work fine, mine does.
*_I have it and it worked perfect on FM MW and SW. It has perfect filters. The only disadvantage is its speaker and small screen.*_🇭🇷
Can you recieve any UK or international BBC stations ?
Nice score! I have a non-G, non-GR Sony ICF-SW7600.
Thanks Don, how is the normal 7600? I've seen one or two of the on Ebay.
@@todderbert Put some fresh batteries in her and all I get is static through the speakers and headphones. Maybe someone will want it for parts one day lol.
I have this Radio...it is very good on LW and Good on SSB mode....i got S F Air on 8843khz..very strong and clear!!!...CRI. Peking China also good on 9675mhz
You never mentioned in the description how well FM performs. Is it any good?
th-cam.com/video/bpkRxqxpPbI/w-d-xo.html
What size coaxial plug fits the external power jack? Sony never made a suitable one. Has anyone tried one of the universal adapters available on Amazon?
I tried with a universal adapter. It works well on Fm but on Sw it has interference. I don't know if it works with the original without interference as with the batteries.
Would you ruin the radio by plugging a conventional reel long wire into the jack? I had done that a couple times and never thought about it.
I've had this radio for a long time and enjoy it very much. Love the medium wave reception. The attenuator really helps clean up the FM band in my location, making weaker stations receivable/ audible, which would otherwise be covered over by intermodulation, etc.
I do have a Sony ANLP1 antenna that works with it. However, I have also connected a regular 1/8 plug antenna to it and it works well...and without harming the radio.
Thanks for that heads up. Wasn't sure if I would ruin the jack by hooking up a wire on it.
I have owned one long ago, but black and I bit different design. Is there any difference in performance? I wish I had it now back 😢
Not sure if you had an older model, this was the last of the series. It is great, the AM Sync works well.
I have this radio I enjoy
I have a question about the whip antenna. The last 1/4” extends out of the case. Should this always be pulled out of the case when using? What is the best way to keep the antenna from breaking the case, and remain in good working order. I’ve read some people have had problems with this....
I use goo gone on the antenna. Seems to have a light enough oil in it to keep the antenna from binding. Do this on a regular basis and you should be good if you handle the antenna carefully. It is a fragile design. I would only use the pull up feature if needed when the radio is lying flat.
todderbert I can’t expand your comment.
I don’t know why.
Where and how much of the goo gone do you use....
@@franciscole3039 just a little on a paper towel. there is oil in the goo gone. it helps alot!
todderbert and you do this just on the sections of whip and that weird joint or just the whip sections? I’m sorry to bug you.
@@franciscole3039 all of its segments.
SONY 7600GR (newer ..last version) & SONY 7600G (Older one)
Which one is best ?
Dear Mr. Ironman, i am searching for a most complete list of all existing short wave receiver from the last 20 Years, since i completely forgot the brand name of my last receiver which i got about ten years before. So i would be very thankful, if you got any information about such a list.
There are some Shortwave forums on Facebook. I don't use them, but they may be able to point you in the correct direction. I'm still a baby when it comes to SW listening.
@@todderbert thanks again!
Hi ! Tell me what is your fm-transmitter
C.Crane FM Transmitter 2.
If i saw....analog radio is best then digital!!! ty for your review sir!
I have a 7600A which is all analog...truly a treat to tune.
Back in the Day Sony made great radios....sad that thay left the radio market....Japan...Is famous for Radios with MW and SW....those 2 to 3 Band Radios....still give service!!!!
I don't know why Sony stopped making radios like this.
Short wave stations are dying and so are the demand for the short wave radio
@@Kuraioyeah not even close. The amount of stations out there today is no different than years ago. As old ones close new ones pop up in its place.
They're pulling out of making decent electronics. It's not just this radio but great field recorders as well like the PCM-D10 and PCM-D100.
I happened to purchase one of this either to an unscrupulous person or I paid the price of being new to eBay and learning the hard way. The device wouldn’t tune a single station though it tries to. Everything else seems to work, but only sometimes it’d pick up a vague sound that immediately fades away, in either band. As I was playing with it following your every move during this video, it tried and succeeded on tuning in some stations though very briefly. I feel so sad and disappointed, and I’m not even sure whether whatever the issue may be if it could be fixed since it is a discontinued Sony equipment. I see it and I love it with all my heart. I’ve been even looking into purchase another one (this time being more cautious about eBay’s scammers), and keep this one for spare parts. Do you have any thoughts or recommendations to make in regards of this matter?
I'm not a repair expert, but it could be failing capacitors.
@@todderbertdo you think it could be fixed by an expert? Sorry to bother you
I'm from Bombay India. Those radio may be 60/ 80 years prodected. I have found those Bombay old antique market not only this one model such as Sony icf se -1, ICF 7600Da. ICF SW 7600GR Many more model being it is degital, so long life to service , yet those are not perfect , few falt have due to very old brand . If have buy one of them , but precision good are not available on markets . Due to multi function activity of those radio and degital, I have brought 100 no. of those radio but none are not accurate working , so those was my hobby to find out precision activity.
Esse modelo, eu posso colocar na eletricidade?
You know that they hard coded the AF filters at 3khz on AM. Compare to a modern DSP radio and you will hear the difference.
Does it do great on AM.
Holds it's own against most of my other radios. Band scans to follow.
… the guy sending CW said he has been a ham operator for 50 plus years. Awesome!
Very cool. I need to learn how to copy CW.
@@todderbert I saw on one of your other vids that you passed the FCC Technician Class amateur radio operators license exam. First, congratulations. Second, while of course a lot of Technicians make good use of VHF - something to consider is HF CW. I have the feeling that you will do very well. The best way to learn is practice receiving until you get the sound of the characters, then get on the air with a straight key. Lots of hams are happy to send at whatever speed is comfortable for the newer operator. Some info on CW for Tech class: www.arrl.org/files/file/Tech%20Band%20Chart/Tech%20Band%20Chart.pdf You can join us on 80m and 40m! 73 Lynn NG9D
Fanks , We do not have such a convenient item for sale at home. We have all 12 volt for a car.
I have it from 1975. But drains battery fast. Now most stations are closed.
How long will this radio last? I have one new in box. Will it work for a couple years of use?
Deve ser muito bom!!!!!!rsrsrs
Necesito conseguir la carcasa de pronto sabes cómo conseguirla
How long will this radio last in terms of years of properly taken care of?
Twenty Plus.
todderbert thanks! Is that 20 years of daily use or twenty years from production date?
I haven't used it for a couple of years and when I turned it on I had a problem with the volume potentiometer. It only worked on the loudest. I solved it by cleaning with a spray, dirt probably accumulated. Now it works like new.
I have a SW7600G from 1997 that works flawlessly 24 years later. It has seen heavy use for the first several years, then sporadic use after that.
I really want to buy this radio. Had tried to buy it from Grabmore.in two years back however they cancelled the order and refunded the money. Now it's discontinued by manufacturer. Hope I can buy it someday from somewhere. Where can one buy a good quality Sony SW7600GR now ?
There are better options today at reasonable prices.
ebay
@@prasadasgoa Could you suggest one?
the problem of this model is very slow on manuel tuning
👍
The antenna mount is really bad! The housing often breaks at the screw connection. The previous model had the same problem. The torsional forces at the base of the antenna are too high, simply a design flaw. So I only use an external antenna.
I noticed this with my radio as well, taking care with the antenna is a must.
How many radios do you have in your collection?
not sure, but it may be over 200 now.
@@todderbert Because of you and Two Hands and a Radio I am up to 20!
How do you maintain and store these many radios?
_I'm sorry that the radio stations are leaving the AM band. Many European countries have already left it._
This is my first "real" radio. Bought it for my 36th birthday in 2004!! Still going strong. Yes, it was in storage for quite some time.
It came with a simple plastic drawstring pouch only for me. But it did come with a AC adaptor. It is a fantastic radio as far as I use. The antenna is pretty fragile and broke off after some 5-6 years. Could replace with another one that I knocked off from another radio.
I also have the SONY ANLP1 amplified antenna. Can pull in SW stations from India sitting some 2000-2500 kms away.
جهاز راقي بمعنى الكلمة
مشكلتو انه بطيء في التنقل من قناة الى قناة ب5كيلوهيرتز ،،هل عندك فكرة لتسريع طريقة البحث؟
I own this radio and know nothing about anything other than AM/FM bands. I was hoping this video would help me find other interesting things to listen to but all I heard was mostly static. What am I missing???
That is Shortwave, some days can be fantastic with many stations others not so much. We are waiting on the Solar cycle to improve with more sunspot activity that energizes the ionsphere so the radio waves bounce across the globe.
@@todderbert Thank you! I will keep trying. I should add your video was very helpful in learning how to master the basic features like saving stations, etc.
Major difference between sw7600, sw7600g, sw7600gr
Price ?
I got mine really cheap, $85 shipped. Because it was a new seller on ebay, everyone was shy on bidding.
I purchased Tecsun a9, we only have such
Приветствую!
Я сейчас поддержанный в отличном состоянии тоже купил в объявлениях,скоро по почте придёт.Только вот недавно заметил,что они разного года выпуска.И у моего приёмника все слова написаны одним цветом-чёрным а есть где в сочетании красными словами на корпусе.И вот думаю,мой который я купил,хозяин сказал,что покупал когда ещё СССР был,в Германии покупал.А такого же состояния продаёт у нас в стране другой хозяин приёмника,у него слова написаны на корпусе чёрным и красным цветом.Вот думаю,наверное лучше модель выпуска более поздний надо было покупать.Хотя оба одинакового состояния,цены и оба собраны в Японии.И вот незнаю,что делать,отказаться от этого экземпляра и купить второй вариант,где присутствуют и красного цвета слова.Как поздний вариант я понимаю.Не подскажите мне.
I just do not understand what kind of power it works
four AA batteries or 6volts DC.
Explication notice en francais
I would like to purchase one but the only person selling one stating brand new wants 450.00. Only a fool would pay that much for a mediocre radio like this. Fact is the pl-660 is actually a more sensitive radio and better ergonomics. And that can be found for under 100.00
My 660 does not compare to the Sony's AM Sync. I put my 660 away.
@@todderbert the work around is use USB or lsb and that takes care of the fade. I would love to own the 7600 but not 450 bucks. That's outrageous.
Short wave?????
Yes, is a shortwave radio and is one the best
Would you ruin the radio by plugging a conventional reel long wire into the jack? I had done that a couple times and never thought about it.
No issues, bought mine in HKG many years ago and it came with one of those wire antennas that you reel in. You could clip it to the telescopic antenna or plug it directly plugging it into the Jack 👍 Was listening to Hams on mine this morning, use it most days. Great radio !!