Coby CX-CB91 World Band Shortwave Radio Review

This is a small pocket-size shortwave radio which receives AM, FM, and seven shortwave bands. It has a digital tuning display and an analog tuning dial. This is preferable to digital-only tuning, as it is easier to locate stations and adjust the tuning correctly with the analog dial, while at the same time being aware of the exact frequency. It has a small signal strength indicator light as well as a sliding sensitivity control. As with many digital radios, a few AM stations can be received but AM reception is generally poor. FM and shortwave reception are both fairly good. It has been possible to receive stations in Germany, China, and Cuba with this radio, along with several domestic stations. It does not cover the entire shortwave range, but it does cover a substantial part of it in seven seperate bands. Sound quality is fair, but can be tinny at times. It runs on only 2 "AA" batteries, and also has a jack for DC power. The digital frequency indicated on the display is often slightly inaccurate on the FM band. It has a digital clock, and the radio can be set to turn on at a specific time. An advantage of the digital/analog tuning is that you can tune in AM stations which aren't at 10kHz increments, which is useful in some foreign countries where stations are located at frequencies like 765 and 1584kHz. Overall, a good radio to choose if you desire a shortwave receiver which is inexpensive and very small. The value of this radio is appraised at $17 by LessWaiting.com's free instant online shortwave radio appraisal service.