Grundig YB400PE AM/FM Shortwave Radio

• Receives AM, FM, continuous shortwave, and SSB (single sideband)
• Tuning via up/down buttons, auto-scan, and a numeric keypad
• High-quality circuitry and a digital PLL tuner
• Dual clocks allow you to track the time in two time zones
• Can be powered with the included AC adapter, or via six "AA" batteries

Amazon.com Review:
If you're in the market for a small, high-quality shortwave radio, the Grundig YB-400PE just might be what you're looking for. While the radio doesn't offer the spit and polish of newer models like the E10, or even the smaller E5, the YB-400PE has a solid track record for accurate tuning, durability and good features. Design and Controls Weighing in at one pound, five ounces ounces, and measuring 8 x 5 x 1.5 inches (W x H x D), the YB-400PE falls squarely in the portable radio category. While it's certainly not pocket-size, you can pack it in your suitcase with ease. The silver plastic case isn't awe inspiring, but it feels durable and ready to handle a few rough and tumble trips. Most of the action can be found on the front of the unit, where you'll find a direct frequency entry keypad, as well as buttons for controlling the timer, auto-scanning, up/down station selection, band selection, memory control, and SSB mode. On the left side of the YB-400PE you'll find a 3.5mm connector for an external shortwave antenna. Grundig generously includes a handy wind-up antenna that can be plugged in here to enhance signal reception -- although there is a telescoping antenna on the top of the unit. In addition to a power port and stereo headphone jack for FM listening, the side of the radio also sports an antenna gain switch that lets you choose between DX and local modes, allowing you to tone down excessively strong AM or shortwave stations if need be. When in FM mode, another switch selects FM stereo or mono modes. When in shortwave mode, the switch offers wide and narrow bandwidth selectivity. The narrow position offers maximum signal selectivity, while the wide position affords higher audio fidelity. Dials are provided on the right side of the YB-400PE for fine tuning and volume. The fine tuning knob is great for really homing in on those SSB broadcasts. You'll also find an SSB mode switch, as well as a tone switch, which lets you choose between bass and treble, but provides no adjustment for either one. We assume the switch is intended to enhance the lower or upper music ranges when selected, but the difference between the two settings wasn't that noticeable. In addition to AC power, the the YB-400PE can run off of six AA cells, which are not supplied. For the sake of comparison, the E10 and E5 models only require 4 AA batteries -- and they can charge rechargeable AA cells. LCD Display The G4000's backlit display is crisp and clear, with a clean layout that makes it easy to control the radio's tuning, clock, and timer functions. We do wish the backlight were a tad brighter, but this is a minor quibble. A separate space in the upper left portion of the screen is provided for the clock display so you can view the time and tune the radio at the same time -- a nice touch. Selecting shortwave meter bands on the YB-400PE requires manually typing the meter band number with the numeric keypad and then hitting the meter select button. A more straightforward solution here, and one that is employed on the newer E10 and E5 units, would be to simply scroll through the meters with each successive key press of the meter select button. Fortunately, though, the radio's memory functions are easy to browse and recall on the display. Tuning Options Tuning the with YB-400PE is straightforward and simple, but it's important to note that -- once again, unlike the E5 and E10 -- this radio does not offer direct digital tuning. Instead, you get synthesized digital tuning. This means that the frequency readout is digital, but the radio actually uses an analog tuning mechanism. Some people do prefer the "feel" of analog tuning to direct digital. The radio tunes AM, FM, shortwave, and SSB signals, and you can choose from auto-scan, manual up/down, or direct keypad entry modes. If you're new to shortwave, auto-scan will quickly become your friend. With it, we quickly made a lot of discoveries, and heard stations from all over the world -- although our limited language skills made it difficult to always know exactly to whom or what we were listening! We also tried some SSB tuning, which is designed to capture ham radio and two-way radio communications. SSB is notoriously difficult to tune, but with a little time and effort --(including standing outside for a good while -- we were able to pick up some faint signals). The YB-400PE's memory system also deserves mention. With it, you can store up to 40 frequencies for later retrieval. Once stored, recalling all these memories is pretty easy, thanks to a fairly straightforward on-screen interface that lets you scroll through them. You can also directly enter the number of your stored memory -- if you keep a record of it. Pros Solid construction, good sound quality Small enough to take anywhere Addition of SSB is a nice touch Cons Somewhat useless "tone" switch If you're looking for the latest technology, look to the E5 or E10 What's in the Box YB-400PE radio, AC adapter, stereo ear plugs, wind-up antenna, vinyl carry case, user's manual, operating instructions, and warranty card.

Amazon.com Product Description:
If you love to hear broadcasts from around the world, here's a tool that makes it fun and easy. The Grundig YB400PE AM/FM shortwave radio has the power to scan and lock on to even the weakest shortwave signals with rock-solid precision. The radio is capable of receiving AM, FM, continuous shortwave, and even SSB (single sideband) for two-way shortwave communications. All this and more is contained in a case that's under eight inches wide and weighs a pound and a half. It's a great way to tune in to local and international news, music, and sports wherever you roam. Design and Controls The YB400PE's 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 up/down buttons, auto-scan, and a numeric keypad that enables direct frequency entry. You also get push-button volume control, tone control, a stereo/mono switch, and a DX/local switch for choosing between long and short range AM signals. Lastly, a built-in telescopic antenna handles FM and shortwave reception, and there's a built-in ferrite bar antenna for AM. Tuning and Bands In addition to a full range of FM and AM frequencies, the YB400PE offers shortwave tuning from 1711 to 29999 KHz. The radio is built with high-quality tuner circuitry and a digital PLL tuner that maximizes accuracy. In addition to offering 40 random programmable memory presets, you can quickly scan them to find your favorites in a jiffy. Connections and Power In addition to a stereo headphone jack, the YB400PE has a socket for an external shortwave antenna -- great for boosting reception when you need it. The unit can be powered with the included AC adapter, or via six "AA" batteries. Extras The YB400PE's dual clocks allow you to track the time in two time zones, and the radio's alarm allows you to wake to a tone or a radio broadcast. A sleep timer will shut the radio off after a set interval. What's in the Box YB400PE radio, AC adapter, portable wire antenna, stereo earphones, carrying pouch, carrying strap, and owner's manual.

Worst Grundig product i have owned:
I purchased the YB400PE and could not wait for it to arrive,When it did arrive i eagerly unpacked it and fitted the batteries. I quickly read the instruction,s and turned it on,The first thing i noticed was the aerial was loose and floppy and the small slide switches on the side felt loose as if they were going to fall to bit,s. When i moved the DX/Local switch it crackled badly and still crackled when i left it alone. I tried the SW bands and the reception was pathetic and buzzing all the time, On MW i could hardly hear my favorit station (magic 1152) so i switched on my old valve radio to see what the reception was like, It was perfect. The only good reception was the FM band. The LCD screen was very faint and could only be seen by looking at it straight on which was very annoying. I took the radio to bed and fitted the wire antenna to it thinking that i would pull the SW station,s great but it was still buzzing and useless. I parcelled it up the next day and sent it back to the supplier after emailing them for permission to return it. I have now ordered a Kaito 1103 after reading the excellent report,s on it. No wonder we don,t see many Grundig product,s in the shop,s now. Very dissapointing. keithcolwell@tiscali.co.uk

Great Electronics Value - some bad packaging design:
I have had this radio for 3 years. It has worked well and has good sound quality as well as very decent shortwave performance for the price. Pros: Great value for price and I recommend the purchase if you want a good shortwave radio with stereo FM capability. The cons which follow would not prevent me from making this purchase again. Cons: The packaging is (injection molding plastic fit/finish and design) is poor and much like a product that costs $20. It has not failed but just leaves a bad taste compared with Japanese competition. What is worse is the legend for the features that one would use in low light conditions such as alarm is medium blue against black, small letters. They can't be read easily in normal light, much less normal household lighting. The logic is typically German...like my 2 VWs...they seem to do things in a way that is different from anyone else and thus it is not intuitive without reading the manual...again, if it is a seldom used feature. Also, a tone control instead of a switch would have been nice as well a ability to charge batteries while plugged in.

A Lot of Bang-for-the-Buck:
I've been collecting radios for a couple of years now, and own over 75 (at last count). They range from old tube-type AM table radios to early transistors to the latest and greatest. Let me tell you what I think about the Grundig YB400-PE: Strong points: 1) Solid-feeling quality. It doesn't feel cheap when you pick it up. 2) Good sensitivity across all bands. 3) Nice, full sound from the internal speaker. 4) Accessory package includes a good quality soft case, AC adaptor, bud-type earphones, and 23' compact SW antenna 5) The ability to switch tuning increments to help fine tune in a hard-to-tune station. Not-so-strong points: 1) Only 40 presets. I don't need 200, but it would be nice to be able to separate them into "folders" for AM, FM, SW. 2) Battery life is acceptable, but definitely not exceptional. I usually plug in the AC adaptor because of this. 3) I wish it had a rotary tuning and tone (bass/treble) knobs. Why? I just like them. 4) The backlight is very weak -- a poor choice of LED's I know a lot of people find SSB reception to be important, but I rarely use it. As often as not, I like to just tune around the SW bands at night and see what I can find. Sure is interesting to hear the viewpoint that other parts of the world have about the US. I'm a radio fan, not a radio geek. I just like to play around with radios that are easy and fun to use and sound good. If you're like me, I'll bet you'll like this radio. If you're a geek, you may have more bones to pick with it, but on that I really cannot comment.

Great Portable With Excellant Reception!:
This is one of the best portable radios out there.It has great shortwave reception! The F.M. and A.M. both have great sensitivity and selectivity; the ability to pull in weak stations next to strong ones. The only reason I don't give this radio 5 stars is because of the telescoping antenna. I've been through 5 radios because the antenna becomes lose and breaks after a long period of use. Other than that this would be a perfect radio.

Good FM clock radio, very bad SW receiver:
DO NOT BUY. My father bought a new YB400 for me for a graduation present in 1995. I have never been able to pick up any SW station. I am in Colorado now, 100km away from the high power time stations, and I can't pick them up. Just hear buzzing noises. Nothing on LW either. AM (MW) reception is poor but it does get some stations. This was really expensive to turn out to be an FM clock radio. The FM reception is good, the clock works fine, the light is nice. Equivelent to a nice $20 radio for 8 times the price.