The
Realistic DX-160Description and review by Phil Rafuse - Charlottetown, PEI Canada
(click on photo for larger view)
The
Realistic DX-160
Description and review by Phil Rafuse - Charlottetown, PEI
Canada
(click on photo for larger view)
Circa 1975-1980 single conversion LW, MW, SW receiver. Fairly tight 4KHz bandwidth courtesy of a mechanical filter, with rather pinched communications grade audio. Internal ferrite bar antenna for LW and MW. External antenna terminals for all bands. Original price range: $150 to $200 new. Typical used price: $50 to $120.
Pros: Quite sensitive and selective for MW and SW broadcast DXing, not too shabby for LW. Highly available and inexpensive. Easy to maintain and repair. Nice looking. RF gain and antenna trim. Internal ferrite bar works quite well for MW.
Cons: No digital display [but crafty folks can retrofit an add on display box], only one bandwidth, audio not exactly "sweet", internal ferrite bar antenna cannot be easily disconnected in favour of an external antenna.
Summary and recommendation - a very nice introduction to an older DX capable radio. Will not please the hard core DXer, but a fine rig for what it is and at the price they usually command. Generally well constructed.
Recommended use: budget DX tabletop riding shotgun with a good modern digital display portable. Add a la-z-susan underneath for easy MW/LW nulling.