[IRCA] Tecsun PL-310 and PL-380 AM Sensitivity Shootout

[D1028Gary@xxxxxxx]

Hello All,
 
As part of a detailed review of the new Tecsun PL-380 DSP model, a  
thorough AM sensitivity comparison was made with its PL-310 predecessor on  10 
different AM band fringe stations during noontime ground wave conditions here  
in Puyallup, WA today. The objective was to confirm the general impression 
that  the live-signal AM sensitivity of the two models is essentially  equal, 
after Roy's reports (in Australia) that the PL-310 had a significant  
advantage in signal strength readings shown on the models' digital  displays.
 
Although the full details will be reported in the upcoming PL-380 review,  
it was discovered that the PL-310 model does have a slight but definite AM  
sensitivity advantage on the mid-band frequencies (only). Fringe test  
stations on 750 (KXL), 980 (CKNW), 1110 (KWDB), 1320 (CHMB), and 1390  (KJOX) did 
have slightly stronger signals on the PL-310 than on the PL-380,  although 
on the extreme high and low band signals on 530 (TIS), 620 (KPOJ),  1520 
(KGDD) and 1640 (KDZR) the live signal audio quality was the same.
 
In reference to the Kchibo D96L model (the sensitivity winner of the 2009  
Shooutout), the new PL-380 was found equivalent in mid-band AM sensitivity, 
but  slightly less sensitive than the Kchibo model on the extreme high and 
low band  frequencies. In the overall AM sensitivity comparison of the three 
top DSP  ultralight models, the D96L has the best sensitivity on the extreme 
high and low  band, while the PL-310 has the best sensitivity on the 
mid-band  frequencies. The DSP-enhanced selectivity of all three models is equal,  
although the PL-380's freedom from the "soft-mute" issue does provide a  
significant DXing advantage, especially for 9 kHz-split DXing enthusiasts. 
Since  transoceanic DXers typically use effective external antennas, stock AM  
selectivity is of less importance than the ability to minimize domestic  
splatter.
 
73, Gary DeBock (in Puyallup, WA) 
 
 
 
       
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