I've been a shortwave listening enthusiast since the 1970s and have most of the Grundig, Eaton, Sangean and Sony radios in my hands, Desheng PL330 is the best performing portable I currently own . The has a full size frequency tuning and volume knob on a radio of this size which is really nice. The sound quality of the PL330 is also good for this size, but certainly not as good as the larger radios.
PL330 can store 850 radio frequencies, an astonishing number. Personally I generally only use 50 to 100 radio storage locations, but for others this might work. The
PL330 is the first portable radio I own with multiple bandwidth settings. It has bandwidths such as 0.5KHz, 1.2KHz, 2.2KHz, 2.5KHz, 3.0KHz, 3.5KHz, 4.0KHz, 5.0KHz and 9.0KHz. Note: The selectable bandwidth varies depending on the band you are using or the working mode you are in.
Another unique feature of this radio is ETM+, This feature works as follows: every hour you press and hold the ETM button, the radio will automatically search and store the radio stations that can be listened to at that time. Based on the 24-hour time format, the PL330 will save the frequencies as 24 sets of independent frequencies, and the names of the stored frequencies are E00 to E24.
I like that the PL330 uses a very common lithium battery, which is also included in the standard accessories of the . You can use the standard Micro USB cable included to charge the battery.
If you want a radio that outperforms any model in the same price range (about $85), but also rivals more expensive radios, then the PL330 is the way to go.
Now that I've had this radio for a few weeks now, I have a few more comments to add. I have compared the PL330 with the Grundig G6, G3, and Sangean 505 radios, and I hope to do more comparisons as I acquire other radios in the future.
Grundig G3
The only radio with SSB performance close to the PL330 is the Grundig G3. Although the G6 and Sangean ATS-505 also have SSB capability, they do not have a choice of upper or lower sideband, making it more difficult to receive and tune SSB frequencies. in FM band, PL330 performs the same as Grundig G6, has always been a model with better FM performance, slightly better than ATS-505 or G3. is in the band in , PL330 is better than G6 and ATS-505, and the sensitivity is slightly weaker than Grundig G3. I believe this is because the G3's built-in ferrite antenna is larger, note: I tested all models with the radio's built-in ferrite antenna and battery powered.
Grundig G6
I don't like the synchronism function of the PL330 or the Grundig G3, The only model that does well in synchronism in my opinion is the old Grundig S700. I just wish I had this machine in hand for comparison with the PL330. One disadvantage of
PL330 is that and can be powered by 5V USB power supply. In fact, most of the 5V USB power supply are switching power supply , which will generate noise and affect shortwave reception. Some power supplies are worse than others, so you may have to experiment with different brands. Finally, if I need to charge while listening, I use a power bank (power bank) that charges my phone. Another cool "easter egg" feature of the
PL330 is the SSB frequency calibration function. You can tune up to zero beats at a known accurate upper sideband frequency, then press and hold the USB button. Next the frequency display will "calibrate" and the last two digits of the frequency will become 00, so the frequency is accurate. Some radios may have a frequency offset of 20 to 50Hz, so calibration is required. You can then repeat the above process on the lower sideband.
Finally, my PL330 firmware version number is 3305. I don't know if this is the latest version. A few months ago I saw a vlogger's review of the PL330 with a lower firmware version number than 3305, but I can't remember exactly now.
Ultimate rating: 5 stars
Review time: April 16, 2021
Reviewer: RoboTech
Translation + picture: Radio comment translation Source: amazon
