New “Super” Portable for AM and FM Reception
The Kaito KA2100, which is the North American version of the Asian Redsun RP2100, with solid reception characteristics and solid audio presentation is raising eyebrows among both AM and FM listeners. Â
Some of the comments from those that have used the Kaito KA2100 seen around the Web are as follows:
I sold my Sony ICF-2010 before I got the Redsun RP2100, but I used both in the same location, and my general impression is that I get better reception with the RP2100. Both were excellent on MW & SW
One of the main things I love about this radio is the FM reception. It is insanely good. I don’t think an exterior FM antenna could beat the reception with just the whip. I get a ton of stations that are 70-90 miles away crystal clear, and the majority of local stations (most of which are atleast 20 miles away) do not bleed into close frequencies
Overall, this radio clobbered the Eton E-5 that I offloaded on a friend after my comparison
A great radio with the reception and the sound of the Superadio 3 plus digital readout (and shortwave reception) and though more expensive than the Superadio 3 still a great price.
The rumor is that later this summer, maybe in July, C Crane will also have the US version of the Redsun RP3100 which is like the 2100 but with sync detection and sideband.
Update 5/9/2007
A member of the Yahoo Sony 7600GR user group has posted a comparison between the Sony and the Kaito RP2100:
“Next I moved over to FM. All I can say here is WOW!!! This has to be one of the most sensitive/selective FM receivers I’ve ever had the pleasure of using. …for a portable, this is definitely the best when it comes to FM reception. Much better than the 7600GR in every way here (clarity, sound, selectivity, sensitivity), and even beats my older Sangean ATS-505 I used to have. I’ll even go out on a limb and say this is a better FM radio than the Pioneer SuperTuner III thats in my car.”
“Finally, I tested it out on AM, starting all the way down at 520 kHz, and scanning all the way up to 1710 kHz. Again, I’m 100% impressed, and again, AM sensitivity and selectivity were much better than the 7600GR. This is understandable, considering the difference in size between the two radios. The larger case of the KA2100 allows them install a much larger AM antenna than the 7600GR. In fact, the design of the AM antenna is of a “twin coil style.”
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I’ve owned the Kaito 2100 for two months. It is my #1 favorite all-around radio. I love this radio for SW because of it’s sound. And it is a close second to SRII for AM and FM sound and just as hot/selective on AM, better on FM. The expensive Eaton E1 has a slightly better FM (best fo the bunch), but not that much better. And while the E1 can ‘lock down’ better on DX with Sync, SSB & passband tuning and has more creature comforts, the 2100 is the “fun” and “good to listen to radio” that can hear just about anything there is to hear. I always grab it first. And at around $125, I am not scared to use it!!
Comment by Mark Heleniak — May 24, 2007 @ 2:10 pm
My initial impressions having just purchased the Re.
dsun 2100 in Australia branded Digitech AR1747 The FM is excellent, great sensitivity, distortion free audio, unlike my Icom R71A, good value for money $129.00Aus. Good tuning , stable, a bit of chugging during tuning on SW but hey not alone here. As sensitive as my old RF2200 but without the tuning backlash!Tried it through an amplifier and home theatre speakers,very nice FM stereo.
Cons, I wonder how long the handle will last if carried with a full compliment of Alkaline batteries, switches have a delayed response,band change switches have a loose switching feel to them …but the FM is great! MW has good sensitivity and the bandwidths are about right for SW.
Good value.
Comment by RossWood — October 25, 2009 @ 8:46 pm