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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