Etón E1XM AM/FM Shortwave XM-Ready Radio

by Eton

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 13 x 2.5 x 7.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B0009IIE56
• Item model number: E1XM
• Batteries: 4 D batteries required.
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #90,474 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: April 25, 2005

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

If you're a shortwave radio enthusiast, you've probably heard of the E1XM from Etón. You've heard all the hype about how it's the first radio to combine AM, FM, shortwave, and XM satellite radio reception into one device. You've heard it's a major step up from the Satellit 800, the E1XM's worthy, but behemoth predecessor. Well, it's all true. The ten years of development that went into producing this tabletop radio was worth it; for a radio this size, the E1XM currently wears the crown when it comes to tuning accuracy, quality of reception, and features.

The numeric keypad allows for direct frequency entry, while a row of soft keys below the screen provide contextual controls depending on radio mode. View larger.

While subtle ghosting is present, the screen is bright, with a logical layout. View larger.

A trapdoor conceals the reset button, screen brightness control, and battery compartment.

The all-important manual tuning dial has a smooth, progressive feel. View larger.

In addition to a dramatically smaller cabinet than the Satellit 800, the E1XM's addition of XM radio compatibility, an effective squelch control, direct digital synthesis tuning, and more make this a must have for the serious radio listener. In fact, the E1XM is so well designed that even less-experienced listeners will quickly understand and master many of the radio's impressive capabilities.

Design and Controls
While the E1XM couldn't be called compact, it is perfectly portable. Dimensions of 13.1 x 7.1 x 2.3 inches and a weight of four pounds, three ounces make it perfect for taking along. The entire case is coated in a durable, slightly rubberized finish that offers good grip and scuff resistance. Indeed, there's nothing cheap or chintzy about the E1XM; construction is solid throughout.

The front of the radio is dominated by the speaker and the 5.7-inch LCD display. Although it offers only mono sound-- which is all you need for shortwave and AM -- the four-inch speaker offers rich, full sound, even at high volume levels. Fortunately, there's a stereo line-out jack for delivering audio to your home stereo or other amplified speaker system.

To the left of the speaker, you'll find knobs for controlling squelch, bass and treble, and volume. Meanwhile, a large tuning knob is placed on the opposite side of the radio, just above a smaller knob for controlling PBT (passband tuning). All the knobs on the E1XM offer a smooth, progressive feel with just the right amount of resistance, which is especially important for the tuning knob.

A nine-digit keypad is placed below the LCD screen for direct frequency entry, as well as menu selection. Other controls, including those for scan and seek tuning, up/down tuning, memory programming, and DX mode are arrayed to the right of the numeric keypad. The top of the radio features a big snooze button for sleepy hands, as well as a control for the LCD's backlight. The E1XM's very long telescoping antenna is housed in the top, too. It's worth noting here that the E1XM does not have an internal ferrite AM antenna, relying instead on the telescoping antenna.

Dials and connectivity options on the left side of the device. View larger.

LCD Display
The E1XM's big LCD is where all the magic happens. The dot matrix display is capable of displaying information for whatever mode the radio happens to be in. A row of buttons immediately to the right of the display controls the radio's tuning mode. A particular tuning mode triggers a row of contextual controls, or "soft keys," arranged at the bottom of the display. For instance, when shortwave mode is selected on the right side of the display, a row of soft key options appears, including an AGC (automatic gain control) selector, and selectors for bandwidth, passband tuning, AM mode, and SSB (single sideband) mode. Users will find that this control scheme works well and limits the total number of dials, buttons and switches that would otherwise be necessary to control such versatile tuning options. For the uninitiated, it also provides a simple and logical way to learn about the E1XM's capabilities.

The LCD also provides access to a menu system that controls alarm, timer, radio, XM, and audio settings. The menu system is deep and quite intricate, but a little practice will have you navigating them with ease. Fortunately, menus are set up very much like the on-screen menu of a television or a DVD player -- familiar territory for most folks.

We found the LCD's backlight to be very useful in low light situations, and it intelligently shuts itself off after a short time, thus saving power if you're running off batteries. A contrast control is provided for the LCD but, curiously, it's hidden behind a door on the front of the unit that covers the E1XM's battery compartment. Our only issue with the LCD was that it had a tendency to display slight ghosting -- we'd expect something a little crisper from a radio this advanced (and expensive).

Tuning Options
This is where things start to get interesting -- and a bit complicated for newcomers to advanced shortwave radio operation. First, it's important to note that the E1XM features a digitally synthesized tuner, which enables the E1XM to reach new heights of tuning accuracy. When turning the tuning knob, you get the "analog feel" of stepping through frequencies in a precise, controlled manner.

In addition to XM satellite radio, the E1XM tunes a wide array of signals, including FM, longwave, shortwave, medium wave (also known as AM), and single sideband (SSB). Of course, the E1XM tunes FM and AM broadcasts with aplomb, but having a radio like the E1XM just to tune those frequencies would be akin to delivering the mail with space shuttle -- this unit is capable of much more.

Of course, our main interest was in testing out the E1XM's shortwave capabilities. If the idea of listening to far-flung radio broadcasts intrigues you, this radio is the ticket to the best reception possible. Tuning is virtually effortless. After scanning the E1XM's manual, we were quickly able to select the appropriate meter bands for the time of day of our listening session. First, we manually tuned known broadcasts from China and the United States. We were delighted that the E1XM allows one to set the manual tuning knob to tune in 10 Hz steps, which lets you hone in on difficult-to-tune stations. 100 Hz and 1 kHz steps are selectable, too. Next up, we turned to the radio's seek function, which scans stations in 5 kHz steps. We soon made new discoveries, although our limited language skills made it difficult to always know exactly to whom or what we were listening! Seek tuning is further enhanced by the handy squelch knob, which will negate reception unless the received signal achieves a preset quality. This way, you don't have to listen to a bunch of static and other oddities while searching for a good signal.

Much of the accuracy and precision of the E1XM's tuning in shortwave and other modes is owed to the unit's superior electronics and high dynamic range, which permits the detection of weak signals in the presence of strong signals. Other enhancements include a DX mode, which provides preamplification of distant or weak signals; a passband tuner and knob, which allow the E1XM to selectively reject interference from nearby signals; and selectable automatic gain control (AGC), which provides automatic leveling of volume and distortion across a wide range of signal types. Controlling these and other features of the E1XM fall into the advanced category, to be sure, but if you're a newcomer to shortwave and other types of reception, it's nice to know that this radio provides you with capabilities into which you can grow.

XM Radio
Once you've plugged in an XM Connect-and-Play antenna and switched the E1XM into XM mode, you're ready to go with satellite radio (of course, you'll also need an XM subscription). When in XM mode, the receiver suddenly becomes a conduit for truly incredible, commercial-free radio. The LCD acts as a complete XM digital readout, offering song and composer information, as well as a scrollable station seletion menu.

Connections
With the exception of the XM antenna, all of the E1XM's connections are made on the left side of the unit. A line-in jack allows you to connect an external device and listen to it through the E1XM's speaker. As mentioned, a line-out jack is provided, too. Most serious radio users will appreciate the inclusion of a KOK-type external antenna port for connecting more advanced AM, FM, and shortwave antennae. Meanwhile, in addition to a stereo headphone jack, there's a jack for connecting an additional speaker to the E1XM.

Pros

• Incredible tuning accuracy
• Easy to use; just read the manual!
• Compact (for a unit with these capabilities)

Cons

• No XM reception right out of the box
• Slight LCD display ghosting

What's in the Box
E1XM radio, AC adapter, documentation CD, and user's manual.

Product Description

The E1XM is the world's first radio to combine AM, FM, Shortwave, and XM Satellite Radio technology into one ultra-high-performance unit. The finest port-a-top in the world, the E1XM offers powerful reception through its digitally synthesized PLL tuner with synchronous detector, passband tuning, and selectable bandwidth filters. Offering rich sound, the latest in radio technology, 1700 station presets, and memory scan function, the E1XM is designed without compromise, giving you direct access to news, sports, and music from around the world.

See all Product Description

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

49 of 50 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Satellite 900 finally arrives after a 10 year wait..., August 12, 2005

By 

Raymond P. Bohac "Vintage One" (Cleveland, Ohio) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Etón E1XM AM/FM Shortwave XM-Ready Radio (Electronics)

Many Radio Fans are familiar with the Legendary Grundig Satellit Line of Shortwave Radios, dating to the early Sixties...The E1 WAS to be the Satellit 900, even had it advertised in magazines and had 10 Prototypes...Eton took over and finally released it early August 2005...After the Satellit 800 mess, I wasn't expecting much, but after a couple days...its a Winner, just ordered a second one from Sharper Image as they seem to be the only one to have them...Here are a few Observations...

E1 arrived almost an hour ago, have been playing with it ever since...If you are a Radio Enthusiast, stop whatever you are doing, and order one before the Stores Run out...This is one Very Special Radio...I now understand why P&C has TWO already...Whatever shortcomings Eton has in the Marketing Dept is CERTAINLY made up for in the Engineering and Production Depts...Most of you already know the "Features", so I'll comment on my impressions of things I've Noticed...

- Fit & Finish...Beautifully Detailed, and Operating Radio...I see no Fit & Finish issues at all!

- Sound...Full Treble and Bass do not distort sound at Normal Listening Levels...Would describe it as "Crisp with a Punch".

- Display...Awesome! (Sorry Jay, nothing to compare THIS one to!). Very Clear BOLD and DARK readable Digits that are evenly backlit light gray background, dark gray digits--Unlike the Tiny Scrawny Faded V21 Digits. When off, there is a Clock that has well over 1.5" Tall Digits...Turning it on puts a tiny Clock in the upper right corner, and the station number shrinks to 3/4". I should mention that there is a continuously variable contrast knob located under the Battery Door...Station is Visible across the Room!

- Tuning...Smooooooth Tuning (no notches! :) that depending on the band, has 3 different "speeds"--the slower speeds add digits after the decimal point, for greater accuracy.

- DX switch boosts by 10Db--enough to bring in one of my favorite low power Big Band FM stations...Really makes a Noticeable Difference!

- All Jacks are on the Left Side except for the XM antenna jack which is all by itself on the right side...Interestingly, the XM Jack is located in what appears to be a removable section of the radio with two visible screws on the backside--Maybe for Future Upgrades???

- Almost EVERY feature has some type of adjustment via the screens...For example, you can adjust the amount of time of the Snooze/Sleep Switch, as well as so many more Features.

I'm sure I will discover much more tonite when I get more time to play...Who knows what I will find in the Owner Manual (VERY Clearly laid out I might add) or DVD...Can hardly wait for the XM antenna to see what other tricks this radio has up its sleeve! Ray

52 of 55 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Eaton has a winner with the E1, August 23, 2005

By 

William Clarke (Norwich, CT USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Etón E1XM AM/FM Shortwave XM-Ready Radio (Electronics)

I have had my E1 for almost two weeks now and have found it to be a remarkable radio, worth waiting for since Eaton took such a long time to get it in the stores.

The XM Ready Satellite feature is a plus and truly makes this performer a state of the art portable radio. XM operation in battery mode discharges the batteries ( four "D" cells) rather swiftly. It is recommended to use the included AC adapter when in the XM mode of operation.

The optional XM Connect & Play CNP-1000 antenna is actually a satellite receiver in itself, and provides the E1 with the serial number to register your radio with XM Satellite for a subscription. Audiovox (Terk) the manufacturer of the CNP-1000 antenna states in it's literature that the XM Connect & Play antenna is not useable fo mobile operation.

It would have been nice if Eaton included RDS in FM operation and a handle to carry the radio. The gray rubberized coating on the radio case makes it easy to grasp, but a handle would have been nice. Also missing is a digital audio output that would have been nice to have in XM operation to feed your home theatre receiver for 5.1 dolby digital audio.

Sensitivity is equal to or better than that of most of the popular world band radios. (...).

Another strong feature is the audio out. You get 3 watts of output when using the AC adapter. The audio is crisp and clear and you have seperate bass and treble controls with a center detent.

When the radio is turned off their is a big clock display in the display. The time is automatically set by WWV and there is also a nice dual alarm feature. The default setting for the sleep timer is 15 minutes, and you can increase that time.

The radio does not come equipped with an AM ferrite antenna, but that doesn't seem to bother AM operation at all.

I believe Eaton E1 will be setting the standard for all other porable radio manufacturers to follow for many years.

It is not cheap at $499.95, but like your granddaddy told you, "you get what you pay for".

31 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Top Notch Radio -Well Made with lots of functionality,some flaws, January 5, 2006

By 

Vince the Radioman (New York City) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Etón E1XM AM/FM Shortwave XM-Ready Radio (Electronics)

Hi folks , I'm Vince the radioman . I have a large collection of radios and I love to do compares and share my thoughts . The long , long awaited E 1 ( Satellite 900) is finally here and I waited awhile to do this review so I really could explore this radio. Basically its wonderful but there are a few knocks.
The wonderful part comes with its outstanding FM and SW reception. When compared to my Sony SW77 or 2010 they are equal on SW and the FM is best on the E 1 . The memory set up and functionality is very friendly and a pleasure to use. The XM satellite section is really well done and will be the standard for all satellite radios for years to come ( I'm personally not big on Satellite radio, but I know the general public will LOVE it). There is a 3 position bandwith and 3 AM syncs...nice!There is separate bass and treble with a pretty nice sound from the built in speaker .There is a Squelch control which is very handy for scanning.Its a beautiful cosemetic design and has a nice display screen.
Now for the knocks...at this price you can be picky. The biggest flaw to me is that the AM section also uses the whip antenna.There is NO built in ferrite antenna! For local listenning this is ok but for distant stations and DXing its useless!! The whip antenna on AM just picks up static and noise on the weak frequencies. You need to use an external antenna , not included . When I hooked up my CCrane antenna it was fine for DXing , not as good as my Sangean 909 and about as good as my Sony SW77 and 2010 with the internal antenna.This is a design compromise that is puzzling and to me knocks the radio down a half star. There is no RDS , what a shame with the beautiful display screen provided it would have been nice AND no handle . This is a delicate expensive radio that is narrow an heavey . It tilts over easily and could be damaged . The satellite antenna is not included and is 50 bucks!
Ok , so why five stars ...its a great FM/SW/XM radio with a nice memory section,full functionality and great looks ...it could have been a little better , my real rating is 4 and a half.I would certainly recommend it but beware of the knocks ...if AM is not important to you ( lots of folks these days are not big on AM)and you are not clumsey its the best radio on the market !!! Save up your pennies.