Customer Reviews

Grundig G4000A AM/FM Shortwave Radio

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(16)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(8)

 

 

In this review I'm comparing the G4000 to its sleeker, more attractive cousin the Eton E10, the Kaito 1103, the Kaito 1102 and the big Grundig S350 DL. I'm even throwing in my Tivoli PAL and Tivoli Songbook. The winner? Much to my disbelief (I've been a big fan of my Kaito 1103 for over a year with its strong FM reception)the winner is the G4000. As I turned the stations here in Los Angeles, I didn't have to budge the antenna and I got perfect reception--for even the difficult stations like 88.9. Both AM and FM were stronger than the Eton E10 and the Kaito 1102. The G4000 beat the Kaito 1103 for AM and at least tied for FM, maybe even better because like I said, the G4000's FM strength is so impressive I don't even have to adjust the antenna for what are usually hard-to-get stations. I can't even say this about my big reliable Grundig S350 DL. Plus the speaker on my G4000 is far better than its small digital PLL sythnesized cousins, the Kaito 1102 and 1103 and the Eton E10. The only radios I have that have a nicer sounding speaker are my Tivoli PAL (my best)and my Tivoli Songbook but those radios have, relatively speaking, inferior reception. Plus they're fifty to sixty dollars more. On balance the Grundig G4000 is my best radio and I would argue the best radio for the money. Yeah, the Eton E10 is more attractive and has a better interface but its speaker isn't as loud and it costs 30 dollars more. If you can pick up a G4000 for a hundred dollars, as I did on Amazon with free shipping, you're getting a great deal.

Update: Gladly, I took my G4000 out of my office where the computer was creating a little interference, especially on AM. I love the G4000 so much I'm now using it in my bedroom as a "clock radio." In my office, I put what used to be my clock radio, my Sangean WR-2, a bigger table radio which doesn't get interference.

Second update on 7-15-06: Side by side comparison of the G4000 with the Eton E10 shows that the G4000 blows the E10 away in AM. The E10 gets AM overload on 1150 AM and sounds cold and distant whereas the G4000 locks in on 1150 perfectly and sounds warm and full. The G4000 even gets better AM separation than my Grundig/Eton S350. Get the G4000.

This radio beats my other radios for AM reception, including the
Sony 7600GR. The 7600GR ranks 2nd. I also brought a Radio Shack DX396 for $45.00 and it ranks 3rd, and my Kaito 1103 ranks 4th. For SW reception it ties for 1rst with the DX 396. The FM is also
great, almost as good as the Kaito 1103. I also use this as my
clock radio. The timer is great because I can check to see how
much time I have left before shutoff. The dial light also gives
adequate light in the dark.

Update: 3/4/08 I just recently purchased the Sangean Sonido that gets even
better AM reception, knocking the Grundig down to 2nd place. This makes the Sonido the king of portable radios! You can get one on Amazon for $89.99 plus free shipping!

I own a S350 Grundig and was looking for something smaller but did not want to compromise on sound quality. The G4000A has very good speaker audio quality, especially considering the size of the unit. The access to controls and their functions are readily mastered with just a cursory review of a very logical manual that is included. The radios ability to function as a clock/radio and still provide high performance in recieving SW,FM,AM and SSB makes it that much more valuable to me, as I travel extensively in my work. I work at many remote locations here in the States as well as overseas.
While there seem to be more feature laden units on the market, this radio has a feel of quiet competence that is refreshing. No myriad of buttons, just what you need that will enhance performance but not overload the user. With the ease of use, well above average audio, nice balance of tuning features, and multi functions of the clock, I definitely consider this radio an excellent buy for the money.

Excellent portable radio for Short Wave Listening! Excellent for AM/FM listening! It has all the features needed (ext. ant. jack, spkr. jack, etc.). I wanted a very nice portable radio to keep on my sailboat; the Grundig G4000A satifies my needs 100% . The Amazon price of $99 minus $30 credit (w/ new Amazon Credit Card) and the free S/H made it an unbeatable bargain in my humble opinion! 5 Stars +++++

Been a licensed ham for 15 yrs and i am amazed at what this little radio can do !! Very sensitive reciever with nice quality sounding audio on fm. SSB is not the greatest but useable. Big value for a smalll price.

I purchased this radio from Amazon just over a month ago, and am happy with the unit. It receives AM and FM as good as most any other portable. The shortwave and single side band do function, but are not a strong point. The included wind-up antenna really does work to increase the shortwave signal. The batteries seem to last a long time, and I have never used the wal-wart except to check how well it worked. The unit is very easy to tune, and the memorys work well. The only improvements I would like are a proper handle to carry it around (I don't like the lanyard system) and the display needs a better light for night viewing. Overall a lot of good radio for an incredibly cheap price.

I needed a new clock radio, but I hate the tinny sound produced by most offerings. Why not, I thought, invest a bit more money and get a radio/clock? Something I could run on AC but could take with me and use battery power. AM/FM with a backlight and an alarm and sleep function would be perfect, I thought, and I came close to buying a Degen, even thought about the more expensive Sony.

This G4000A is sleek, just big enough to make it's presence known on my bedside table, but small enough to leave room for the lamp. The build quality is just fine-light enough to make it truly portable, yet just heavy enough to balance the antenna if laid down using the back support. The case is awesome, a throwback to the days of real leather cases (this one is vinyl) and compliments the set. Controls are easy to use, and dang! This set is not hard to setup or change things like memory stations, time etc. Shortwave is fine for my purposes, and the tuning steps are selectable in digital and there is a dial for fine tuning.

AM/FM reception is great, but the tone button effects little change. This is a great radio for the house, to take on vacation, anywhere. It is my new 'radio/clock' and for the price I paid ($99.00 Cdn) I couldn't have asked for more. All needed accessories are included. Buy a better antenna if you need one.

I love it.

I finally decided to buy the Grundig G4000A I was really surprised for the excellent reception on Shortwave, AM and FM but especially for the powerfull sound of the speaker A++++++++ I can pick up stations on shortwave band from Los Angeles CA, South America, Mexico and from all over the world. Even on AM band at night I can pick up stations from 1500 miles away. This is the best radio for your money and size.

for the cost, this is an excelent buy. I had one before for many years and wanted the same model. Good sound and it draws in far away stations clearly on the am bands. The push button dailing is great for night time in bed. Buy it, you will be happy you did.

I bought this radio already owning one for years---and still use it daily---just because IMO, it's a give away. It does what is was designed to do and at this price no one can really---if they are honest with themselves--- give this radio a bad review. I have been an extra class amateur operator for years and a SWL even longer---40 plus. No it's not a $5000 receiver but at less than a $100 dollars it hears almost everything that $5000 receiver does with a lot left over in your checking account. Also, I have two Sony 7600's that just sit there as I prefer this radio over the Sony for ease of operation plus the performance, IMO, is not much different between the G4000A and 7600GR Sony.