Customer Reviews

Grundig M300 World Radio, Black

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

Grundig's M300 World Radio has been updated with some improvements and may meet your needs for a portable radio with some basic shortwave functionality. There are actually two versions of this radio and I own them both. The original version I bought here from Amazon has a shiny plastic surface and comes in a wider variety of colors. The newer version has a matte surface that seems to have a rubber coating. I saw one on sale at a local retailer and picked it up to see if there were improvements. Well, other than not slipping out of your hand as easily, they seem to have little enhancements. But at least this way you know if you got an old version or a newer one. Even at the *old* product page many people discuss having received a newer model, so be aware of that.

The Grundig M300R Mini300 Handheld Shortwave Radio (Metallic Red) has come along with me on trips for going on two years. It is very good for certain things but do not expect very strong reception on any of the bands. If you need an FM radio for use on the go, and don't plan on tuning too many different SW stations, this is the radio for you. At the prevailing price the SW and AM bands are virtually icing on the cake. The main usefulness of the shortwave radio bands is in picking up some of the major stations like Radio France and BBC News.


PROS:
+ Tucks away for compact storage and portability
+ OK short wave reception for larger broadcasters
+ Decent FM reception for most local stations
+ Improved body adds a little durability to the device
+ Takes two AA batteries and has no trouble with rechargeable batteries
+ Has good battery life given the performance
+ Standard 3.5mm connector for headphones
+ Included speaker is another nice extra for tuning, listening or as a backup
+ Max speaker volume is quite loud
+ Included case and buds are nothing to write home about but they are nice extras for back-up
+ Alarm and sleep timers are nice features in this class of device
+ Equipped with 7 short-wave bands (49, 41, 31, 25, 22, 19 and 16 meters)
+ Included 12 hour clock is also a nice extra (Military clock would have been a nice extra)
+ Very good value considering the list and selling prices (good as a spare unit)

CONS:
- Tuner has relatively low accuracy and no auto-scan, making it hard to get stations you tuned before
- Screen doesn't display *which* SW band you are in, meaning you have to *know* what to tune it to
- Long and non-bendable antenna makes it harder to maneuver while in use
- No station pre-sets means you can't *save* the stations you find
- Very easy to lose a station signal with minimal movement
- The tuner dial is too soft and tends to drift; a digital tuner would have been better
- Build quality is somewhat flimsy so handle with care; mainly good for indoor or stationary use
- Once you change your batteries you will have to do the set-up over again
- AM Reception is really lacking, though all bands could use improvement
- Included travel case works, but it's made from a cheap vinyl
- Clock only shows time while radio is off
- Buttons can be difficult to press accurately
- Somewhat dim read-out screen


The instructions will guide you through when and how to get the best signals. Or course that will vary depending on where you are and what stations you are trying to access. In general both AM and shortwave broadcasts seem better later in the evenings and at night. FM is better all around but the AM was not as good for me as they advertise.


Using shortwave without a digital tuner, band display and auto-scan takes some basic knowledge at the very least and some patience as well. If you are a shortwave novice, you will need to study up a little to be able to pick up stations consistently. Very few people just want to search for random stations. The irony is that experienced shortwave radio enthusiasts may be disappointed by the relatively weak reception and lack of features. But they will do in a pinch. With 7 included bands, you can definitely pick up some stations. Knowing what stations you are picking up is the real challenge.

Even once you do successfully tune to a station, there is still some drift in the tuner. Stations go out of tune often and it's common to have to make adjustments. Very small turns of the tuner dial seem to equate to differences that are too large. If you plan ahead for travel or only listen to a few higher power broadcasts, you should be able to get enough stations to keep you busy.

The display has a few flaws. It will tell you when you are in FM or AM , but not what shortwave band you're tuned to. It only shows "SW" for shortwave. And it also won't display the time while the radio is turned on. This seems like a minor detail but when you are travelling having an extra clock is useful. It's also a pain when you are waiting for a program to come on the air and you have to choose between listening or seeing the time.

You can still at least see your band and tuned station, which for AM and FM are enough. Once again, you will need basic understanding of the shortwave bands before you can remember what the different ones mean and how to duplicate them.

The alarm does work, but I tend to be a heavy sleeper and it took a while to wake me up the one time I tried it. That's OK as long as you are travelling alone.

One of the things that is a clear plus for this unit is its portability. I have tucked this away in my travel bag with no problems, and I always keep some spare batteries just in case I need to use it. The small speaker on the body is not very clear but can certainly get louder than most people will need. This unit is ideal used with headphones, though the included buds are probably only good as extras.

The unit is less compact while in use because of the antenna, which sticks out a few inches to begin with. Note that AM reception uses an internal antenna but FM and shortwave reception use the antenna. It takes some getting used to the rather long antenna. Unlike many mid-sized models, this antenna extends straight up and cannot be swiveled or bent. It's almost two feet long. Therefore, it's only practical for places where you have plenty of clearance, like on a windowsill or out in the open. Sitting in a bus or train with low clearance will cut it close. If you are in a smaller area you may find it uncomfortable to maneuver the unit with the antenna fully extended. And if you want decent reception you need to fully extend it.

CONCLUSION

Perhaps the main consideration is that shortwave novices will have trouble tuning to the same stations consistently. So if you want to get a particular station while travelling, you will need to read a book on SW or look up some info and write down the frequencies before you go. With this analog and very drifty tuner, it is near impossible to tell what station exactly you are tuning to, much less to repeat that tuning.

It is hard to fault this unit too much considering how small, light and affordable it is. Granted it has its flaws. But they have added a number of small improvements and as long as you know your needs this might very well meet them.

As long as your expectations are reasonable, this is a very good value.

Enjoy.

BIG PROS: It's about the size of PDA only a tad smaller. The unit has a nice feel to the buttons with a very accurate tuner dial, I like the fact that it doesn't budge when placing or removing the radio in it's pouch so it can hold stations well. Seems very well built, has a VERY long integrated telescopic antenna and nice soft carrying pouch. Signal reception on local AM/FM stations is excellent with some SW bands received fairly clear but location is key too. Did I mention well built? I dropped it accidentally (DOH!) 5ft and it still works just fine, no cracks or serious scuffs surprisingly.

Now for a few minor CONS: the FM band isn't stereo. The LCD is a little smallish. the stubby antenna is part of the case and kinda takes away from it's compactness. There's no provision for radio presets because of the analog tuner and the headphones are Blah but for the price it's not really a big deal.

Bottom line: a good little take anywhere companion if you like to listen to the radio and like that SW stuff.

I own lots of radios (see my other reviews) and I had high hopes for this- Eton/Grundig have excellent reputations and I like some of their higher end units. This is very disappointing.

The biggest problem is that it doesn't stay tuned (a digital display doesn't mean digital tuning) rendering it functionally useless. If your station is super strong and it doesn't matter if it drifts from, say, 105.3 - 105.9 when you're trying to listen to 105.5 maybe it'll be ok for you. Then again, if your station is that strong, you could buy a $10 no-name radio. The size is nice, as is the very long extendable antenna. However, the name brand, nice list of features, flashy colors, and fancy packaging can't mask that this is essentially a cheap cheap radio not worth the shipping charges (I got mine with the remains of an an LL Bean gift card or It'd be shipped back).

I bought this radio to get AM broadcasts from stations at a distance. The problem is the digital tuner. It never locks on to a frequency. For instance, if you select 810, a minute later it will be at 8.09 or 8.20 losing the best part of the signal. You constantly have to adjust it. Then the auto on couldn't be turned off, and now it just goes off by itself at random times. Run from this radion.

This radio is to be avoided. The Off-On switch malfunctioned from day one and the tuning wheel is MUCH TO SENSITIVE to the touch. Reception is good but the quality control is terrible. Cheap in more ways than one. Save your money and get something better.

The item was exactly what I wanted having owned one for about four years I worked badly since the batterys were put in - the on/off did not function BUT if you pressed the button to the left of it (i think it is "time" the radio goes on or off. Voice reverbirates and it is next to useless

The station display gave out after six months. However, the time keeps on displaying. You have to pinch the case with your thumb and forefinger to see the station you want to hear,when you let go the time comes back on display. Also, the tuning wheel is too sensitive. The least bump or movement to it will send it off station. This review is for the Grundig M300 World Radio,Blue. I haven't any problems with this Black model yet. Other than that it's a good radio.

I purchased this Grundig (Eaton) M300 for a job I had in a home where the electricity was shut off for the winter. I just wanted the "company." I wasn't expecting much for the price, but got a lot more than I though - With a few exceptions.

Pros: - Much better sound that I was expecting. I thought it would be Tinny for the size, but it wasn't. Nice (surprising) tone.
- Good reception. A little "wiggle room" in each of the kHz positions that allows you to tune in the station for best reception. I haven't had the "drift" consideration that others have mentioned.
- The "rubber" feel of the outside of the radio. I hear that earlier models had a smoother, metal-like feel that could slip from your hand. The newer model doesn't.
- I have also heard that some owners have had an antenna problem with what they say is a fragile antenna. I haven't experienced this because the radio stays in one place while I use it. Usually on a window sill or wherever I place it for best reception. Although the reception is good in a non-steel or non-concrete structure anyway. You don't use the antenna on AM stations to begin with.
- Good looking. Not a big deal, I know, but still it's nice to feel good about the thing.
- Fits nicely into my jacket pocket for ease of transport.
- I appreciate that it has both AM and FM positions. I'm not much into to SW so I can't comment on that.
- The alarm and sleep function is a very positive plus for me. I like to listen to the radio as I fall asleep and then have it wake me in the morning with no battery drain in the meantime. It does this well.

- I like the design (flat bottom) because it stays where I place it and I don't worry about it falling over.
- The tuned station stays in place when turned off and then turned on again later. That is unless you inadvertantly touch that very sensitive tuning wheel - see below.
- It may seem strange, but I see it as a "Pro" that I don't have to worry about it getting lost, or falling overboard because it would be inexpensive enough to just replace.

Cons: - I see where it's advertised with a "clip," but I haven't found one. Maybe they're refering to the belt loop section of the included case. This really isn't a problem because I don't use the case much anyway, and probably wouldn't use a "clip.".
- I do wish there was a way to light the station readout while the radio is on. This would make it much easier to change chanels in the dark.
- It would be nice to push a button to see the time instead of shuting the radio off for this feature - that won't work, at night, because now it's dark and there's no illumination. Can't see the time unless it's off (daylight), or the station (or time) in the dark. My biggest "Con."
The case that's included with the radio is on the cheap side, but for the price of the whole thing, this isn't a big deal.
- The chanel changer wheel is extremely sensitive. Takes a little getting used to. Go slow.
- The included lanyard is not something I've used. I don't like the idea of attaching it to the bottom of the antenna.

All-in-all, I'm going to finish this review and order another. I think that much of it. I'll keep it (next one) in the glove comnpartment with lithium batteries installed. I really think this is a great little radio with very good sound. I don't think you can go wrong for the price - as long as you're not too much into SW. Maybe the SW would work also - I just don't have the experience to comment on that. I really do think you'll like this M300 more than you expect to.

Sound is ok. Difficult to tune. My Sony ICF-S10MK2 has better sound and is $20 cheaper. Also, Amazon shipped me the wrong color radio.

I got this primarily because I wanted the a small AM radio, with good reception. The FM and shortwave is just a bonus for me.

PROS:

* Good sound.

* Solid. It has a strong, metalic feel, covered in rubber. Good grip. I dropped it on the sidewalk, and it wasn't hurt.

* External speaker.

CONS:

* Analog dial. You have to shift the dial to tune in to your station, and you keep nudging the dial back and forth to find the perfect spot.

* No preset button. Difficult, annoying, and time-consuming to switch stations back and forth on an analog dial, especially at night, when you can't really see the numbers, because...

* Numbers not backlit. Especially annoying considering there's no present button.

* No station lock. This means that whenever you slip the radio in your pocket, you're liable to rub the dial and change stations inadvertantly.

____


This is a good, solid radio, but the lack of a digital search, preset button, and station lock make it a hassle to use.