Sony ICF-SW100: Whip vs. DE31MS active vs. Sony AN-LP1

Click here to view on YouTube.

Guest Post by: Troy Riedel

It's been a while since I posted a video on my YouTube Channel (but I've gotten the urge to make several more videos as I've been recently comparing my equipment - 16 portable receivers & many antennas).

I try to tune in to Radio Prague via WRMI on many weekday East Coast USA mornings from 1300-1325 UTC. Yesterday I encountered bad propagation but today was much better. The video linked to this post is from today - 30JAN2019 recorded around 1310 UTC.

[Sorry, no tripod for this one]

People often ask, "are amplified antennas helpful" - as evidenced by this post from Thomas from a few years ago.

Without repeating the debate, just take a look at this one example. As stated, reception was pretty good today off the little whip - but - there is an improvement using an amplified antenna. My question: is there a difference between the two amplified antennas? And if so, is the difference worth the price?

My TG34 is a clone of the DE31MS - purchased from Tquchina Radio & Component (ebay user: Tao Qu " they used to have an eBay store "Sino Radios" if I recall, but they stopped selling on eBay when the Post started cracking down on shipment of batteries - I actually exchanged an email with a frustrated Tao Qu when they closed the store).

I paid about $21 if I recall for my TG34 (the DE31MS is available today on eBay for as little as $17.28). I paid over $100 for the Sony AN-LP1 (out of production now and can be listed for as high as $300 on eBay). So " $21 versus "over $100". Is there a difference - and if so - is it 5x the difference - 5x better?!

You be the judge.

P.S. Just a quick slightly over 1-minute video recorded inside my house (sitting in my breakfast nook) " typically "okay" reception but not my usual Listening Post.