Shortwave Radios

[Bronze Fox]

After hearing about shortwave radios on TV a couple months ago, my fascination for them grow. I looked up some of the random stations you can pick up with them, and now I've just recently been seriously looking to buy one.
I guess I shouldn't be too surprised, but the top of line shortwave radios usually go for $500-$1,000. Obviously that's not in my price range, and, of course, the $30-ish ones can't pick up any of the REALLY far away stations so that's out of the question. Currently, I am looking at the Sangean ATS-505, ($100) and the Grundig NG8B. ($50) I was looking at the Sony ICF-SW7600GR, but I believe they were discontinued. They also go for around $150 which is a little too high for me.

I was hoping you Villuns might have some experience with shortwave radios, and if so, can point me to a good one. My birthday is in three months so I might be able to get my parents to chip-in a little.

Thanks in advance.

[metacide]

Bronze you are too young to be having this sort of mid life crisis.

I don't know anything about shortwave radio except that it often becomes an obsession for people.

[Chaka of the Pakuni]

I have an amateur radio license (general class), but have no experience with shortwave receivers. You're best bet is probably to go to QRZ.com and ask this question in the General Questions forum.

You could probably pick up a decent used one there as well. Just post in the Wanted/Trade forum once you have a better idea what you're after. Always tons of activity in the For Sale/Wanted/Trade forums there.