Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)If you've been considering the purchase of either a Sangean DT 200 or DT 210 portable, read THIS review.
I'm writing it as a basic comparison to both Sangean portables, which in themselves are excellent radios, but if the traits and features of both could be fused into one... then we'd have the HOLY GRAIL of pocket portables! I'd also like to make some comments that other reviewers have failed to discuss regarding the DT 200.
Let's begin with what the DT 200 is constantly touted for, perhaps more so than its cousins... AM reception. When comparing the DT 200 and DT 210 for AM reception, there is NO DIFFERENCE! Both perform equally well. This is for standard daytime listening, when comparing the selectivity/sensitivity for both and the ability to null locals for capturing a weak or out of town station. Basically ANY radio can receive double to triple reception on AM after dark. So in this catagory, they're ALL the same. Turning to FM & TV audio reception in a large metro area: the DT 200 seems slightly MORE sensitive on both bands than the DT 210. Although unless you're trying to get a more obscure station, I seriously doubt most people would notice a difference. Selectivity in the city (for both radios) on FM can be tricky. I have never found a portable of this type to do a satisfactory job of cutting down on the serious bleeding and overloading effect caused by strong FM locals (within 10-20 miles of towers) that a good car stereo or CCRadio type unit can.
TUNING & MEMORY: What is unique about the 200, is that its 19 presets are NOT band specific! If you want, you may have 19 AM presets! OR... 19 FM presets, OR a combination of AM/FM & TV presets... as long as it's 19 or less! What is also good, is the way only 1 button is needed to "flip through" your presets. The downside to this, is that it flips through ALL bands back & forth, if you've selected memories from each. Or, it can be used to automatically "scan" though them... either up or down (but it won't stop on a weak or static-laden signal). The 210 allows 30 presets (10 on each band) which I think is the better way of doing it.
SOUND: The external speaker on the 210 sounds BETTER than the 200! (less like a "transistor radio") The 210 has bass-boost to use through the earplugs, the 200 does not. Both allow for stereo to be switched on and off.
BUTTONS: Generally good for both. The placement of the setting controls is easier to use on the 200, but the actual "tuning" buttons are in a difficult position for holding the radio in your right hand and trying to change channels with 1 finger. This operation is far easier with the 210.
BELT CLIP: Easier to use on the 210. It swivels! The 200's clip (although more snug) doesn't budge.
Bottom line: If audio is everything to you, the DT 210 may be a better choice. If ease of use regarding memory settings is your concern, then you might want the DT 200. Regarding AM reception, just remember this; for everything you may of heard about the DT 200... don't let ANYONE tell you it's superior to any other Sangean portable! I have NOT used the DT 300, but can swear that reception between the 200 and 210 is IDENTICAL. If price is your concern, you might get the 200 a bit cheaper. That's it.
OK, now YOU decide.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Sangean DT-200X FM-Stereo AM/FM Digital Tuning Personal Receiver
The ultimate pocket radio, Sangean's popular DT200V is imminently compact but loaded with convenient features, from its 19 station presets to its drift-free, PLL synthesized tuning, auto station scanning, TV sound reception, and handy belt clip. Listen through the built-in speaker or the supplied ear bud headphones. Forgot to turn it off? No worries: it shuts itself off after 90 minutes to conserve batteries (its sole source of power). The radio's high-impact ABS case virtually guarantees long life. Batteries should last 30 to 40 hours at moderate volume through the unit's single speaker and slightly longer on the included ear bud headphones. Pocket use was taken into account even at the level of ear bud manufacture: if you put your radio in your pocket, it's less distance to one ear than to the other, so one side of the headphone cord is accordingly shorter. The DT200V runs on 2 AA batteries, not included.
What's in the Box Radio, ear bud headphones, belt clip, trailing antenna, and a user's manual.
