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Sangean ATS-404 AM/FM Digital Shortwave World Band Receiver | 
 enlarge | Brand: Sangean
Category: CE
List Price: $139.00
Buy New: $68.00
You Save: $71.00 (51%)
New (11) from $68.00
Rating:  19 reviews
Sales Rank: 27540
Media: Electronics
Autographed: No
Memorabilia: No
Number Of Items: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 3
Dimensions (in): 6.5 x 1.3 x 4
MPN: ATS-404
Model: ATS-404
UPC: 729288014041
EAN: 0729288014041
ASIN: B0000226L0
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Features:
| • | AM/FM and stereo shortwave reception | | • | 45 memory presets | | • | Illuminated 12/24-hour display | | • | Repeating beep alarm; volume increases every 15 seconds for 1 minute | | • | Carrying case and stereo earbuds included |
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| Accessories:
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
A shortwave radio with 14 bands, sleep timer, auto scan & more Sleep timer Memory scan Dual time Lock switch Stereo & mono Power Requirements - 4 AA batteries or 6V AC adapter (both optional) Includes carrying pouch and stereo earphones Dimensions (millimeters) - 165x100x34 Click Here to Download the PDF Manual
Amazon.com Product Description
The Sangean ATS-404 digital AM/FM stereo receiver is a portable shortwave radio with a built-in digital clock. This radio can receive an expanded number of radio frequencies, which makes it an ideal radio for either urban or rural use.The illuminated time display, which also includes seconds, can be set to show the time of day in either 12-hour (AM/PM) or 24-hour time intervals. The alarm for this receiver has a repeating beep tone which increases in volume once every 15 seconds, for up to 1 minute. The radio has an adjustable sleep timer and snooze control. The radio frequencies can be tuned in either automatically or manually. The auto memory scan will run through and play each preset station for seven seconds. The auto preset system will hold up to 45 frequencies in memory. The radio includes a carrying case and stereo earbuds, along with a manufacturer's warranty for one year on parts and labor.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 14 more reviews...
 I like it, but... September 6, 2008
The Sangean ATS-404 AM/FM Digital Shortwave World Band Receiver is a great little radio. I have had mine for a bit over one month and really do like it. However, it is somewhat larger and heavier than I thought it would be. I bought it to take along on overseas trips, but I am afraid it is going to be too bulky for comfortably stuffing into my carry-on bag. Oh well, the unit is going to be a lot of fun at other times.
So far, I have not been troubled by the short battery life (20 hrs.) described in previous reviews. I suppose that could be a problem under certain circumstances, but AA batteries are easy to replace anywhere in the world that has paved streets.
I am a bit shy about describing my experience with the Sangean ATS-404 because several of the earlier reviews were apparently made by radio experts or aficionados much more knowledgeable than me. I am just an ordinary guy that likes to listen to the radio once in awhile, but I do have some observations from my experience with it that might be helpful.
First, the radio is touted to be an entry level shortwave unit. I thought that shortwave stuff might be fun to play with, but I quickly found out that listening to most programs from Europe and elsewhere is silly because I am usually asleep when they are broadcast. Nighttime is apparently best for shortwave reception. I find it best for sleeping. Further, the interesting shortwave broadcasts are hard to find among all of the bands and frequencies available.
Yes, I admit it--I am in over my head with shortwave. I even bought a book about shortwave radios that included programming schedules. I am still confused. I suppose a true shortwave fan might find this radio more usable in this area than I have so far.
The radio has a great "preset" feature that I like and use all of the time. Radio stations are easy to program in and to scan. I enjoy the sleep feature, the dual time display and option to lock the radio for travel so it doesn't turn itself on in the airport like my last radio did.
The AM and FM stations come very well and the digital tuning seems to be right on target every time. The Sangean-404 comes with an AC adapter which is nice, but it doesn't charge batteries in the radio. There is a backlight for the display window, but it is sort of feeble and is almost useless except in complete darkness--like maybe a cave or a closet with the door closed.
A set of low end ear buds is included along with a rubber-like envelope that serves as a case. I haven't used either one yet.
I think maybe this review sounds more negative than positive, but I didn't mean it to come out that way. The Sangean-404 is a dandy radio, I use it every day and I do recommend it.
Compact Radio for Strong Signals June 10, 2008
For certain, the Sangean ATS 404 is not a first-rate AM/FM/shortwave radio, nor was it meant to be. It wasn't intended to be a specialty top of the line DXing unit. It lacks SSB, a narrow filter, has only moderate selectivity and sensitivity, and happens to be a battery hog. So much for the bad news.
The good news is that the Sangean 404 is a decent general use radio. The reception of the three bands is fairly good, but not excellent. The speaker tone is a bit thin, but clean and crisp, with three different tone settings. Then again, this is a very small radio - almost a pocket radio, but not quite. The strength of the 404 is that it makes a good low-budget back up radio. If you have a high-end shortwave radio with all the bells and whistles, then use the 404 as a travel radio, or as an easy to carry around the house type unit. It also makes a fine bedside radio, although the window light is rather faint.
The 404 can be programmed to turn off after 90, 60, 45, 30, or 15 minutes. This is perfect for those who like to fall asleep to the sound of music, news, or talk radio. At the same time, the 404 can be set to wake you later by either radio or a buzzer. It has its own tilt stand, but I would recommend a small plastic stand from Universal Radio to hold the radio at a more convenient angle for viewing.
I started off sounding quite critical of the Sangean ATS 404, but that was to get the bad news over with. The truth is, I really like this little radio. It's sharp looking in silver, the window display and numerals are conveniently large, the scanner covers the shortwave band (2.300 MHz - 26.100 MHz) without interruption, the tone is very clear, for its size the speaker offers generous volume, and it's extremely simple to use. For listening to strong signals on AM, FM, and shortwave this radio is pefectly adequate. And because of its small size, legible digital clock, and attractiveness, it would make a fine desk radio. In spite of it's imperfections - which really are not flaws - I'm very pleased with this Sangean radio.
UPDATE: Every radio has its idiosyncrasies that can be used as an advantage. The same is true for the 404. I've twice found that this simple little radio - which supposedly has poor reception - has occasionally been able to receive frequencies that other far more expensive radios (such as the Sangean Super 909 or the CCRadio-SW) could not. This has happened on both the AM and shortwave bands. So, I stand by my high opinion of this little radio, and would consider buying another one.
Decent Portable AM/FM/Shortwave Radio April 28, 2008
The Sangean ATS 404 is a handy small-sized radio. The three bands offer good reception, though not excellent. The tone is quite bright, which is useful for talk radio, but a bit tinny for music. A switch allows you to choose from three different tone settings. The radio also has the usual alarm features which make it a decent bed side radio. It may be set to turn off after 90, 60, 45, 30, or 15 minutes. This is one of the most useful features on modern digital radios, because it allows you to fall asleep to the sound of music, talk, or news programs, without worrying that the batteries will be drained. The window light is rather faint, making it somewhat difficult to read at night - although the numbers are fairly large.
If the radio light was brighter and the reception a little better, I would have given the 404 a 5-star rating. In general, it is a suprisingly small and attractive item which would make an excellent travel radio, and perhaps a bed side one as well. The current Amazon price ($70) makes the 404 a very good deal.
 Nice little radio April 18, 2008
This is a good little radio: good reception, good tone, good controls. Its only weak point is its size, though, too big for a beach robe pocket, too small to stand up on its own on a beach towel. but otherwise, I'm as happy as a clam in the off-season with it.
 Product didn't last very long May 19, 2005
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
I bought the Sangean ATS-404 for my wife for Christmas 2004. I found the sound output rather amazing for such a small package. AM reception wasn't great but adequate. FM was fine. SW left much to be desired. My wife was born and raised in Africa and I bought this radio with the idea she might pickup stations from South Africa or Kenya. We could get very few stations at all and none from Africa.
And the worst has been after less than six months use I found the radio sitting in a pool of "radio blood" this morning. I suppose some large capacitor inside leaked (no, it wasn't batteries). So now it doesn't work. Seems like a lot of money to spend on what is essentially a small FM transistor radio.
If you have to buy Sangean, better spend some extra money on a service policy. Better yet, buy anything but Sangean.
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