Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I own the whole lineup of Kaitos and the 1103 beats the others for FM sensitivity. The 1101 takes second, the 1102 takes third, and the 105 takes fourth. AM is similar on all models. But the speaker is also superior on the 1103.
Here's what I like about the 1103:
1. Powerful, crystal clear FM reception that is superior to radios that cost twice as much.
2. Warm full speaker sound for a radio of this size.
3. The cool factor of a radio that has so many innovations and is changing the radio industry, causing Sangean, Grundig, and Sony to wake up and start making more competitive products at better prices.
4. PLL synthesized tuning with over 250 presets or memories.
Here's what I don't like:
1. You have to press buttons or digitally enter for volume control. There is no spin wheel for quick volume change.
2. The analog display takes up unnecessary space on the radio.
3. AM, like all PLL synthesized radios, is well above average but needs improvement.
However, AM is more than adequate and as a whole the 1103 is my favorite PLL synthesized, dual conversion small radio. If I could only own two radios, a compact and an analog medium sized radio, I'd keep the Kaito 1103 and my Tecsun BLC 2000 (sold for considerably more as the Grundig S350), which gets great AM.
If you don't mind finding an English manual on the internet, you can spend half the money on the Kaito by buying its clone, the Degen 1103. Degen radios, the original Chinese versions, are Kaitos but only come with Chinese manuals and they need AC adaptor converters. The upside is that they are half the price of the American version Kaitos.
Post Script: I enjoy my Kaito 1103 more than ever because I placed it ontop of my Sangean WR-2 and hooked up an audio cable between the two radios. So I'm feeding the sterling 1103 reception through the Sangean's premium speaker. Great bedside setup. You could do the same for cheaper by just buying a good speaker and hooking it up the 1103.
Update: I don't recommend you save money by purchasing the less expensive Chinese clone Degen. The adapter gets hot. If you must get the Degen, buy a USA-built step down 110 converter to avoid fire hazard.
Update for 8-12-206: Both my Degen and Kaito 1103 have shut down making me think that they had lost all electric power or had "fried" inside but in fact they had "shut down" and only needed to be reset by sticking a paper clip end into the reset hole. Now they both work fine. In fact, I bought the Kaito because I thought my Degen had "fried." I was wrong. Keep in mind, these radios can be a little touchy and may need to be reset from time to time.
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The newly released Kaito KA1103 is an improved and more advanced version of widely praised KA1102. This digital PLL dual conversion world band receiver will keep you connected to a very comprehensive frequency range including FM, AM, short wave and long wave stations with both a digital readout and a simulation of the old-fashioned analog dial. The KA 1103 has a very effective wide-narrow filter. It does a really good job of whacking back adjacent channel interference. Listeners will be impressed with both selectivity and sensitivity. With single side band (SSB) reception, the radio will transmit with a minimal amount of interference. There are four options when tuning your radio stations. With direct tuning, you input the desired frequency digits. Manual tuning allows you to change the frequency using the tuning knob. If you are unsure of what station you want, use the scan tuning option to have the radio stop at all hearable receptions. Finally, with preset tuning, you can recall a preset station with a single button press. You can store up to 256 preset stations using memory tuning feature, and there is a ten-key direct access tuning function, offering you quickly access to your top ten favorite stations. If you plan on traveling with a radio, the KA1103 is a very good choice. You can either listen to the KA1103 via the built-in 3" speaker or with the included earphones. Beyond the ability to tune into various radio bands, the KA1103 also features a built-in automatic battery charger, plugs it into any wall outlet with the included AC adpator when the battery indicator shows that battery is low. Frequency Coverage: FM:76.0-108.0MHz;MW:520-1710 MHz; SW:1.71-29.99 MHz;LW 100 - 519 kHz. Package includes Stereo earphones, 120 V/AC adaptor, external antenna, carrying pouch, 3 pcs of AA rechargeable batterties and a copy of user manual.
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