The WRX911 and the Grundig Mini World 100 PE Go Head to Head

In my last column, I mentioned the Kaito WRX911 as being potentially 'A New Dragonslayer' in the Cheap and Cheerful Shortwave Radio category. Currently on sale for US$29.95 at Radios4You.com and The Shortwave Store.com, the WRX911 has been winning rave reviews online. (One of the most detailed is at Radiointel.com.)

Pricewise, the WRX911 is the same as the Grundig Mini World 100 PE at The Shortwave Store. Which begs a big question: which one is the better buy? Well, as is usually the case, it all depends on what criteria you apply. Let's try to make your decision easier, through some specific comparisons.

Sensitivity and Selectivity

Based on the other reviews I have seen on the Web, the WRX911 is more sensitive than the Mini World. As for my own experience? Since I use my Cheap and Cheerful analog receivers to tune in the BBC rather than distant DX, I compared the two radios on BBC 5975 kHz, which is what matters to me.

The time was 2340 UTC; 7:40 p.m. local. Propagation conditions were good. Location: Ottawa, Canada.

The results? Both the WRX911 and Mini World received BBC's 250 kW transmission from Antigua rock solid. However, using the standard SIO (Strength-Interference-Overall) rating system, I would have to give the Mini World the edge. The reason? The Mini World's SIO was 555, while the WRX911's was 545. The '4' rating under interference was due to the WRX911 giving up a very slight heterodyne whine as I tuned to 5975. For its part, the Mini World captured 5975 without any whine whatsosver.

By way of contrast, I also tested Radio4You.com's $24.95 JWin JX-M14 and their Kaide KK-989, which is unfortunately sold out. Both the JX-M14 and the KK-989 offer AM, FM, and seven shortwave bands plus basic clock and alarm functions. Although the tuning is executed using an analog dial, the display is digital in a X.XX format.

In comparison to the WRX911 and the Mini World, the JX-M14 only managed an SIO of 423 with BBC 5975. It showed more het whine during tuning than the WRX911, and the JX-M14's selectivity was weaker. Ironically, although the KK-989 seems to be based on the same tuning engine (judging solely by the functions offered and the external layout; I haven't opened either radio up) as the JX-M14, it did better receiving the BBC with a 544 SIO. Again, the interference problem was a slight het whine, and slightly weaker selectivity compared to the WRX911 and the Mini World 100. As well, the tuning display on both the JX-M14 and KK-989 showed BBC as "5.97" or "5.98", since the last digit isn't accommodated.

Given the fact that the JX-M14 and KK-989 include clock and alarm functions, they have their place for business people on the road. As well, the AM and FM reception on both receivers is very good. However, as far as SW listening goes, neither stacks up to the WRX911 nor the Mini World 100.

Given that I only tested the WRX911 and Mini World on a powerful SW station, my results can't be taken as conclusive. However, when combined with results that I've seen from other DXers, it appears that the WRX911 has the edge in sensitivity and selectivity over the Mini World. This said, the Mini World remains an astoundingly good performer for its price, and one I still rate highly for its sensivitivy and selectivity.

Band Coverage

The WRX911 is an 11-band Radio that receives AM (530-1710 kHz), FM (88-108 MHz), and 9 shortwave bands. In order, the bands covered are 4.60-5.20 MHz, 5.75-6.40 MHz, 6.95-7.65 MHz, 9.30-9.90 MHz, 11.55-12.10 MHz, 13.55-13.85 MHz, 14.85-15.80 MHz, 17.40-18.05 MHz and 21.30-21.95 MHz.

As I have noted before, the WRX-911 has nice wide coverage of the top end of the 49 meter band (5.75.6.40 MHz). However, its 31 meter band (9.30-9.90 MHz) cuts off the WWV time station at 10 MHz.

The Mini World covers the AM (525-1625 kHz), FM (88-108 Mhz), and six shortwave bands: 5.8-6.3 MHz, 6.95-7.5 MHz, 9.35-10 MHz, 11.6-12.15 MHz, 14.8-15.75 MHz, and 17.45-18.15 MHz.

On AM, the WRX911 is superior. It reaches up to the top of the extended AM band, while the Mini World does not.

On FM, both sets are tied.

On shortwave, the WRX911 has superior coverage compared to the Mini World; both at the low and high end of the scale. However, the Mini World does cover up to 10 MHz in the 31 meter band, which allows it to receive WWV 10 MHz.

Overall, the WRX911 is clearly superior to the Mini World in terms of band coverage, with the exception of the 31 meter band (9.30-10 MHz). If Kaito could see fit to bring the WRX911's coverage up to include 10 MHz, there would be no contest at all between these two radios.

User Friendliness and Finish

The WRX911's tuning dial is much more precise than the Mini World's. It also offers more 'play', which means you can tune to either side of a station with ease.As well, the WRX911 has a 'wider' tuning scale than the Mini World, which makes it easier to tune between stations visually.

The WRX911 comes with a tuning LCD that helps you judge when you're on top of a station. The Mini World does not.

The WRX911's horizontal layout and fold-out support stand allows it to sit on a flat surface without tipping. The Mini World is vertically oriented, and doesn't have a built-in stand. On tabletops, it tends to tip over.

The WRX911's antenna can be swivelled to optimize signal reception. The Mini World's antenna does not swivel.

Both radios have good sound either on speaker or headsets. On speakers, both sound a bit tinny, due to the small speaker size inherent in such miniaturized cases.

In terms of finish, the WRX911 is slightly superior to the Mini World, although both are well above what you usually find in a Cheap and Cheerful receiver. The WRX911's availability in either blue or black is a rarity in shortwave circles. I've noticed that the WRX911's pearlized blue case sits well with wives.

The Mini World comes a vinyl slip case. The WRX911 comes with a black cloth bag with a pull string. I find the bag a bit weird; a better case for the WRX911 would finish this package properly.

Conclusion: Dragon Slayed

On all factors measured with the exception of the 31 meter band and carrying case, the Kaito WRX911 outshines the Grundig Mini World 100 PE. In fact, in terms of its layout, band coverage, and antenna flexibility, the WRX911 is a mini DX'ing set within a cheap and cheerful body. Mind you, you still get what you pay for: this is not a serious DX'ing radio. But for US$29.95, there is just not arguing with the impressive value and performance offered by the WRX911.

This said, the Mini World's solid performance and its belt clip explains why I took it to New York recently, rather than the WRX911. But that's the only reason, plus the fact that I knew the Mini World could receive any major SW station I needed while away from home. But had I had any doubts on this front, I would have taken the WRX911. And, during my most recent trip to Florida, it accompanied me instead.

It is for all these reasons that the Kaito WRX911 has replaced the Grundig Mini World 100 PE as the RAC's Best Buy in the Cheap and Cheerful receiver category. The Mini World remains a close second and a personal favorite, but there's a new king in town.

One Last Note

If you're tired of lugging your shortwave radio around the house, then you can use my trick and rebroadcast your best receiver's signal using a Digital Wireless FM Transmitter from C Crane Company. Just plug your radio's headphone output into the Digital Wireless FM Transmitter (the connector is supplied), then tune the Transmitter to an open FM frequency. Presto! Your radio's signal is now being rebroadcast on FM around your house, and likely to the garage and backyard as well. The US$79.95 Digital Wireless FM Transmitter can also be used inside a car to rebroadcast a CD player's audio directly to a car radio, or to relay audio from a computer connected to a Web radio station directly to your home stereo.

I've been testing a Sangean ATS 505 radio and C. Crane Solar Panel (US$129.95 and US$54.95 respectively at that site) to provide solar-powered rebroadcasting throughout my house. So far, the only downside is that the panel needs direct sunlight to drive the ATS 505. Otherwise, the result is reliable BBC service on FM throughout my home (time and SW propagation conditions permitting). The 3V DC power required by the Transmitter itself is provided by an ES-884 Solar Panel sold for US$19.95 by the Shortwave Store website. \ The ES-884 can output 3, 6, 9 or 12 volts from direct sunlight, and also has a built-in compartment for charging two AA batteries.