- Dual conversion technology, wide/narrow AM filter
- Four tuning methods: direct, manual, scan and preset
- Built-in automatic battery charger and hinged battery cover
- Built-in alarm clock and sleep timer, tilt back holder
- 30 days money back guarantee and one year limited warranty
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.
Buy Kaito KA1103 Worldband Radio Now
About a year ago, I got interested in portable radios, and as a result have purchased these three radios over the last year. Each radio has it's pluses, and I suggest that those pluses drive the decision what to buy. It is fitting to relate each radio to an equivalent car. The Tivoli Songbook is a Mercedes sedan great looking and obviously a luxury car. The sound and build quality of the Tivoli are impressive, and the radio is simply a joy to listen to and own. It is very pleasing looking, and the controls, rubber coating and rechargeable batteries make it a class act. If you are into listening to FM radio, and want something compact and discreet, well this little beauty can replace your entire stereo system. Definitely worth the price, and the sound is really incredible. The G4000a is a Chevy. It is also a pleasant looking radio, and it's strong points are appearance, the nice leatherette case and the well laid out controls and manual. The build quality, for instance the antenna and the case are OK, but a little suspect. It just does not feel like a radio that hold up to the knocks and bangs of travel or hard use. Also, the shortwave reception is merely OK. FM reception is good, and I agree with other reviewers that the best feature of the radio is speaker, which is warm toned and excellent. Overall, a solid radio, but not particularly exciting. The Kaito KA-1103, however, is exciting, much like a BMW sports car. It has tremendous build quality and clear, clear sound through the speaker. The reception of this radio is truly startling FM and shortwave reception pretty much blow the G4000a away. AM? I tuned this radio to AM the first day I had it, in my kitchen in Washington DC, and immediately and clearley picked up a station in Boston! As for all the bad hype about the controls, for instance the volume button and the pseudo analog display, well the radio is really a snap to operate. Yeah, a little quirky, but so is any sports car worth its money. Once you read the manual and play with radio for ten or fifteen minutes, well the controls start to really make sense. For example, the much malinged volume control is actually much finer and more adjustable than a manual wheel. The pseudo analog display enables you to see all bands, and where you are on them. The more you use this radio, the more you realize that those designers and Kaito are actually ahead of everyone else in the design department. The radio also has a lot of cool very well thought out design touches, such as a nice backlit display, a truly excellent memory scan feature and terrific accessories. All for well under $100. The Kaito is my favorite radio, it really is the best small radio, dollar for dollar, I have ever come across. If I was taking one radio on a long around the world trip, the Kaito would hands down be it. So, in summary, if you are in the market for a beautiful sounding FM radio for around the house or your office, one that radiates quality and class, get the Tivoli. For a shortwave radio or travel radio, get the Kaito KA-1103. Don't even consider wasting money or more expensive portable shortwaves. The Kaito is all the portable shortwave you'll need and you will not regret buying and getting to know this hot little sports car of a radio.
Read Best Reviews of Kaito KA1103 Worldband Radio Here
For several weeks I gathered a LOT of info. from the web about many of the portable shortwave/SSB radios, including Kaito, Eton, Grundig, Sony, Sangean, Radio Shack, and a few others.
What weighed most heavily in choosing the Kaito 1103 were the reviews that came from some ham radio operators that I found on a prominent ham website. I was surprised, but happy, to see ham operators reviewing a shortwave radio. There were almost 25 reviews of the 1103. But it wasn't just the fact that all but one gave it a 5-star rating, it was the way they went on and on, raving about what a great radio it is in terms of sheer power and performance (not convenience). And I figured if that many ham operators are that impressed with it, then that's good enough for me. Because for me, performance was the determinant factor in making my choice... not ease-of-use or convenience.
I've had my 1103 for only a month, and it is everything I had read about it. In a word -it is a POWERHOUSE! I've picked up China, Japan, Cuba, and other countries, and the signal from some of these stations was amazingly strong: as strong and clear as a local station right here in my own area (north Texas).
A TIP for anyone who is brand new to shortwave listening (DXing, SWLing): There are books you can buy to learn about SW radio and SW listening. But as everyone knows, books are not exactly cheap these days. So if you're pinching pennies like me, I would suggest checking out the abundant material online before going to the bookstore. I have found a LOT of very useful material on the web that would have cost me a lot if it had been available only in books.
I bought my 1103 in 09/2007.
1st UPDATE (01/2008)
It's been 5 months since my initial review and the radio has performed flawlessly; no malfunctioning at all. It continues to amaze me with its power. Not only have I picked up shortwave radio stations around the world, but also ham radio operators, by using the Single Sideband (SSB) function. I've listened to hams in: Arizona, Nevada, California, Colorado, Idaho, Michigan, Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Alabama.
I'm truly sorry for those who have had a bad experience with their 1103. I only know that mine has been a SOLID performer.
2nd UPDATE (05/2011)
My 1103 is still working like a charm.
3rd UPDATE (10/2011)
Still just as powerful, still working great.
4th UPDATE (09/2012)
I've had my 1103 for 5 years now and it is still working great. Still pulling in stations from all over the world; still strong and clear.
Want Kaito KA1103 Worldband Radio Discount?
The Kaito 1103 clearly outperforms my Kaito 1102, especially on FM, where it is OUTSTANDING! SSB (used by Hams) seems to be easier to tune in on the 1103 than on the 1102...both are "best for the buck" in my opinion.(see my review of the cheaper 1102).
I have mixed feelings about the "digital simulation of an analog dial" it is fun to use, but I tend to agree with other reviewers that the space could be better used.
The 1103, like the 1102 is not easy to operate, and the manual is sometimes less than helpful. The volume control operation is terrible! But for this level of performance for such a low price, some compromises can be expected.
For a similar radio (but more expensive) with several improvments over the Kaito 1103, see my review of the newer Eton E5.
Consider buying a "Passport to World Band Radio" along with this set... this book is almost like having a "TV guide" for shortwave!
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Let me add my voice to the chorus here and say that this radio (I have owned over thirty radios in the last ten years I'm a collector, geek, and gadget nut) has the best FM reception of any radio under 300$ that I have ever heard. It beats my grundigs, Etons, and Sonys. I was struggling to tune in two stations in Miami from where I lived in Palm Beach County, Florida. My Grundig S350 just barely got one in if I placed it in a specific position in one corner of my home. This hot little radio not only gets that station from anywhere in my home, it also tunes it in clearly in my steel/concrete office (where I am lucky to get any but the big stations)! I am extremely satisfied with its reception. No other radio performs like this one. There are some weird details about this radio but they are worth putting up with if you want a hot FM receiver. 1) That crazy volume control. You need to press two buttons to change the volume. Huh??!! Well, there is a reason for thisa regular tuning wheel would lead to noisy "chuffing" (that chuf-chuf sound you get when auto-scanning). This radio has NO chuffing. It is a trade off. I wish it had a tuning wheel but I can see where the engineers head was at. 2) The fake analog tuning LCD screen personally, I love the way it is lit. The entire face and buttons have a warm amber glow that is aesthetically very pleasing in a dark room. It is purely aesthetic, though. I only tune by looking at the digital numbers. Yes, there is a learning curve to this radio but I had it all figured out in less than 15 minutes and now it seems natural to me to work with it. It's not impossible to learn; just different. Once learned, you will not need the manual.
Other unusual but pleasing details: once a station is in memory, you can scan through the presets with the jog dial. It is very fast and well thought out. The radio remembers your volume for the last station tuned in. It is solidly built. The antennae is very long (as all FM radio antennaes should be). Shortwave is strong.
Conclusion: there is NO better FM receiver available for this price. I mean it! This baby pulls in FM like no other. If that is what you are looking for, do not hesitate to buy this.
P.S. I got this cheaper at Universal Radio in about a week.
