Grundig G3 Globe Traveler Radio

I thought I received a defective Tecsun 660 unit, because even plugged in, the unit was behaving erratically (hence I didn't expect it was the batteries). It had been plugged overnight, but the unit was turning itself off after 20 seconds or so, and a few icons were flickering. Resetting the unit, using a pin, didn't work. I requested a refund and went out to buy a Grundig G3 at a local HAM radio shop and to pick up some alkaline batteries. When I got home and inserted the alkaline batteries, the Tecsun appeared to operate normally. I then compared the reception and sound quality of both units across the Air / SW / AM / FM bands. The Tecsun has noticeably better reception, superior sound quality and depth (with a tone control for either bass or treble), less static buzz, and the volume seems 2 3 times as loud as the G3. The Gundig has a nice RDS (Radio Data System) feature that displays the station, song and artist. It also has a rubberized body that some may prefer to the Tecsun's plastic finish. Both units have a quality feel about them. Unfortunately, both units can hardly pick up any SW stations during the day here in San Jose from my 3rd floor porch, even with the external Sangean ANT-60 antenna plugged in. I understand that ionospheric conditions favor the night due to higher bounce, but I expected more stations during the day nonetheless (disappointment for both radios). The Sangean antenna would work better if I could string it optimally. I was encouraged by the alkaline batteries, and remembered that I had a battery charger stashed away. I loaded the rechargeable batteries from the Tecsun (the recharger indicated that they were dead even though I had them plugged into the Tecsun the prior night), and after a few hours they were fully recharged. Once re-inserted into the Tesun, the unit is working fine as with the alkaline batteries. I would recommend the Tecsun 660 (four star review) over the Gundig G3 but caution buyers not to expect the Tecsun unit to work right, even plugged in, until the rechargeable batteries are fully charged (use an external charger if necessary the first time). I'll monitor this radio and report back if the unit isn't properly charging so far though so good.