While I don't own one (yet), every now and again a product comes to my attention whose price/vs performance ratio goes through the roof.  My Shortwave Broadcast DX Listening peers tell me this is the case with the Ten-Tec RX-320.  At $295, Ten-Tec has ``hit one out of the ballpark" on this one.  There is also a product review in the March 1999 issue of QST .  Visit Ten Tec's WWW site at: http://www.tentec.com or click on the image of the RX-320 screen, above.

The RX-320 is a DSP based, general coverage HF receiver.   This receiver is completely controlled from and by your PC.   While that may be a downside to some, there are some poistive attributes to complete computer control.  For instance, having the ability to program in 34 filter combinations is certainly not too shabby.

This is because Ten-Tec had the wisdom to leave the architecture of the receiver software completely open. That has given 3rd party software writers here-to-for unavailable flexibility to write both control and signal processing software for the receiver.  One of the most popular freeware packages is that written by Clifton Turner and is available by writing: kf5oj@juno.com

Of equal and worthy mention is ERGO:

ERGO Shortwave Listening Support Software for AR7030 NRD535 NRD535D R8A R8B HF-1000 RX-320
http://swldx.com/
 

DX-tra offers a package of the RX-320 or RX-350 at their site: http://www.dxtra.com/index.shtml
 

Want to actually use an RX-320 RIGHT NOW ?  Click on this link to take you to N2JEU's WWW site where one is available to you right on line !

Professional Reviews:

Check out the Radio Netherlands review at: http://www.rnw.nl/realradio/rx320a.html

The North American Shortwave Association has a review at its site: http://www.anarc.org/naswa/issues/1298/equip1298.html

Individual Reviews:

These were found posted in the rec.radio.shortwave newsgroup:

Ten Tec RX 320 DSP PC Radio
Response by Tom Welch
http://www.moneywords.com

Once every generation a receiver comes out that completely redefines price-performance ratio for its product category.  In 1983, the Sony ICF 2010 was such a product.  In 1999, over a generation later, the Ten Tec RX 320 DSP PC Radio is today's "must have" receiver.

After reading the many positive newsgroup postings  and reviews regarding the RX 320, I purchased a unit from Ten Tec direct two weeks for a mere $295, to monitor the war.  Radio Netherlands' receiver review section rated the RX 320 FIVE STARS.

Still, I am always very skeptical of ALL professional reviewers. Why?  These folks seemingly have an unlimited budget, have access to all sorts of high end equipment without paying for it, and most importantly, seldom factor the intended users into their reviews, as in the case of shortwave, comparing a $50 radio with a $1200 communications receiver…apples and oranges!  Radio Netherlands' receiver review section I think does the best job of "factoring in" the intended user and price point into its reviews, forget Passport to World Band and Monitoring Times as a resource for critical reviews.

To make a long story short, I had my new RX 320 up and running in 5 minutes AND was very impressed with this radio's performance.  The RX 320 radio consists of a black box (where the magic is!), software disk, whip antenna, and serial cable. I now have my new RX 320 radio connected to a Toshiba 233 Mhz laptop to minimize background noise.  Rather than repeat the technical specs of this radio, visit http://www.tentec.com for more details and independent review links.  BTW, Ten Tec, as a company, has one hell of a great reputation among ham radio operators.

While the RX 320 radio may not be a DX machine, you are getting tabletop performance at the price point of a mid-range portable radio.  I think this is called VALUE!

Should you decide to buy this wonderful little radio, send me an email and I'll send you the "default.rmf" radio memory file fully loaded, as an attachment, to help you hit the ground running. <tomwelch@swbell.net>

And another:

Wow!  I have been a ham for almost 20 years and this radio floors me! As I was watching the screen and tuning around, I thought how cool this was and would have been when I was just getting into the hobby. Back then I had an old 1935, 16 tube "Midwest" receiever that I got from an old ham operator for $20.  That was still alot of money back in 78...Hi!

IIt was a tremendous set.  Unfortunately, I traded it away a few years later to a fellow SWL er, now Ham op and SWLer.  Anyhow,  I would have wanted the RX-320 then for sure, but I am glad it took this long.  Otherwise, I would not have used that old Midwest as much.....well maybe. 

Tuning was always a guessing game!  Hi!

My RX-320 has opened a new door to the hobby.  I feel like a 15 year old kid again with his "new" shortwave set!!!!! Ten Tec has done a wonderful job!

Chris