From: none@domain.invalid   
      
   On 12/1/2022 7:35 PM, bob prohaska wrote:   
   > How do software defined radios perform compared to traditional   
   > analog superhets for casual listening?  I realize SDRs do things   
   > superhets can't do at all, but if one simply wants a sensitive,   
   > selective and quiet receiver for listening to audio broadcasts   
   > does an SDR offer benefits compared to a traditional superhet?   
   >   
   > I'm thinking mostly in terms of self-noise, is that misguided?   
   >   
   > Thanks for reading, and any insights!   
   >   
   > bob prohaska   
   >   
   >   
      
   Your question is too vague. Quality of the radio's implementation is an   
   important factor.   
      
   High sensitivity is good, but if it comes at the expense of being easily   
   overloaded, is it worthwhile?   
      
   Selectivity can be too narrow resulting in muffled audio, or it can be   
   too wide allowing for interference from nearby stations. Shape factor of   
   a filter can be significant to you.   
      
   SDRs and/or DSP based radios also frequently include a spectrum display.   
   That can make finding stations easier.   
      
   Listening to AM broadcast is different than shortwave broadcast   
   stations, AM can broadcast with much better fidelity during the day   
   allowing you to recover (perhaps) 10 kHz wide audio. SW stations would   
   generally be limited to 5 kHz audio.   
      
   How much you are willing to spend is also important.   
      
   New vs. used should be considered.   
      
   Don't forget the antenna you use will also be a factor. An outdoor   
   antenna can avoid much of the electrical noise generated within a house.   
      
   There is no simple answer for your question.   
      
   For me, the radio that I have that has the best audio is a conventional   
   superhet with well chosen IF filters.   
      
   For me, the radio that makes it easy to find new stations is a hybrid SDR.   
      
   Both can be listened to for multiple hours, but they are different to   
   use and sound different.   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)