Tecsun PL-380 DSP Receiver—the Ultimate Ultralight?

Four Band Performance Review of Tecsun’s Latest DSP-enhanced Pocket Radio

By Gary DeBock, Puyallup, WA USA December 2009

Introduction In late spring of this year China’s leading radio manufacturer, the Tecsun Company,
introduced the first consumer-oriented pocket radio to feature the innovative Silicon Labs’ 4734 DSP
chip-- the PL-300WT AM-FM-SW-LW receiver. This breakthrough model provided outstanding FM
sensitivity and selectivity, and unprecedented AM selectivity for a pocket radio—immediately
changing the playing field for the compact receiver segment of the electronics market. Whereas the
PL-300WT (and its Grundig G8 clone) was a dream come true for FM-DXing enthusiasts, its AM
DXing performance was limited in several aspects, causing both the Tecsun and Kchibo companies to
quickly develop and market new models that would exceed the PL-300WT’s AM sensitivity and
selectivity—and overall AM-DXing potential.
The 4734 DSP chip controlling the PL-300WT had been designed to allow multiple DSP filtering
options for outstanding AM selectivity, but this superb capability was not used in the PL-300WT,
which had its DSP filtering fixed at a setting wider than optimum (for DXing). Unfortunately another
4734 chip capability was included, however—an irritating “soft mute” function, which caused a severe
drop off in DX audio when tuning 1 kHz farther away from a pest station. AM-DXers who purchased
the PL-300WT (Grundig G8) models began longing for an improved pocket radio which offered all
the DSP selectivity choices available with the 4734 IC chip, and which was free of the “soft mute”
issue. Fortunately, the Chinese manufacturers got the message, and rushed to comply with our desires.
Multiple DSP Filtering Selections The Kchibo company took advantage of the PL-300WT’s lack of
filtering options with the summer introduction of its D92L and D96L models, which were AM-FM-
SW units complete with the full range of DSP selectivity choices available from the 4734 IC chip (6,
4, 3, 2 and 1 kHz). Improving upon a reputation for producing low-cost radios of questionable quality,
Kchibo made a serious effort to engineer reliability into these new DSP models, and most of the radios
worked exactly as designed.
In the case of the D92L, however, the design itself had severe shortcomings, including a digital
section generating RF hash to degrade AM sensitivity, and a 15-second digital “chuffing” noise
whenever a control was changed. As such, the D92L models never really caught on with AM-DXers.
The D96L model (at left) was vastly improved, though, with excellent AM sensitivity and a reduced
(5-second) digital “chuffing” noise. As the best performing DSP model available at the time of the
2009 Ultralight Radio Shootout (mid-September of 2009), the D96L came away with top honors,
unique with its combined superiority in both AM sensitivity
and selectivity.
Tecsun PL-310 Model During the summer Tecsun itself was
preparing two new DSP pocket radios to maintain its market
dominance, the first of which was the PL-310, an outstanding
AM-FM-SW-LW model also featuring the full range of DSP
selectivity options (like the D96L).
In comparison to
the D96L, the new PL-
310 (at right) offered
roughly similar
performance in AM-DXing, but had superior FM and SW
performance, as well as a fairly competitive Longwave band not
included in the D96L. Like all Tecsun models, it was free of the
digital “chuffing” noise issue in the Kchibo models, and had a
more traditional, rectangular design. Fortunately, Tecsun was
also developing a DSP pocket radio which had all the
advantages of the PL-310, plus complete freedom from the one
disadvantage plaguing all the DSP pocket radios produced thus
far… the irritating “soft mute” function, a major drawback for weak-signal AM-DXers.

PL-380 Specifications The new Tecsun PL-380 model (at

left) is that highly refined product from China’s leading
radio manufacturer, which for international purchasers is
currently only offered by the top-rated Hong Kong eBay
sellers “Anon-co” for $45.99, plus $24.00 shipping (by
registered air mail to North America), and “elink.shop”
(for $44.99 plus $24 shipping).
It’s an AM-FM-SW-LW model with fairly competitive
performance on all four bands, and may be considered
Tecsun’s “second generation” DSP pocket radio, with
many improvements over the original PL-300WT model.
Offered in black, gray and silver colors, the PL-380’s
cabinet (at 133 x 85 x 27 mm, or 5.3 x 3.3 x 1.2”) is of
equivalent size to the Tecsun PL-310 and PL-300WT
models, and may be pictured as a PL-310 with a
tuning thumbwheel (instead of a round tuning knob, as on the PL-310 model). Three AA batteries or a
4.5 VDC adapter supply power for the model (three rechargeable batteries are included with the radio,
as well as a USB cable for charging from a computer), and the weight of the PL-380 is 200 grams (7
ounces) when fully loaded.
In comparison to the PL-310 DSP model, the new PL-380 has all the advanced digital features of
its predecessor, plus a few new ones. Like the PL-310, it has Si4734 DSP chip-based displays of signal
strength, signal-to-noise ratio, temperature (selectable in Celsius or Fahrenheit), battery consumption,
current time, and alarm time setting. It has selectable 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 kHz DSP selectivity options
available from a front panel control (in a carousel rotation scheme). It has an excellent direct-entry
keypad with generous-sized numerical controls (which operates without the typical need to push an
“enter” button). The model has 550 preset memories available, with 100 for each of the AM, LW and
FM bands, plus 250 for the SW bands. An alarm function can awaken the owner with either a buzzer
or a live radio signal, and there is also a selectable key-lock function.
AM coverage on the PL-380 is from 520-1710 kHz when 10 kHz tuning steps are selected, and
from 522-1620 when 9 kHz steps are selected. As on the PL-310, the AM tuning rate is adjusted
according to the user’s rotation of the tuning control, so that rapid rotation of the tuning control shifts
the tuning rate from 1 kHz to either 9 or 10 kHz steps (whichever steps are selected by the user for
AM operation). When the tuning control rotation is slowed or stopped, the AM tuning rate shifts back
to 1 kHz. This tuning system takes some practice to master, and is not universally popular with all
DXers. Even if 10 kHz tuning steps are selected, a transoceanic DX chaser can still manually tune in
the 9 kHz-split frequencies with the tuning control.
LW coverage on the PL-380 is from 153-513 kHz, with sensitivity somewhat less than that of the
PL-310 model (which is greatly superior to that of the PL-300WT models, but inferior to that of the
ICF-2010 and other top portables). Outstanding FM reception is available from 64-108 MHz, and FM
stereo audio is available from the earphone jack when such stations are received. The FM tuning rate
is also adjusted according to the user’s rotation of the tuning knob, with the slower 10 kHz steps
changing to 100 kHz steps when the tuning knob rotation is faster. The FM-DXing performance of the
PL-380 is exceptional (as in the PL-300WT and PL-310 models), with the Si4734 DSP chip providing
a breakthrough level of sensitivity and selectivity for weak-signal reception.
SW coverage is generally decent, and is from 2.3- 21.95 MHz, selectable in 13 different band
segments from the front panel. In a major improvement of the PL-300WT (G8)’s reception of
numerous AM spurs and mixing products throughout the SW spectrum, the PL-380’s SW reception is
free of these problems (as is the PL-310’s SW section).
Whereas the PL-310 has five tuning modes, the new PL-380 has no fewer than seven: Easy Tuning
Mode (ETM), jog dial manual tuning, auto-scan tuning, pre-setting manual scan tuning, memory pre-
setting auto scan tuning (ATS), memory pre-setting address direct-entry tuning, and frequency direct-
entry tuning. The reviewer was highly impressed with the versatility offered by these various digital
tuning methods (explained thoroughly in the 29-page
English owner’s manual), but since full explanation of
each tuning system is beyond the scope of this review,
suffice it to say that a PL-380 owner will have no
problem tuning in multiple DX stations in every
conceivable way.
Included in the PL-380 shipping package are three
rechargeable AA batteries, a USB cable to charge the
batteries from a computer, a Chinese owner’s manual
and registration card, a vinyl carrying case, stereo ear
bud phones and case, a clip-on wire antenna, and a
wrist strap attached to the PL-380 cabinet.

AM-Oriented Technical Summary For some strange reason, Tecsun has chosen to install a PL-380
loopstick significantly smaller than that of the PL-310 (80 x 8mm or 3 1/8 x 5/16”, as opposed to the
PL-310’s 100 x 8mm or 3 15/16 x 5/16”). This does result in slightly less AM sensitivity on the mid-
band frequencies than with the PL-310, as will be detailed in the following live tests. Balanced against
this slight detriment is the PL-380’s freedom from the soft mute function, allowing reception of weak
AM stations without the signal dropping in and out, as is occasionally an issue with the PL-310 (and
other soft mute-enabled Si4734-chip radios). For DXers using effective external antennas, of course,
the size of the PL-380’s loopstick would be irrelevant, and for those hobbyists wishing to enhance the
model’s AM-DXing capability as a stand-alone receiver, a far more sensitive 7.5” loopstick transplant
has been developed for the PL-380 (further details and a link to the technical article are posted at the
conclusion of this review). In general, the PL-380’s combination of superb 1 kHz DSP filtering and
freedom from the soft mute issue provides outstanding opportunities for both domestic and split-
frequency DXers, especially those with serious external antennas.

Four-Band Live Signal Testing The new PL-380 model was extensively tested against both the PL-
310 and the Kchibo D96L (the winner of the 2009 Ultralight AM-DX Shootout) on the AM, FM and
SW bands, and against the PL-300WT (aka G8) model and the PL-
310 on the LW band. All testing was performed in the reviewer’s
typical suburban location of Puyallup, WA, about 35 miles south of
Seattle. Operational checks and fresh batteries were provided to all
radios prior to the testing, to ensure accurate results. The AM
sensitivity checks were performed with all radios in the 2 kHz DSP
selectivity setting, while the AM selectivity checks were performed
in the 1 kHz setting.
All AM testing was performed during enhanced winter conditions
within 2 hours of local noon, while the LW testing was performed
after local midnight. FM and SW testing was performed late in the
afternoon, using only the fully extended whip antennas. In the case
of the PL-310, the soft mute issue occasionally caused weak AM
signals to drop in and out during marginal reception, and the final
performance figure is for the best reception during the testing
sequence.

AM SENSITIVITY (best is 5; worst is 0)

530-TIS 620-KPOJ 750-KXL 980-CKNW 1110-KWDB 1390-KJOX 1520-KGDD 1640-KDZR

D96L (A) 3.5 3 2 0 1 0 2 3.5

PL-310 (A) 3 3 3 1 2 1 2 3
PL-380 (B+) 3 3 2 0 1 0 2 3

Sensitivity Summary The D96L has a slight sensitivity advantage over the Tecsun units on the
extreme high and low band, while the PL-310 has a slight advantage over the other two units on the
mid-band frequencies. The PL-380’s performance matches the PL-310 on the band edges, and the
D96L’s performance on the mid-band frequencies. The smaller loopstick in the PL-380 apparently
accounts for this lack of top-level AM sensitivity.
AM SELECTIVITY (best is 5, worst is 0)

560-KPQ 1080-KFFX 1460-KARR

D96L (A) 5 (no KVI slop) 4 (slight KPTK slop) 5 (no KSUH slop)
PL-310 (A) 5 (no KVI slop) 4 (slight KPTK slop) 5 (no KSUH slop)
PL-380 (A) 5 (no KVI slop) 4 (slight KPTK slop) 5 (no KSUH-slop)

Selectivity Summary The 1 kHz DSP filtering provided by the Si4734 chip is identical on all three
models, providing equally impressive selectivity on all three test stations. DSP models without the 1
kHz filtering option (like the PL-300WT and G8) cannot match this stellar performance.

AM QUIRKS: The PL-380 suffers from internally-generated AM heterodynes, as do all other Si4734
chip radios, especially from 1410-1440 kHz (although these have apparently been reduced from the
serious level of the PL-310 and PL-300WT heterodynes). Like all other such radios, the PL-380 emits
a slight click of RF hash whenever the AM tuned frequency is changed (detectable when another radio
is alongside the model). The dual tuning rate controlled by the speed of tuning thumbwheel rotation
cannot be switched off, and has proven irritating to some users. Although the digital beeping noises
can be switched off, most users find them excessively loud. Finally, since all of these PL-380 units
have been imported from China, there are no service facilities in North America for warranty repair of
these radios, and owners having any issues will need to ship them overseas for repairs.

LW SENSITIVITY (best is 5, worst is 0)

351-NY 369-ZP 385-WL 405-MOG

PL-300WT (F) 0 0 0 0
PL-310 (A) 3 4 2 1
PL-380 (C) 1 2 trace 0

LW Sensitivity Summary The PL-310 has the best LW performance of these three models, with
reception of all four beacon test stations. The PL-380’s smaller loopstick causes a drop off in LW
sensitivity relative to the PL-310, but still greatly outperforms the almost deaf PL-300WT (G8) models
on the LW frequencies. By comparison, an ICF-2010 will outperform all three Ultralight models.

FM SENSITIVITY (best is 5, worst is 0)

KISM-92.9 CIOC-98.5 CKKQ-100.3 CFMI-101.1 KINK-101.9 KKCW-103.3

D96L (B) 2 4 1 0 0 0
PL-310 (A) 3 5 2 2 1 2
PL-380 (A) 3 5 2 2 1 2

FM Sensitivity Summary The two Tecsun models have equivalent outstanding reception on FM, with
the D96L falling somewhat behind (presumably because of an interior whip antenna, since the DSP
circuitry is the same). The PL-300WT (aka G8) models also have the same outstanding FM
performance as the PL-310 and PL-380 models.
SW SENSITIVITY (best is 5, worst is 0)

WWCR-5935 WYFR-5950 Anguilla -6090 WTJB-9370

D96L (B+) 5 4 3 2
PL-310 (A-) 5 4 4 3
PL-380 (B)* 4 4 3 2

SW Sensitivity Summary Of these three models, the PL-310 has the most sensitive and stable SW
reception, especially on the higher frequencies. The D96L’s metallic front panel occasionally causes
instability on the high SW frequencies when first touched by the user. One of the two PL-380 review
units was unstable on the SW frequencies, breaking into oscillation suddenly on occasion. It also
displayed the PL-300WT (G8) quirk of rampant AM spurious signals across the SW spectrum, curable
by touching the whip antenna. The other PL-380 review unit had normal SW operation. By
comparison, the Eton E100 model had slightly superior SW reception to any of these models.

PL-380 Verdict The newest Tecsun model is an outstanding value at its $44.95 (plus shipping) price,
but whether it will be preferable in value to the PL-310 (and D96L) certainly depends upon the type of
DXing favored by the prospective purchaser.
For a domestic DXer looking for the most AM sensitivity from a stock pocket radio, the PL-310’s
larger loopstick does provide a slight performance edge on the mid-band frequencies, as well as the 1
kHz DSP selectivity necessary to chase DX adjacent to local pests. The D96L can also outperform the
PL-380 on the extreme high and low AM band frequencies, with equivalent 1 kHz DSP selectivity.
Unfortunately both of these other models are burdened by the “soft mute” issue, which can be an
unpredictable irritant causing a weak signal to drop in and out on occasion. The soft mute issue is a
drawback for most DXers, but since the PL-310 and D96L do have slight AM sensitivity advantages
over the soft mute-free PL-380 on certain frequencies, a DXer using these other receivers (in stock
form) to chase domestic DX could conceivably log more stations with them. This assumes that these
DXers could learn to tolerate the soft mute issue.
The choice would change dramatically for transoceanic DXers, however. The soft mute-free PL-
380 is ideal because of its ability to tune 1 kHz farther away from domestic splatter, and because
almost all TA and TP-chasers have effective external antennas, any limitation in PL-380 stock AM
sensitivity would be irrelevant. Overall, for DXers (domestic or split-frequency) who are highly
irritated by the soft mute function or who use any type of external antenna, the new PL-380 would
be the clear choice.
Tecsun’s choice of a smaller PL-380 loopstick is unfortunate, and results in reduced LW
sensitivity as well. LW enthusiasts would do well to purchase a different model, although FM-DXers
will be highly satisfied with the PL-380’s outstanding capabilities. SW enthusiasts should not have
overly high expectations for the model, although the PL-380 should be suitable for basic tasks like
checking the SW parallels of medium wave DX stations. In general, the four-band performance of
the new PL-380 provides one more excellent purchasing option for AM-DXing enthusiasts, which
depending upon your overall objectives, may be the perfect combination of value and versatility.

73 and Best Wishes to All,

Gary DeBock
 Additional Resources

For those DXers looking for greatly improved LW and AM sensitivity from the PL-380, an
effective 7.5” loopstick transplant modification has been developed, with the technical article posted
on the Ultralightdx Yahoo File Site (under Modifications), on the http://www.dxer.ca file site (in the
ULR file section, under Modifications), and is also directly linked at the following URL:
http://www.mediafire.com/?vnjhmkmazxx
This modification transforms the PL-380 into a very sensitive stand-alone LW and AM receiver,
typically outperforming any modified Ultralight radio created so far (see photo below).
Two demonstration MP3’s of the PL-380’s DSP filtering have also been recorded during actual
TP-DXing, and are dramatic in showing the effectiveness of the PL-380’s multiple DSP filtering
options in overcoming domestic splatter. In both recordings, the PL-380’s DSP selectivity is
progressively stepped down from 6 kHz (the widest option) to 1 kHz, reducing adjacent domestic
splatter to a negligible level. In the 648-Voice of Russia recording, the PL-380’s tuned frequency is
also stepped down to 647 kHz during the last 7 seconds (a capability made possible by its unique
freedom from the “soft mute” issue), providing an additional reduction in 650-KSTE splatter. This
648-Voice of Russia recording is linked at http://www.mediafire.com/?tnwem2fiz1y , and a
recording of 738-BEL2 (Taiwan Fisheries) is available at http://www.mediafire.com/?mnznomi5zwj