World’s Best Portable Discontinued
Reader Lawrence Bulk commented here earlier today that Etón reportedly is stating at the Consumer Electronics Show that their flagship E1 portable (Passport 2008, pp. 68-71 and RDI White Paper) and forthcoming Grundig G1 portables have been discontinued.
We checked with Etón’s Walter Hess at the CES, and he confirms that the Etón E1 has in fact been discontinued. “That’s the only part I can verify now,” he adds.
E1’s sales have been a fraction of those of the earlier Sony ICF-2010/ICF-2001D, the receiver that most closely resembles the E1. Too, the E1 got off to a rough start with QA difficulties and ultimately a major recall. Although those problems were successfully resolved long ago, the negative image has persisted almost to the point where knocking the E1 has become an online blood sport.
Modest sales may have nothing to do with this unexpected development. Yet, for world band listeners and thrifty DXers the loss of the best-ever world band portable will be a shocking disappointment unless the virtually identical Grundig G1 (formerly advertised as the Grundig Satellit 1000) surfaces in place of the E1.
Update: See first comment of January 11th.
Update: See here.
January 9th, 2008 at 8:24 PM
From what I gather, neither the Grundig G1 or the Grundig Satellit 1000 (actually the same radio and the same, except for cabinet color and nameplate, as the Etón E1) will be produced.
My guess is that Etón, stung by relatively poor sales and relatively high warranty costs (contrary to what you write, I have seen many “horror” stories about even new E1s. Of course they are anecdotal stories so their credence could be questioned), has decided to cut its ties with Bharat Electronics Ltd. and concentrate on models made by Tecsun/Degen et al.
In any event, as you rightly say, the E1 has a poor reputation for reliability, to put it mildly. Frankly, I never bought one nor did I ever consider doing so.
For what it’s worth, my suggestion to Etón would be to bring back the Grundig Satellit 800 but this time in a polished wooden cabinet. Though the Satellit 800 was not known as a paragon of reliability (I just sent mine back to Drake for the fourth[!] time), I believe that Tecsun could be induced to tighten their quality control on what was and remains an excellent design.
This could be a real prestige product for them and, I believe, would sell well. It would depend, of course, on just how good Tecsun’s quality control would be.
Ed.: We could stab at potential causes ad infinitum but, unless the G1 materializes, what has transpired is the greatest misfortune in this field since Sony’s post-Morita deterioration some years back.
Etón could have done more. When the first Korean cars came into North America, they were unreliable and were fast on their way to becoming regarded as Asian Yugos. The manufacturers could have simply improved reliability and let it go at that, but instead they also did something dramatic and meaningful: They offered a 100,000 mile warranty. The rest, you know.
But after the E1’s initial woes, which followed the Satellit 800’s early misfortune, Etón kept plugging along with business as usual. They never stepped up to bat with an eyebrow-raiser to inspire consumer confidence.
Thus, the old reputation hung over them like Morley’s ghost, and to this day continues to be potentially jeopardized by bargain-basement sales of E1 units from old production.
Again, all of this may have little or nothing to do with Etón’s decision to axe the E1. But the bottom line is that this benchmark receiver should have and could have done better in the marketplace.
January 10th, 2008 at 12:28 AM
I wonder how long Drake and Etón will be able to repair the E1. Even at $400 or less for a current unit, it’s not cheap enough to be disposable after a few years for most folks.
In light of the reliability issues with the E1, I suggested to Walter Hess some time ago that Etón should offer a longer warranty on the E1—say 2-3 years. For lower serial number units that may be more prone to problems, it would show the “early adopters” that Etón stood behind them. If the high serial number units are indeed reliable, then the additional cost to Etón for the later units would have been minimal, but the additional peace of mind this gave potential purchasers might have spurred more sales. But, as you indicated, they “never stepped up to bat,” which is a real shame.
Great design, poor execution. Too bad.
Ed.: Amen, Gary. Yet, at this juncture we only know so much—who knows, the E1’s demise may have had more to do with their Indian connection than Etón’s actions. We’ll just have to wait to see how this unfolds.
January 10th, 2008 at 6:47 AM
I find it interesting that E1 owners comparing notes and exchanging information on the rash of quality issues through online user groups has been summarized as “knocking the E1 has become an online blood sport”. My new bargain-basement E1 is at Drake right now for the famous FM-lock problem, and it was very helpful to me to see what other users were experiencing—not through “bashing” but by free exchange of legitimate information. Regardless, it seems like ALL E1s should have been recalled, with each being sent to Drake for their magic healing powers. I hope Etón has sued Bharat Electronics Ltd. and wins big, as it appears that the Indian company has done great harm to Etón’s reputation. All that aside, the E1 is a hot receiver, and I am extremely happy that I found a great deal on mine, even if it did go to Drake to fix what Bharat didn’t see fit to get right. We’ll see if the retirement of the E1 gives these the same cult-following that developed after the Sony 2010 production ceased, or if the E1 becomes a slowly-fading radio punchline. Best of luck to Etón—I do know that my YB 400 PE and G5 are rock-solid!
January 10th, 2008 at 8:42 AM
It is hard to declare this radio to be the best ever when it does not stay working. From field reports, it sounds like all owners are one step away from a boat anchor, and the cost of future repairs is unknown. Whats worse, is that some owners claimed warranties were not honored if not purchased from a registered dealer, which is unusual.
I really wanted this radio, but will not go thru the agony of getting it repaired. The Sony radios mentioned had faultless reliability, most lasting for decades.
I am sure that a main motivation for discontinuing the unit is that dealers no longer want to sell a flawed device. As for the problems now being solved, this is not clear and there is no way to determine the vintage of a unit purchased. It was not just a single problem, but several, again based upon non-scientific field reports. Etón has decided not to say much in this regard, so we have no real data to base this on.
Etón did a good job on the feature set in this case, but their other offerings show no such innovation. So far the 750 does not look promising, the specs say and “Advanced” DSP but no further comment on what this feature does (could just be a tone equalized, or it could be a full SDR) I personally will not buy a radio for SWL’ing with out sync, so I hope Etón considers this.
Ed.: Etón doesn’t release repair data. However, we check with known credible vendors that handle the E1 and have reported these findings here and in Passport. When there are problems with a product they sell, they are the first to hear of it and thus they have the unique ability to attach a defect rate onto a given model. That’s why we have stressed that it’s best to purchase units over s/n 5462, which thus far have had a normal defect rate; if a prospective dealer won’t provide the s/n, it’s a safe bet they are selling something from earlier production.
Insofar as we can determine, warranties have always been honored for E1 receivers purchased from authorized dealers, but not from eBay and such. And, yes, Sony models have had their share of defects, too, although these usually have been obvious as soon as the box is opened; after that, they’ve tended to be unusually reliable.
January 10th, 2008 at 5:58 PM
Better check your sources, Walter Hess is NOT at CES and has NOT been there this year.
Ed.: Mea culpa, Harry. We had reason to believe he was there, but he was at his office.
January 10th, 2008 at 6:44 PM
I have an E1 with serial number 531. I have had it for over 2 years and use it every day. I have had NO problems so far (cross my fingers). I also own a Sony ICF-2001 which I can not get repaired. I am concerned that SW will disappear as Satellite Radio and Internet take over. I will miss the excitement and discovery of SW.
January 10th, 2008 at 11:00 PM
Tom, in fairness to Sony, the the ICF-2001 went out of production in 1983. Pretty unreasonable to expect repair after 25 years.
As for SW going away, major broadcasters have committed to staying on the air, but there is a good chance that English language broadcast will diminish, though not disappear.
Don’t forget, the Sunspot cycle has hit bottom, things will go up from here. Cycle 24 is supposed to be a whopper.
Ed.: Jim, as you may already know the ICF-2001’s Achilles’ heel was its keypad-contact design, so keys failed prematurely. Sony learned from this when designing the successor, the ICF-2010 (a/k/a ICF-2001D).
January 10th, 2008 at 11:36 PM
I had a chance to purchase an E1 for $350 recently, but given the reputation (deserved or not) I was afraid to proceed as such. I am not an advanced SWL, and so far my KA2100 combined with a longwire fed via coax (w/ a balun) and the optional SSB adapter, I have had great results.
I was close to purchasing the E1, though… Really close. But I cannot risk $350 for something that “may” or “may not” need repair, as the money is a lot, I have a working radio, and I am in law school, so I rarely get time to listen: I cannot handle going weeks without while I wait for a repair. Also, I was able to get my radio for $100. I am still intrigued though. Also, if it is “the best portable ever made” then why did it get the same star rating as its predecessor (Grundig Satellit 800)?
Ed.: The Grundig Satellit 800 was a portatop, a classification the plus-sized S800 eventually had to itself and which exists no more. The $150 you saved can buy some real enjoyment around the ‘Nova campus!
January 10th, 2008 at 11:40 PM
People on various Yahoo groups are claiming that the E1XM is discontinued, but the E1 is not. Did Walter Hess say both of them are discontinued?
Ed.: Walter Hess’ entire response: “The Etón E1 is discontinued now. That’s the only part that I can verify now.”
January 11th, 2008 at 12:21 AM
I spoke twice with Etón’s tech support today. Both times I was told the E1 will continue to be offered, but the last of the E1XMs are the ones you see available at some vendors online (Amazon, Universal Radio, etc.). (If you want a new E1XM, better grab one while you can.)
I also asked about repair support for the E1XM, and was told that Drake will continue to repair them and parts are not a problem.
Both of my E1XM radios have gone in for minor repairs to Drake recently. I couldn’t be more impressed with the way Etón authorized the repairs and the way Drake carried them out.
Ed.: Thanks very much, Bucky. If the person(s) to whom you spoke is correct, this is great news for consumers and not-so-great news concerning Etón’s communications (see preceding comment).
On Wednesday during their working hours we pointed out to Etón that this issue has been posted and discussed here, and there was no indication to the contrary back from them. So presumably we’ll have to wait and see what’s actually going on.
January 11th, 2008 at 1:34 AM
I was at CES, I spoke to an etón rep who informed me that the Grundig Satellit 1000 would not be going into production. I was also informed that the etón name on its radios would be replaced by the Grundig name and that the plan had been to replace the E1XM with the E1, no XM in order to bring the price down to around $400. However with the introduction of the Grundig Satellit 750 priced at $300 the current plan is to discontinue rather than rebrand the E1 as a Grundig.
Ed.: Thanks, Merlyn. At this rate, the outcome of E1/E1XM/Satellit 1000/G4 is going to replace the presidential primaries as the main nail-biter of 2008. To place bets, when exiting the CES go to the MGM Grand, two aisles down from the blackjack tables. Ask for Rudy.
January 11th, 2008 at 2:40 AM
I spoke with Etón in December and again last week about the E1 before this “story” broke. I was told that E1XM was not going to be in production and that the only units available were in the distribution chain. The E1 (non XM ready) version would continue to be offered and that Etón had made the manufacturer aware that quality control had to be improved. More E1 units were expected in Feb 08.
I have two E1 units, both early units 02xxx, which work fine with the exception of the Stereo MPX lock issue when they are not warm. One is at Drake now, I am using the other.
Ed.: Interesting, Marty, and thanks for sharing this.
Three percent is reportedly the established glitch rate for in-warranty world band receivers, and E1 production for some time appears to have been (apparently slightly) under that benchmark—although we don’t as yet know how long-term reliability will fare.
If all E1 production had been at or below that rate from the get-go, this intense discussion of production quality wouldn’t be taking place. But when you add to the mix the early-production quality issues and a major battery-safety recall, along with older units mysteriously surfacing to be sold even to this day, the number of understandably unhappy consumers crosses into a critical mass. This is not, after all, a $60 throwaway DVD player.
Etón-Lextronix-Grundig has been unusually well-managed and successful in growing the world band radio market in North America. Nonetheless, at this juncture they need to do something genuine and profound to restore consumer confidence, especially among online and other influential users. The problem isn’t that this model is overpriced at $400, and thus needs to be replaced with a cheaper and lesser model—that’s the Detroit Solution. The problem is what in politics is called a crisis of confidence, and just as in politics there are viable strategies for turning the situation around.
That’s the German Solution.
January 11th, 2008 at 9:45 AM
Seem to remember something similar happening when Sony “retired” the ICF-2010 a few years back, didn’t they promise one last production run that didn’t materialise? So confusion is nothing new. As for the E1XM I finally took the plunge and imported one into the UK a couple of weeks ago, really nice receiver with a 59xx serial number. So far it seems to be working fine on batteries at least (fingers crossed).
Noticed in the 2008 edition of Passport the adverts for the Grundig Satellit 1000 (a/k/a Etón E1). I work in advertising and the first rule is “Don’t offer something you can’t supply” as it does your reputation no good! So, a strange decision indeed. Again, seem to remember Lextronix running an advert in Passport for the then Satellit 900 back in the mid 90’s … does lightning strike twice?
Ed.: Jeff, Apologies for the late posting of your kind contribution, which got caught by the spam filter. Don’t recall the ‘2010 production issue you mention, but fortunately you were able to find a vendor willing to export an E1XM to the UK.
January 11th, 2008 at 12:15 PM
I agree completely with the comments from Ed. You establish your reputation by the way you handle your flagship product, even if most buyers don’t purchase that model and it may not contribute (at least significantly) to the bottom line.
There are a large number of “commodity” SW capable receivers coming out of China. If you don’t have a product presence that demonstrates that you are clearly an industry leader then you are just another importer of brand X. Service is another example of where a reputation can be established and it looks like Etón has stood by its customers with respect to the E1. The Drake repair center has received high praise from the reports I have read.
This product is a landmark portable, certainly from a feature standpoint. It would be unfortunate to see Etón throw in the towel on this one. I would recommend maintaining the E1 (non XM), extending the warranty to 3 years (Apple has done this when they had some QC problems with certain models—resulting in very positive customer impressions of Apple hardware) and along with Drake (who is fixing broken units and hence may know the sources of the problems) improving production so that future radios prove to be very reliable.
This may not be appear to contribute to the cash flow of the company but it will establish the brand as a premium one over others like Kaito, Sangean etc. I, perhaps erroneously, have considered the production of a radio with sync tuning the hallmark of a company that has a comprehensive line of world band radios, and others as second tier players. Seeing Etón drop the E1 would be a concern.
January 11th, 2008 at 7:20 PM
The E1 dismissal has also its roots in strategical errors back from the drawing stage. The major one is combining in the same set free shortwave listening with XM pay radio: these are different markets. And pay radio is a risky business as we see now (but that’s an other issue I won’t comment here). Maybe the XM text display drove the choice of a dot grid LCD, I don’t know, but if this is so, it was an ill-fated choice. An other major error was the odd case design, not truly portable, not well seating on a table (an accessory stand was quite useful), with no handle, no ferrite MW antenna (a good AM antenna is a must in the U.S. high end market and quite compatible with SW world band listening). As you see, all those errors have been avoided with the new Satellit 750: good mix of portability and table use, good mix of SW world band listening and MW/AM exclusive rotatable antenna, simple case easy to modify for options and future changes, and no more pay radio vagaries.
In regard to the main features and design, the sync AM is now quite secondary. This is now just a plus feature in the high end market. About 15 years ago, the future of world radio was still seen as AM with a 12 dB reduced carrier, and sync AM detectors were the way to go. Sony was ahead in the race. Then, this possible future was changed for another, DRM. I don’t know if DRM will succeed, but the transmitter side is working. So, now Etón seems to have an answer for consumers wanting at least an easy output to a PC sound card. The sockets at the back of the Satellit 750 were not present on the Tecsun S2000 prototype, so we can assume that Etón requested them.
Ed.: Ray, Neither reduced-carrier single nor double sideband ever got to first base for use in international broadcasting. Sony’s sync, introduced on the ICF-2010/ICF-2001D, was in fact intended for full-carrier AM-mode signals. It readily loses lock with -12 dB carrier signals.
Sync and DRM is apples vs. oranges. DRM for world band has potential, but after years of effort it has yet to amount to more than a technical curiosity. In the meantime, AM-mode signals don’t benefit one iota from a receiver’s DRM capability. However, those signals can sound noticeably better with synchronous selectable sideband, which is available in models costing as little as $160 in the United States.
January 11th, 2008 at 10:29 PM
Now that the E1 has been discontinued, how will one seek repair? I am interested if one can pass Etón and go directly to Drake for repair. The reason I ask is because if Etón does not care for E1 any more, then I would prefer to skip them entirely and go straight to Drake. Also what would happen in terms of repair if Etón and Drake go their separate ways? Does Drake deal with end customers directly?
Ed.: Nathaniel, although the E1 has been discontinued, Etón now states that the E1XM will be continued after it has been “updated.” This means that repairs to existing E1 and E1XM units will continue as before.
January 12th, 2008 at 1:18 AM
Just one more thing to throw in the mix: if you were going to rebrand all of your etón radios as Grundigs why would you keep your flagship radio under the etón name? At this point in time I don’t think that etón knows what etón is doing, but I did talk to Rudy and he is taking bets; any one else want to get in on the action?
Ed.: Try Jimmy the Greek or draw up a chair and wait. They aren’t going to fold, so their cards will be on the table sooner or later.
September 17th, 2008 at 12:54 PM
I purchased the Etón E1 in August 2008; it was manufactured in India 2007 and from first appearances the build quality looked good. On turning it on for the first time it was very hissy on normal signals and had a buzzing sound coming through over the weaker signals. I ventured to open it and found inside on the display PCB the worst solder splash I’ve ever seen in all my years as an R.F. engineer. There were others that were a lot smaller actually laying across the surface mounted components. How no serious damage was done remains a mystery, but I cleared them all miraculously. Without any test gear I found that the tuning of 1st stage IF after the first conversion was so far out it was noticeable by ear!! Once retuned, the difference was sublime and the filtering now is noticeably a lot better on the 2.3, 4.0 and 7.0 kHz settings.
The sensitivity is excellent and seems to improve with the synchro detection and also the audio quality. The FM sensitivity is unprecedented and grabs signals barely possible on the ATS-909.
Just to top it off, I replaced the speaker which was too mid-ranging and put a full range one in; this radio to me is now possibly the best radio I’ve ever had. I think potentially this radio could have been a benchmark if more time was taken on QA issues. With the host of other features only found on desktop receivers, it should be no. 1 in its class, but regrettably as a production model based on the one I bought, although I give it now 9/10 in its original form, I can only give it 7/10.
To use it is very effective; all features working very well, and holds on to the signal off the whip right into the noise floor. Excellent. The tone quality with some modifications and new speaker is wonderful and the audio is capable of delivering full volume for a bedroom or lounge.
Ed.: Thanks for the feedback, Keith, and congratulations on the various successful fixes.