In article , Paul Clay wrote:
I'm looking to pick up a table top shortwave receiver and have narrowed
my choices to a used Drake R8 (about $500) or a new Icom R-75 (currently
$450 on sale).

It depends upon your choice of egnomics. I don't know the R-75, but I
can comment on the R8. The R8 inside is a wonderful radio. It has lots
of features and works well.

What I don't like about it is the "user interface". The R8 is designed by
the same people who designed consumer sattelite equipment. Almost all the
functions are done with buttons. This is good if you like that interface,
and it allows a memory to hold many settings it could not if things were
done with knobs.

I'm an "knob twiddler". I prefer to have every function I can get on
controled by a knob, I can move with my fingers, not a button I have to
push or via remote control.

I prefer the Kenwood R5000 because just about everything must (or can
depending upon your point of view) be adjusted by turning a knob.

The best thing to do is to try both if you can.

Geoff.

--
Geoffrey S. Mendelson 972-54-608-069
Icq/AIM Uin: 2661079 MSN IM: (Not for email)
Carp are bottom feeders, koi are too, and not surprisingly are ferrets.