Rambler wrote:

Mitchell Regenbogen wrote in message ...
Actually I don't think that's true. I think the odds are pretty high on
getting an excellent used 2010 on eBay. As for longevity, it's not
unusual for these suckers to last 10 years plus...

I have been watching ebay for 2010s for the last five years off and
on. This is what I have found:

The majority of the radios that come up for sale are about 10 years
old (based on the serial numbers). Remember that they started mmaking
them in 1984. If the radio is newer, or being sold by someone who
knows the radio well, the price is more likely around $275-300 (these
include shipping BTW). From the evaluations I have read comparing the
2010 to the 7600, it didn't sound like the 2010 is twice the radio of
the 7600.

If I can get a brand new 7600GR from Sony under warranty for $135, I
have no risk. If I get a 10 year old 2010 that has no warranty, help
me see that the radio is really worth $75 (55%)more and the risks of a
bad apple or a short life. I've read many stories of 2010 owners that
have to knock the radio to get the SSB working or to make the radio
function.

But that is what this post is all about. Convince me!!

Rambler

If you're looking for a dramatic improvement over what you have now, I suggest you consider a plan involving an external antenna, or the best antenna you can create indoors if you must.

I don't know of any upgrade that offers more bang for the buck than a good antenna. Depending on your circumstances, a few dollars of wire and a little experimenting could make a heck of an improvement, even with your current radio.

Since you're planning to use it as a table top - you might want to look at some table top radios.

Used Drake R8's are highly regarded, and are in the same general price range as a Sat 800. I had one. It delivered a lot of bang for the buck.

The Tentec RX-320d is a computer controlled tabletop. I've never had one, but people who own them seem to love them. It's about $330 new. Used Rx-320's seem to go for about $200-$225. There are two versions - the RX-320d is easier to use for DRM.