Jenni_is_a_Whore wrote:
Hello all. I have been into DXing for about 5 years or so, and I recently
purchased a Drake R8B. It's fantastic. Anyway, after using it for a month
or so, I've found myself thinking about a wideband receiver to complement my
Drake. However, I already have a Uniden BC 780 XLT scanner, which I enjoy
as well. So I guess I have 2 questions:

1. Am I really missing anything by not having a receiver that does not go
above 1.2 GHz? In other words, is it worth the $$$ to get access to the 1.2
+GHz spectrum above and beyond what my scanner will pick up?

2. Assuming that I decide to go with another receiver, do any of you have
recommendations as to a wideband receiver? I've been looking at the Icom
R-8500 and the Yaeseu VR-5000 (but the reviews I've read indicate this thing
stinks up the joint somewhat). I was also thinking about a JRC NRD-545 with
a VHF/UHF converter, but that would probably be expensive overkill.

All comments/suggestions/wisdom welcome.

Thanks!




Personally, I'm not a big fan of widebands. I have a couple,
they're ok. Use them mostly on field jobs, where I need to monitor
a huge range of frequencies from a compact setup.

For serious listening, discrete components will get you better
results. HF receivers are optimized for HF. V/UHF receivers are
optimized for higher bands, where channel widths can be wider than
many entire HF bands. Widebands that do justice to HF are going to
be expensive. And compromise both spectra.

Your R8B is a top flight performer for MW/HF. Audio is superb.
selectivity is equally good.

Your Uniden is a good selection for the upper bands. As far as
1.2G and above....not much up there, and what is, is mostly digital.
Around here, 1.2G and up is mostly just quiet. But if you want a
better V/Uhf rig, Icom's R-7000 or R-7100 are very good choices, and
can be found on the used market at considerable savings over new
offerings.