RadioBanter - View Single Post

December 31st 03, 01:18 AM

In article ,
says...
In your opinion which radio is better?

The JRC NRD-545 or the Drake R8B?

Please explain why you think it is better. It is a tuff decission
deciding which to purchase.

The 545.

The Drake isn't bad, but it's very cheap feeling, and looking too, IMO.

JRC has the best ergonomics of about any company out there, you will be
using the radio you buy many hours, and that's where JRC has a huge
edge, and the Drake loses here big time. The controls are badly (again,
my opinion) laid out, the display is "plain" at best, actually I think
it's really ugly. The case and front panel are very cheap looking, the
JRC is built like a tank, with excellent fit and finish. And once you
get the hang of it, it's a pleasure to use, even with all the extra
features. Is it perfect? No, but it's about as right, looks and layout
wise as you could ask for in a non Govt bought radio.

As far as performance goes, if you listen to AM programs, the Drake does
sound better. I dont listen to them much, I mostly listen to Ute's and
the 545 is the king. If only I could afford one. I have spent a lot of
hours playing with a friend's 545, and have spent a lot of time with
another friend's R8A and R8B. I was never tempted to buy either one. The
545 is something I want, and want badly.

For digital and SSB modes, the 545 is the way to go, especially the
later production ones.

You owe yourself a trip to Universal to play with both.

BDK