you certainly have given the group fodder for conversation!
I'm quite certain that you won't hear anything on an R8B that you would not
hear as well on the 525 or the R5000.
The 525 doesn't have the greatest audio, but it's a killer utility listener.
I hated the R5000's ergonomics, but it's a great performer and has great
audio. So chase DX on the 525 and listen to programs on the 5000. Play
with the rest for fun.
You know, of course, you'll never be completely happy until you've actually
had the Drake. Then you too can feel qualified to answer questions like
this.
John
"Lucky" wrote in message
...
You're all great guys and are giving me fantastic advice. I mainly use the
radio for program listening during the day, and DX'ing at night. But, as I
said before, I want the benefit of a good receiver so I know I can improve
my skill at this hobby.
It seems I have a "Drake" bug in my head now as well as the other radios
people mentioned.
I get these bugs to buy something and it won't leave me alone. It's like I
start telling myself how short life is, I'm getting older, asteroids could
destroy the planet any month, so why not buy the radio? 
Can someone tell me what a good price for a R8A with VHF option in very
good
condition sells for these days just in case I succumb to my addiction?
Lucky
"Michael" wrote in message
t...
"Lucky" wrote in message
...
Hi fellas
I'm new to this group and would like your advice based on your broad
knowledge of radios. OK I have 5 radios.
1] JRC NRD-525 stock
2] Kenwood R-5000 YK-88a-1 and remote options
3] FROG-7 stock, mint
4] Ten Tec 320-D
5] FRG-7700 FRA-7700 and F5 low pass filter options
6] Degen 1103
Now, I've been looking to buy a Drake R8 or R8A since I've read so
many good things about them and many of you own one.
My question is, do I need it and will I *notice a big difference
owning one over my other 5 radios?
Now when I ask "do I need it", I hope you radio owners know what I
mean by that.
Thanks for your time
Lucky
Hiya, Lucky....
I don't know if you want your next new radio to be ideal for program
listening, DX'ing, utility or all three :-) You already have the NRD-525
and the R-5000. I have used the R-5000 and I can say as you can that
it
is a GREAT radio. I like it quite a bit. I have also used my friends
R8A
and his R8B. I have read posts that say the R-5000 sounds as good as
the
R-5000 for program listening, but I dont think so. I think the R-5000
sounds very good, and I think it is a very versatile radio, but I still
dont think it sounds as good as the R8A. As for the R8B... When you are
program listening and have conditions of fade and or strong adjacent
signals, I have NEVER heard anything deal with it as good as the R8B.
It
keeps it nice and steady and the ssb selectable am sync allows you to
listen to a signal that may be getting splashed from above or below
without having to put up with the muffled sound that you get by going to
a
narrow filter setting. So... If you want the "King" for program
listening, I think the R8B will beat every radio you have.
Now... If you want to do some serious DX'ing... I may be able to offer
a
suggestion.... Currently, I use an R-75 with all the Kiwa mods... I
have
found it to be good for both program listening and for DX'ing. For
DX'ing, I almost always use the R-75 in ssb mode. If found it to be
great
for doing that. I think it is better for DX'ing then the R8 or the R8A
and R8B. With the Kiwa mods, it is also respectable as a radio for
program listening. Not as good as the R8 series for program listening,
but it is adequate. The one amazing feature of the R-75 given its good
performance and features... The Price... I got mine brand new with the
free DSP module for just under $500.00. But.... As of the past few
months,
I have really been interested in getting a new true DSP rig for DX'ing.
One of the first rigs I thought of was the NRD-545. After some reading,
advice and research, I have come to a radio I didn't even know existed.
I
have not yet used it, but everything I have read and heard shows that it
would be exactly what I would hope for as far as DX'ing performance....
It is the ICOM IC-746Pro. It seems to be a primeDSP rig for DX'ing. I
never would have thought to look at transceivers as I am not a ham, but
I
have to admit, it looks to be the direction I want to go in. I'm
probably
going to buy one soon. If I do get one, I'll probably also study to get
a
ham ticket, being that it also has a transmitter. It might be fun.
Also.. I wouldn't buy a used radio, but I have seen used 746Pro's
selling
for just under $1,000 bucks because there are serious defects in the
transmitter section. No problem there, though, if you only want it for
receiving. It would be a bargain to have a receiver like that for under
$1,000.
So.... For top quality program listening... The R8B.... For non DSP
DX'ing, The R-75. For DSP SUPER DX'ing, The 746Pro. For best over all
versatility, the R8B. For best value for dollar... R-75.
Hope that helps
--
Respectfully,
Michael
Location: New Jersey
Primary Receiver: R-75 with full Kiwa mods
Antennas: G5RV, 200ft "Frankenstein" roof wire
Additional Radios: 7600GR,KA-1101,KA-1102
PL-550, KA-989, Info-Mate 837, GE-SR III
Westinghouse H-104 (seven tube)
Web Site: http://md_dxing.tripod.com