Yes, I know what you mean about using "less sophisticated" radios for DX.
I've done it for years, and not out of choice!
I put the audio of the 545 through my stereo - sounds great!
Mark.
"Lucky" wrote in message
...
I know Mark I used to eye them all the time but just couldn't convince
myself to drop that kind of bread on one.
I bought a Ten Tec 320D, which, is a DSP unit also, but of course you
can't
even utter the two rigs names together. But, for 2 bills, I have a choice
of
34 filters, easy DRM listening, computer control with lots of software to
choose from.
Plus, these guys from Italy make a hardware front end for the Tec with a
knob and all needed ports and lights plus s-meter.
But yes, the 545 is supposed to be very nice. I've been seeing many of
them
on Ebay. I'm glad you like it. If I ever catch a real good deal on one,
I'd
pick it up.
The truth is, I'm a tortured soul. I get bored so easily that I need all
these radios to keep me sane! When I get bored with the better tech models
I
switch on over to the Frg-7 or 7700.
I'll tell you, both of those units require work at getting a good SSB
signal
in. It's much harder and sometimes I like it a lot. You get a lot of
satisfaction after you lock that signal on perfectly. All you have to do
is
look at the tuning knob and you'll lose that great signal.
I also listen with the built in speaker. I like the "antique" sound....
"Mark" wrote in message
news:1095400230.380404@ftpsrv1...
If you are into SSB and utilities, the NRD-545 is an excellent option. I
notice you already own a Japan Radio Company rig, so maybe that does a
similar job. The 545 (as you probably know!) is a true DSP receiver (IF
and
AF DSP). Like all radios, there are varying opinions on its performance.
I
have one and I'm mightily impressed with it - the best radio I've ever
had
the pleasure of operating, simply brilliant.
Mark.
"Lucky" wrote in message
...
Hi
I'm pretty new to SW radio. Not even a year into the hobby. I'm getting
more
and more into looking around for obscure SSB stations and weak muddy
stations. All in all I want to own the best within price constraints so
I
know I'm working with good equipment and if I can't get a certain
staion
in
it's my own fault and/or my antenna.
I think the NRD-525 is pretty good as well as the r-5000 really. I just
wondered if I bought the Drake and if I were in dark, would I notice
anything different about the Drake.
But you guys have given me the main reasons so far.
"Mark S. Holden" wrote in message
...
Lucky wrote:
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
Hi
It would be easier for people to give good advice if they knew what
you
were hoping to accomplish.
I had an original R8. It was a good radio, and it did everything
pretty
well.
As Dan has mentioned, the R8b has the better sync detector. Sideband
selectable sync is nice - I use it all the time on my Harris.
The original one had the nicer tuning knob. Not a performance
feature,
but hey, you'll probably spend a lot of time using it.
The Drakes have nice audio - particularly if you use a good external
speaker, so you'd probably enjoy one for program listening.
Personally, I wouldn't buy a Grundig Sat 800. While it's got a
circuit
designed by Drake, they're made in China, and the build quality
doesn't
impress me. They're also incredibly large. They remind me of the
stereos
they used to sell in Woolworths back
in the 70's. Speaker cabinets would be 5 feet tall, 2 feet wide, and
weigh close to 10 pounds.
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