RadioBanter - View Single Post

March 14th 05, 01:54 AM

In article .com,
wrote:

What would be a good "second" shortwave radio? Given the exchange
rate, I'm not in the mood to get a second 7030. I'm not a fan of
black box radios. I guess that leaves a tentec 350 or maybe build an
elecraft.

The Ten-Tec I own is a 340 and I can't comment on the 350. The 340
still costs $4K and I don't think you you want to pay that much. It's a
real nice radio but way beyond the diminishing returns factor. The 350
looks like an OK radio but people here have complained about the
performance here and the lack of software updates to address issues
they still have with the unit.

You can't go wrong with a Drake R8B for any SW interest you may have.
The R8B and 7030 have similar sound qualities with bookshelf speakers
in use.

You could get a ICOM R75 if you want to play radio doctor since you
seem to understand radio or electronics theory. Plan on getting an
external speaker right away if you go with the ICOM. If you are a
program listener like I am it's not a good choice. This unit is a POS
for program listening as it will never sound as good as an R8B or
AOR7030+. The R75 has a tiny advantage in sensitivity over the Drake if
DX'ing is your interest, that and the twin passband and DSP might give
it an edge over the Drake in some situations. My opinion here is just
based on specifications. I don't plan on getting experience with the
unit.

The R8B internal speaker is just OK and it sounds much better with an
external speaker. The RX340 internal speaker is also just OK and the
$4K unit also sounds better with an external speaker. A $20 non
amplified bookshelf is all you need.

--
Telamon
Ventura, California