I have an RX-350 (not the "D" model which simply added a 12 kHz output
jack on the back for DRM reception). I modified my RX-350 slightly to
add the 12 kHz output jack to the back of mine.

I have had this receiver for more than two years now and I really
think that it's a fine unit. The ability to easily connect it up for
DRM use was the original reason I bought it and it performs very well
for DRM use. I regularly listen to Radio Luxembourg during the early
morning hours using the DREAM free DRM software receiver running on my
computer.

As far as being a good shortwave reciever, I think that it's very
good. Although the Synchronous Detection on it is pretty useless (it
loses lock at the drop of a hat), it does extremely well receiving AM
(shortwave broadcasts) in SSB mode (ECSS). Since the bandwidth and
PBT controls are functional in SSB mode, I simply tune shortwave
broadcast stations in SSB mode, selecting the upper or lower sideband,
whichever gives me less interference. The tuning is rock stable (it
doesn't drift at ALL) so stations tuned in SSB mode are rock stable.
Since I can choose the 8 kHz bandwidth in SSB mode, I can listen to
shortwave broadcast stations in high-fidelity without any fade
distortion, eliminating any interfering stations by selecting the
opposite sideband.

I live about a block away from the transmitting sites of 5 FM radio
stations and about a mile away from a couple of 50 kW AM radio
stations. The RX-350 has never been bothered by these stations.

As far as receiving ham and utility stations, since the bandwidth is
infinetely adjustable, it does a fine job of cutting QRM/QRN and
allowing rock-stable reception without any drift.

The passband tuning is very effective and operates similarly to the
Drake 4245 (a commercial version of the R-7A) that I also own. The
noise reduction circuit is quite effective.

In fact, when it comes down to it, when I have the choice of listening
to my Drake/Sherwood SE-3 synchronous detector combo and the RX-350, I
usually use the RX-350 since it pretty much always out-performs it in
terms of fidelity and in terms of adjacent station selectivity.

I do have a SLIGHT problem with my RX-350 in terms of the display.
After a couple of hours of use, the display darkens and "smears"
somewhat. It doesn't hurt the receiver at all, and the display still
works, but I'd make damned sure that TenTec has fixed the problem on
the receiver that you buy. Get a WRITTEN warranty against this
problem.

I've heard that TenTec service is lousy and that they don't care at
all about their customers. They haven't updated the firmware for the
RX-350 is several years, despite their advertisments to the contrary
on their website. Thus, reviews of this reciever have been mixed
since apparently there's quite a bit of "sample diversity" depending
on which receiver you happen to get.

If you have any other questions, don't hesitate to ask....

Fred E.
Detroit, MI



"wa5dxp" wrote in message
.. .
I have been looking at the R350D, and would like to hear from other
owners their opinions, pros and cons, and whether they think it's
worth the asking price. Also, how about the accessory speaker,
is it worth the $100?

The only thing I can see that I don't immediately like is the LCD
display, it looks kind of shabby to me and looks like it may
be hard to read and low contrast. I really miss the vacuum
flourescent displays, anyone make receivers with them anymore?

Anybody out there own one? Thanks for your help.

Jim