Dear Gisle,

I have no experience with the JRC NRD-545 so I cannot comment on it or
compare it with the AOR AR7030 Plus I've owned for two and a half years
now.

In my opinion, the AR7030 Plus, properly fitted out, is definitely one
of the finest performing receivers available, certainly far-and-away
the best I have ever owned.

Some people like its ergonomics and, obviously, some dislike them.
Personally, I had no problem with it at all, the analogy being that if
you can operate a menu-driven VCR or home-theater receiver, then
operating the AR7030 is "a piece of cake." (I'm in my sixties in age.)

There is, however, another option which no one so far has mentioned
here (and it applies to the JRC NRD-545 as well): there is a FREE
computer-control program called "RxWINGS" which allows you to control
the receiver via your computer. You download the program, set it up on
your computer, plug the computer into the AR7030, and off you go.

I rarely use the controls on the radio itself - "RxWINGS" even turns
the receiver on and off, and I never use the remote control any more.
The only facilities of the radio that "RxWINGS" does not control is the
Notch Filter/Noise Blanker. (The remote doesn't control them either.)
Every other function can be computer-controlled and on the screen are
discrete controls (the virtual equivalent of a receiver loaded with
individual knobs and buttons).

"RxWINGS" even allows functions that are not available such as scanning
(just like your $100 portable!), instant muting and un-muting (should
the telephone ring, for example), and quite a few others. It is rather
an amazing program and, as I mentioned, it works with the NRD-545 as
well as the AR7030.

And it costs you nothing!

This is something to carefully consider when choosing your receiver. In
other words, don't let the possibility of your disliking the AR7030's
ergonomics deter you from buying the receiver should you determine it
is the better of your two choices.

I researched communication receivers extensively for many years before
I settled on and bought the AR7030 Plus. I dealt directly with the
factory to customize my receiver to my requirements (after almost fifty
years of SW listening, I know what I want and need!) and the radio was
prepared to my specifications. I dealt with The Shortwave Shop in the
UK, a dealer who was willing to work with me. There are other English
dealers as well who will custom-order an AR7030 for you if you so
desire, but, frankly, buying from Universal with several of the options
they offer should result in a satisfactory receiver. This would also
apply to a JRC NRD-545.

For shortwave listening purposes, I do not see that the $8000 - 10000
receivers will afford the average DXer any advantages over the $1500 -
2500 radios, "bragging rights" excepted. That, of course, is my
opinion.

The AR7030 is able to offer its really superb performance at its
relatively low price (compared to, say, the Ten-tec RX-340) due to the
fact that it DOES use menu-driven controls just like the
above-mentioned VCR, home-theater receiver, your cell-phone, and myriad
other devices which have become so familiar to us these days. All of
these products are priced much lower than one should have expected due
to the fact that relatively costly discrete controls are eliminated. I
think iI is just because the AR7030 is the only truly menu-driven SW
receiver on the market that some users are "negative" about it, never
having seen, owned. or operated such a set previously. But, of course,
everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion.

I like mine and I think you would like it too.

Best,

Joe

P.S. Don't forget the antenna. In order to derive maximum performance
and pleasure, both of these receivers require the finest antenna you
can get.

Gisle Vanem wrote:
I'm in the business of buying a new receiver and have settled on
two options;

The AOR AR-7030Plus or the Japan Radio NRD-545.
Which one would have the highest dynamic range (IP3) and
sensitivity? Is the AR-7030 receiver so clumsy to operate as
many have stated?

--
Gisle V.

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