On Mar 2, 11:15 am, dxAce wrote:

Unfortunately, I have NEVER been interested any AOR products. Most of it I think
simply has to do with the way they look. Horrible. They just turn me off.

dxAce
Michigan
USA

Hello "Ace,"

Well, you're right regarding the AR7030 Plus' styling. It certainly
does not look like a Hammarlund HQ-180!

But I think you're making a mistake if you ignore products just
because of the way they look. What really counts in a shortwave radio
is performance, sound, and build-quality and, in these regards, the
'7030 is second-to-none, in my opinion. Regarding the person who
complained about having to "look at the display when operating the
set," that's no different than with any other radio, and the AOR is
VERY easy to operate once you become familiar with it.(Can you work a
VCR or a DVD burner? This radio is actually easier!) And remember -
the AR7030 Plus can be practically totally computer-controlled if the
user so wishes (I so wish!). You can "work" it from across the room if
you like (that's what I do - right from the comfort of my reclining
sofa - with an older notebook computer and, by the way, there is NO
computer "hash" whatsoever with this arrangement) and you almost never
have to touch the radio.

I have always thought that this radio is not particularly attractive
visually - but I'm sure glad I bought one. (Looks can grow on you but
bad perfomance ALWAYS grates!) I have owned mine for three years now
and operate it four-to-twelve hours EVERY day (except when I'm on
vacation). It's totally reliable and hears things that no other radio
I own can. For example, in the evening, I can hear Radio Australia
with the AOR radio (with a Wellbrook ALA 330S) and I CANNOT with my
Grundig Satellit 800 (also using a Wellbrook ALA 330S - I own two of
them). I don't even bother trying really weak signals with my
portables or even the Satellit 800 except for comparisons.

I think it's a true winner (note that it has been manufactured for
over ten years) and I believe that AOR-UK is REALLY going to have to
work hard to design a radio that can outperform it (THAT would really
be something!) at a reasonable, affordable price. ($13,500.00 "ain't"
my idea of a reasonable price - nor is a radio that evidently runs so
hot that it requires a fan - a terrible and inelegant "solution" - to
cool it, according to Dave Zantow's web page.)

If you've never actually tried an AOR AR7030 Plus, and you can afford
it, I recommend that you buy one. I believe you'll never regret the
purchase.

Best,

Joe