junius wrote:

On Mar 12, 7:05 am, "Unrevealed Source"
wrote:

Alright, I've got some dollars set aside for a new radio. Not a collectible
or shelf jewel, but one that I will actually listen to. The two that I
currently use are a Satellit 800 and ICF-6800W. I like both of those, but
need a radio in another location in my house. Looking to spend under $600
(perhaps a bit more for the right one), so things like the AOR7030 or Drake
R8B are out of range.

The problem I'm having is that the two main contenders, the Kenwood R-5000
and ICOM R-75 both seem to have major shortcomings. (The Kenwood with it's
keypad bounce and "dot" problems, and the ICOM with sucky sync detector.)

Any recommondations on the "perfect" radio, one without any major faults, in
this price range or lower? Thanks.

Jeff


If you're wanting a tabletop and you're wanting to purchase new, then
I'd go with the R75, despite the shortcomings.

If you're looking to purchase used (as indicated by your reference to
the R5000), I'd suggest a Drake R8 or R8A.

I'm guessing from the models you're looking at that you're not looking
to purchase a portable, but since the '2010 has been mentioned here,
I'll add the following: if you're looking to purchase a portable, I'd
suggest the Eton E1 over the Sony ICF-2010 and over the ICF-SW77.
While the latter two are both excellent portables (I've held on to my
'2010 and 'SW77), they're not in the same performance league as the
E1.

My end suggestion: go with the Drake R8 or R8A. I've owned both of
'em, and they're both a pleasure to listen to.

Regards,

Junius

Also consider a late model (used) Drake-SW8, the one with the improved
sideband sync detector. These have serial numbers starting with a '6' or
higher. This sync detector works better than the one in the R8 or R8A.
It's like the sync' in your Sat-800.