I just went through the same decision-making process and I chose the
Icom 746PRO. I was apprehensive due to the problems rumored
throughout the net, but I trust Icom and their ability to have already
addressed those issues. So far, I made a great decision. I have
never actually used any of the other rigs on your list, but I am not a
fan of any Kenwood made in the last decade. The Yaesu was on my list,
but a little out of my price range.

I, too, didn't really need 440 since I have that on another rig. one
thing I will need to purchase is a duplexer since 144 MHz and HF are
separate antenna connectors. The problem is my 6M antenna is part of
my VHF/UHF antenna (tribander), so the duplexer is necessary in my
case.

The rig was smaller than I thought, which is a good thing. I'm not
impressed with the PS-125. It makes a slight high-freq while while
on, and gets annoying. It's a cheap switching supply in a nice case.
I had rather have a linear power supply. Oh, well! The rig is also
built VERY well. Very solid feel to all knobs and controls. Not
crazy about the display (rather have an IC-7000 type display on it-
color!). One last complaint...comes with a cheesy hand mic.

Don't get me wrong. This is a great radio. I also have a Yaesu
FT-757GXII, FT-767GX, and Kenwood TS-940SAT. This was obviously a
step up from what I had, but I actually have likes and dislikes about
each one.

Prentice, N4VBH


On Jun 20, 5:32 am, Gary KW4Z wrote:
I have to replace a rig that was stolen and I'm down to four radios to
choose from. I haven't been able to get to a dealer yet to set down and
actually try them out but have narrowed my choices down to four with
preference of those down to two. If anyone owns some or all of the radios
mentioned here I would greatly appreciate your input and experience with
their operation. The two that I am closest to getting is:

Kenwood TS-2000 or the ICOM IC-746PRO. I do realize that the 746PRO does
not have 440MHz like the TS-2000. I like the IC7000 but such a small radio
that they fit so much into it with using so few knobs and buttons on front
that I'm concerned about the learning curve with that one. I'm naturally
concerned about durability, receive quality and the ability to reduce
interference and pull out the weak signals in a crowd or busy band.

Right now the Icom 746PRO has the incentives on it's side with not only
rebates, coupons and a free Power Supply.

I appreciate your input concerning these radios.