On Sat, 14 Jul 2007 13:28:03 -0700, wrote:

On Jul 7, 12:45?am, "Beech Creek" wrote:
I am interested in opinions as to the best tube-type transceiver ever
produced and why?

I presume you mean "amateur HF band transceiver", and whether you
allow matched-pair receiver/transmitter setups that allow transceiving
on one or both of the VFOs.

I think it all depends on how you define "best", and whether you allow
mostly-SS hybrids like the TS-520S to be considered "tube".

I had an 820 which I liked and preferred to the 520.

For example, if the definition is best-performing-on-SSB one-box
transceiver, the KWM-2A is at the top. Yes it's mediocre on CW, has no
RIT and cost the earth in its time, but for performance on SSB it was
tops in its era.

Back in the 70s I had a KWM-2 and a 2A as well as the separate 32S3
and 75S3 and other incarnations. Although the Collins had the looks
and feel, I think my TR4C was the best of the lot as an all around
transceiver. It lacked looks and feel but it worked well.
I also had the Drake B and C line twins, but was not really fond of
them.

My favorite tube rig was the KWS1 with a 75A4 which worked well and
sounded good. You could also heat the ham shack with it in the winter.

http://www.rogerhalstead.com/ham_files/boat1.htm
http://www.rogerhalstead.com/ham_files/boat2.htm
http://www.rogerhalstead.com/ham_files/boat3.htm

I also liked the old Hallicrafters seperates SX101A although the 115
was a better receiver, HT32B transmitter, and HT33B amp. I'm
currently restoring two complete sets (A and B series) although the
photo only shows one set...
http://www.rogerhalstead.com/ham_files/boat8.htm
If you want RIT and good CW performance in one box, the Drake TR-4cw
(the latest version) is the one to have.

OTOH, if the definition is most-performance-for-your-money, it's a
close tie between the Heath SB-101 and HW-101. I do agree about the
mechanicals but consider what they cost in their time, compared to
other rigs.

If you allow matched-pair tx/rx, the Collins S-line (meatball 75S-3C/
32S-3) are at the top, followed closely by the Drake 4C twins.

Again I'd place the Drake transceiver ahead of the Collins seperates
having had both. I really didn't care for the Drake twins in the B and
C line. I will admit that was a longgg time ago and time does dim
my memory from that far back.

Roger (K8RI).

Roger (K8RI)