Most receivers have their charm. The SX-190 is a beautifully made
receiver - but it is limited to certain short wave bands - and it is rather
dated. The FRG-7 has always had a good reputation and works well.

It used to be that the downfall of many receivers was drift, frequency
readout and selectivity. Most modern receivers have solved those problems -
even inexpensive ones. Many of the people haunting this reflector like old
tubed boatanchors, and restore them. Sort of like an old car. But, like
old cars, they are necessarily better than the new ones. Buying an older
radio is an invitation to work on them.

The SPR-4 is a real beauty - but if you want to add new frequencies, you
must buy a crystal and they are expensive. Might as well get a synthesized
radio that covers all the frequencies you want to listen to without buying
more crystals.

Colin K7FM