On Wed, 20 Jun 2007 05:32:24 -0400, 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.

I finally replaced my trusty old Icom 735 with the Icom 7000. I can't
say that it hears signals that the 735 does not. However, the noise
reduction is great, especially on static-y bands like 160, 80 and 40.
The learning curve is steep -- so many menus everywhere. The manual is
very detailed, 150 pages, but it has no alphabetical index, which has
had me pulling out hair trying to locate instructions on this or that.
I love the digital filters on the 7000. Nothing extra to buy, altho'
the mike needs to be replaced if you want your audio to sound decent.
Glad I bought it, tho' I wouldn't mind a few more knobs and less
menus. Still, it's working out fine for a fixed use radio. I put all
the local 440 repeaters in one bank of memories, the 2 meter repeaters
in another bank, the 6 meter frequencies in another bank, and I still
had two banks left for various HF frequencies, including the new 60
meter band.

I had been leaning to a 746pro, but got scared off by the eHam reviews
on blown diodes & finals and whatnot.

By the way, the Astron 25-amp switching power supply is very quiet and
a nice match for the 7000.

The 7000 is a good buy at $1299, but I notice the current $200 coupon
expires on June 30th, if you're interested in the radio.

bob
k5qwg

I think the diode/blown finals problem was addressed early on in the
production cycle of the 746PRO. You might check the dates of those reviews
on eHam. I've been running a 480 for a couple years now and really like it.
It has no extra filters. I would like to try a 746PRO, but I don't have the
budget for two rigs and don't want to give up the 480SAT. I have heard a few
7000s on the air and with the right mic (SM-20) they sound pretty good.

73,
Ed KA9EES


I had been leaning to a 746pro, but got scared off by the eHam reviews
on blown diodes & finals and whatnot.

By the way, the Astron 25-amp switching power supply is very quiet and
a nice match for the 7000.

The 7000 is a good buy at $1299, but I notice the current $200 coupon
expires on June 30th, if you're interested in the radio.

bob
k5qwg