Apart from the new pcb, the main electrical difference between the Radio
Shack DX-394B and its immediate predecessor, the DX-394A, is the addition of
an emitter follower buffer amp between the output of the 2nd local
Oscillator (the emitter of the one transistor 44.5MHz VCXO) and the 2nd
mixer. The latter is a 2SK210-Y/YY VHF N-channel JFET; 1st IF is injected at
the gate and the 2nd LO at the drain.

Why would the designers add the buffer? What performance comparison should I
make between the A and the B model to assess whether it would be worthwhile
to retrofit a similar buffer to the A model? I can say that I have not
noticed any dramatic difference with my usual listening habits.

Tom