On Feb 2, 2:50 am, wrote:
Hi

I've been away from this group for a few years but I'm just getting
back into SWLing again. Anyway, I have an Icom R71 with the Kiwa audio
upgrade, a Kiwa LF-H4S 6KHz AM filter, an Icom FlL-33 6KHz filter and
have performed the passband tuning mod from Don Moman's R71
performance manual. I also recently re-aligned it and fine-tuned its
sensitivity so that its running sweetly.

The R71 was a top performer in its day but I'm just wondering how it
stacks up against newer receivers like the Icom R75, AOR7030, NRD 545
or the Drake R8B. I listen solely to Worldband broadcasts and am
wondering if some of the newer receivers are any better at pulling
weak stations out of the mud. I do fairly well by tuning AM stations
in USB or LSB mode if strong interference is a problem. I know that
sync detectors improve the audio quality but are any of these
receivers significantly better than the R71 at making an AM signal
intelligible in the face of strong interference or when dealing with
very weak signals? I don't often listen to communications so I'm only
really concerned with AM.

Cheers

Andy

Dear Andy,

Those other receivers you mention are all superior to the ICOM R71 in
terms of features, usability, and, at least in the case of the R8 and,
especially, the AR7030 Plus, sound quality. However, with regard to
what you say you listen, I do not feel that you need to "upgrade" at
all. As you say, the 'R71 was a top performer in its day and it should
still perform comparably today, especially in view of the obvious care
you have given to your unit.

As far as pulling signals "out of the mud," virtually all good
receivers, used with a proper antenna, will perform comparably.
Actually, this is a good time to compare receivers as we are at the
"bottom" of the sunspot cycle and it is difficult to get good long-
distance reception at this time. (For example, my AR7030 Plus is now
greatly outperforming my Grundig Satellit 800, both using their own
Wellbrook ALA 330S antennas; when conditions are better, the sets
perform comparably.) If warranted, an upgrade to your antenna system
might be considered before buying another receiver.

Should you still desire to buy another receiver, my own personal
preference is for the AOR AR7030 Plus, suitably equipped and
configured. This radio, especially with its audio output being sent to
a good external speaker or a good audio system, is, in my opinion,
superior to the other receivers you mention in terms of
"listenability" over many hours at a time. Its circuitry is top-notch
and virtually all parameters can be adjusted individually, regardless
of the tuning mode. Some do not like a menu-driven system, as opposed
to individual knobs and dials, but this operating scheme allows
similar configuration, adjustments, features, and performance at a far
lower price than, say, a radio such as the Ten-tec RX-340, to which it
directly compares. The AR7030 Plus' sensitivity and selectivity are
superb, and it offers one of the best synchronous detection circuits
on the market. If ordered from a dealer in the UK in conjunction with
AOR-UK, the radio can be factory-customized to your requirements.

There is a price to be paid for all of this, of course. Any new
communications receiver, comparable to your 'R71, is expensive. Only
you can determine if it's worth it to you or if you would be better
off saving your money and sticking with what you already own, which
is, as stated, a superb receiver.

Welcome back to the hobby!

Best,

Joe