Von Fourche wrote:
"Von Fourche" wrote in message
et...


I'm thinking of going after a Kenwood shortwave receiver on e-bay.
Back when I got into
shortwave radio during the mid 1990's I always wanted a Kenwood R-5000.
Well, after buying two great portables, a Grundig Yacht Boy 400 and the
famous Sony ICF-2010, I never went after a Kenwood.






For a while, there, Icom's R71 and Kenwood's R-5000 were the Bobsey
Twins of shortwave radio. Each had his/her proponents, but for the most
part, they were pretty much the same performance with minor differences
in ergonomics, and complimentary strengths and weaknesses, although the
differences in each direction are of no practical concern. Truth is, if
you set them side by side, they'll hear the same things, and dig out the
same signals.

The Kenwood has more ear pleasing audio. Icom is notorious for
pretty crapular sound.

Together, they were the benchmarks of top flight SW receivers.

That was then. Today, you're up against diminishing supplies of
proprietary, model exclusive parts. And should you need a repair, you
may be in deep kimchee. Kenwood no longer has access to the display for
R-5000. Some keyboard items, and circuit boards are getting scarce.

If you find one that's working, you'll probably get some good
mileage out of it before you need to move on. But service and support
are things you shouldn't count on. That's not to say they don't exist.
There just aren't that many people who will take on on, anymore.

That said...if you're of the mind that this is a radio you can't
live without, by all means, move on it. No one should be limited to
'practicality' in a purchase. Practicality is only one of many criteria.

You should be able to find a decent rig for $400 and below. The
closer to pristine you get, the more stiffly loaded the price. I've seen
them go in the mid $300's for a presentable example.


Good luck.


p