On Nov 1, 12:44 am, wrote:
I've narrowed my search down to a short list of three receivers:

Icom 756 Pro III
JRC NRD-545
AOR 7030+

My primary interests are MW DXing, utilities, and general SW
listening, in that order, with SW listening a distant third.

There are no general SW dealers in my area, so I haven't seen the JRC
or the AOL, but there's a Ham Radio Outlet where I had a chance to
listen to the 756.

I've owned an NRD-525 in the past, so I know something of the
ergonomics and build quality of the NRD series, which I like, but I'm
concerned about the less than stellar reviews I've read. Most of them
complain about the audio (monkey chatter) and dynamic range issues
associated with the 18-bit A/D.

I've never seen a 7030+, but the menu-oriented operating system seems
to be a love it or hate it proposition. I've also heard of issues with
the encoders used for the main tuning knob and rotary selector wearing
out or becoming flaky with use. I've also heard that the 7030+ has
been discontinued, production stopped earlier this year, and dealers
are selling off remaining stock.

The 756 has 32-bit DSP and a 24-bit A/D, but it also has a
transmitter, which adds to the cost, making this the most expensive of
the three ($900 more than the 545 and $1200 more than the 7030+). The
sensitivity below 1500kHz is crippled, requiring a mod to disable the
attenuator and enable the pre-amp in this range. The spectrum scope is
cool, enabling you to "see" signals in a section of the band changing
in real-time.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Dear Sir,

The AOR AR7030 'Plus' has NOT been discontinued nor are there any
plans to do so. The encoder "problem" and, as a matter of fact, all
other issues have long-since been resolved. The AR7030, both 'regular'
and 'Plus' models have been manufactured for over ten years now and
have been improved (and are continuing to be improved as warranted) to
an extremely high standard of performance and construction quality.
The ergonomics "problem," which has been GREATLY overblown, can be
eliminated, if desired, by merely controlling the receiver via a
computer. There are several FREE programs which do just that. The one
I use is RxWINGS which is not only superb in operation, but actually
adds some facilities and capabilities not present on the radio itself.

When ordering the radio, you can specify which filters you wish to
have incorporated; the four standard ones on the 'Plus' model are
really very good in and of themselves but you can also have added
certain Collins filters or, with the optional daughter board fitted,
one or two crystal filters. I have a 2.4 kHz nominal (it measures 2.2
kHz on my radio) crystal filter fitted; Richard Hillier of AOR-UK had
told me that listening in ECSS mode via that filter would eliminate
interference yet sound just like "straight" AM. He wasn't kidding!
It's amazing. It almost strains credulity to realize that I am
listening to music through a 2.2 kHz filter on one sideband and the
sound quality is just great. For serious MW DXing, this filter (or a
similar one from Kiwa) would be superb. A narrow Collins filter, or
one of the narrow MuRata ceramics, would be superb for utility
listening and, even after adding the highly-desirable Notch Filter/
Noise Blanker option, the price would be far less than the ICOM.

I have owned a factory-customized AR7030 'Plus' since March 2004,
Prior to its purchase, having read the same reviews you have read, I
was a bit leery of this radio - but the "numbers" published in
PASSPORT TO WORLD BAND RADIO convinced me to investigate this radio
further. Look at them! They are right up there with any of the so-
called "professional" models, even the one selling for $13,500.00! Of
course, I had never seen one of these radios either. At the time I
bought mine, it was not being sold in the US so I bought from a UK
dealer. (Today you can buy it from Universal Radio.) I made a couple
of telephone calls to AOR-UK and spoke with Richard Hillier who was
very patient and helpful. He made some suggestions to me regarding
desirable options/modifications based on my own listening preferences
and, frankly, I not only have never regretted the purchase, I actually
wish that I had bought the radio earlier!

Yes, I too have read all the online "horror stories" about mechanical
"problems" with this radio. I can only tell you that mine gets used 6
- 12 hours EVERY DAY and, in three and one-half years, it has never
even "hiccuped."

Before you buy any radio, I strongly suggest that you telephone Mr.
Hillier and speak with him. His information will be very enlightening
even if you choose to buy one of the other radios. You could also e-
mail him, but I really suggest a telephone call; you'll be able to get
much more information - don't forget the time differential.

And by the way, the AR7030's sound quality, via a good external
speaker or, even better, through a good audio system, has to be heard
to be believed!

Best of luck,

Joe