I'd go with the R-75. It's the best of all the radios you've listed for
DX'ing and dealing with weak and messy signals.

A close friend of mine has the Kenwood R-5000 and I also love that radio
too.

Still, I prefer the R-75. For a new price of about $500.00 US, you can't go
wrong !!!!

There is some info on the R-75 on my web page. The link is in my signature.

--
Respectfully,

Michael

Home Page: http://md_dxing.tripod.com/
Northern NJ
R75 w/DSP, Kiwa agc/sync & audio mods
G5RV & 200ft longwire w/ICE-180
MFJ-1048 preselector
SoundBlstr Live PC card w/five piece Cambridge
speakers & full software mixer/eq.

"Jerry" wrote in message
...

I would like to buy a decent radio to listen to shortwave and
hams. From what I've seen, the Kenwood r-1000, Kenwood r-5000,
and Icom R-75 should suit my needs. I tend to lean towards the
r-1000, but the Icom is a new design and only a couple hundred dollars
more. Would I be better off choosing the Icom, or is it loaded with
squirrel features I would never use? Is the r-5000 a better choice?
Thanks for any help.