Michael wrote:

Hiya...

I attempted the sync mod myself but I wound up breaking a pin off of the
stock Motorola chip that is part of the R-75's sync circuit. So, I sent it
to Kiwa. Since I had to send them the radio, I asked them to do the audio
upgrade for me also. Remarkably, they had the radio back to me in a week.

It's good to know there's a plan B. :)

--
M2

Paul Clay wrote in message ...
RHF wrote:


FWIW: My ranking of those that were mentioned:



#10 = Drake R8B (Would like to Own one$$$)
- - - http://www.dxing.com/rx/r8b.htm
- - - http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/494



#8 = Drake R8A
- - - http://www.dxing.com/rx/r8.htm
- - - http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/1827


#6 = Icom R75 (Own One with the Full Kiwa Installed Mods.)
- - - http://www.dxing.com/rx/r75.htm
- - - http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/427



#4 = Drake R8 (Tried one)
- - - http://www.dxing.com/rx/r8.htm
+ Add-in + Drake SW-8
- - - http://www.dxing.com/rx/sw8.htm
- - - http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/600
+ Add-in + Grundig Satellit 800M (Own one.)
- - - http://www.dxing.com/rx/sat800.htm
- - - http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/1699



#3 = Kenwood R-5000 (Own one)
- - - http://www.dxing.com/rx/r5000.htm
- - - http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/468



#2 = Palstar R-30 (For the very reasons you stated)
- - - http://www.radiointel.com/review-palstar30.htm
- - - http://www.dxing.com/rx/r30.htm
- - - http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/851



#1 = Yaesu FRG-7700 (Own one)
+ + + FRT-7700 + FRA-7700 + FRV-7700
- - - http://www.dxing.com/rx/frg7000.htm
- - - http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/1808



#"0" = Panasonic RF-4900 (Own one)
- - - http://www.dxing.com/rx/rf4800.htm
- - - http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/1190
+ Add-in + Drake SW-1 (Own one)
- - - http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/1313
- - - http://www.dxing.com/rx/ssr1.htm



~ RHF / ~ RHF

..

How about if I throw a Palstar 30 into the mix? I just came across that radio in my research. At $525
the price is right, although it seems to offer nary a bell or whistle, only good, basic performance.

the R8 is not worth $500. I bought mine several months ago for $350.
The R8 is a great radio but the selectable sync on the SW-8 and
Satellit 800 is FAR superior. I have ALL THREE of the above and my
main rx is the SW-8 because of its small size over the 800. the R8
sits on my workbench for other purposes and comparision work to the
receiver I am modding or testing. The 8 or 800 makes easier better
listenning on stations with het problems. The BIG advantage of the R-8
over the other two is the better narrow filters for SSB/CW/UTES etc
work. the SW-8 and 800 are SWBC receivers, not code receivers since
they don't have filters narrower than 2.3




Paul Clay wrote in message ...
I'm looking to pick up a table top shortwave receiver and have narrowed
my choices to a used Drake R8 (about $500) or a new Icom R-75 (currently
$450 on sale). Any thoughts about which one should get the nod?
Comparative benefits/features? I've read that some inexpensive mods to
the Icom R-75 can make it quite a contender but that, on the other hand,
it comes without the filters that would be standard in the Drake R8?

Thanks!

ACCORDING TO A CONVERSATION WITH DRAKE THEMSELVES, THERE ARE NO
SIGNIFICANT PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENTS IN THE A VERSION ONLY ERGONOMIC




I'd prefer the R8A to the older R8 because it apparently
contains a number of non-negligible improvements in every respect (RF
performance as well as operation). The current R8B should be a class
above the IC-R75.

Stephan

The Drake R8 is a far superior radio than the Icom-IC-R75 for AM DX though I would give the R75 the edge on SSB. My Drake cost $650 pre-owned 8 years ago. If you could get a Drake R8 for around $400 then I would snap it up. You won't be disappointed!!! Best of luck
Fred EI4GMB