In article ,
says...
Since you've owned many of my radios I think you're in a good position to
answer my question. I just might save my money for a computer upgrade in
Dec then unless I hear something else.

I use external speakers and the 525's audio output is superb for it's age
that's for sure.


I would give it no more than "It's ok" as far as audio quality goes,
with the right speaker, it's pretty good, but the Kenwood R5000 and the
Drake are much better. If you find exactly the right speaker for the
R5000 (not any of the ham/SW speakers), it's very nice..


The thing is I love collecting these radios but I've spending just too much
money. I bought these 6 radios in less then 7 months. It's addictive. The
funny thing is, the guy selling the R8a told me if I have a 525 I won't hear
the station any better. After that reply I just had to ask you guys.

Unless you listen to really weak stuff where the sync detect will make a
big difference, no you wont hear it any better. I would say RF
performance wise, the 525 beats the Drake R8X series, but has worse
audio, in AM.

BDK


"BDK" wrote in message
...
In article ,
says...
Hi fellas

I'm new to this group and would like your advice based on your broad
knowledge of radios. OK I have 5 radios.

1] JRC NRD-525 stock
2] Kenwood R-5000 YK-88a-1 and remote options
3] FROG-7 stock, mint
4] Ten Tec 320-D
5] FRG-7700 FRA-7700 and F5 low pass filter options
6] Degen 1103

Now, I've been looking to buy a Drake R8 or R8A since I've read so
many good things about them and many of you own one.
My question is, do I need it and will I *notice a big difference
owning one over my other 5 radios?

Now when I ask "do I need it", I hope you radio owners know what I
mean by that.

Thanks for your time
Lucky


I have a NRD-525, and have had a Kenwood R5000 with the YK88A1 filter,
also a Frg7700. The only advantages an R8x(any model) has over the 525
is much better AM audio quality and synch detection. I rarely listen to
AM, and the ergonomic advantages of the NRD-525 make it any easy choice
for me over the Drakes. I don't like the looks of the Drakes, they just
look cheap, IMO. Their operation is awkward, and to me, most of the
front panel is backwards. To me, nothing are as pleasant to use as my
NRD515, and my Hammarlund HQ100(modded to the max) are. IMO, the Kenwood
is a match for the Drakes, audio quality wise, and close everywhere else
except for the sync detector not being there.

I wouldn't spend the money on a Drake, unless you really need the sync
detector..

BDK

Michael wrote:

Should I Buy Another Radio??

Yes, you should. You know you deserve it.


I have also used my friends R8A and
his R8B. I have read posts that say the R-5000 sounds as good as the R-5000
for program listening, but I dont think so.

I'd say it sounds EXACTLY like the R-5000 g





mike

You're all great guys and are giving me fantastic advice. I mainly use the
radio for program listening during the day, and DX'ing at night. But, as I
said before, I want the benefit of a good receiver so I know I can improve
my skill at this hobby.

It seems I have a "Drake" bug in my head now as well as the other radios
people mentioned.
I get these bugs to buy something and it won't leave me alone. It's like I
start telling myself how short life is, I'm getting older, asteroids could
destroy the planet any month, so why not buy the radio?

Can someone tell me what a good price for a R8A with VHF option in very good
condition sells for these days just in case I succumb to my addiction?

Lucky

"Michael" wrote in message
t...

"Lucky" wrote in message
...
Hi fellas

I'm new to this group and would like your advice based on your broad
knowledge of radios. OK I have 5 radios.

1] JRC NRD-525 stock
2] Kenwood R-5000 YK-88a-1 and remote options
3] FROG-7 stock, mint
4] Ten Tec 320-D
5] FRG-7700 FRA-7700 and F5 low pass filter options
6] Degen 1103

Now, I've been looking to buy a Drake R8 or R8A since I've read so
many good things about them and many of you own one.
My question is, do I need it and will I *notice a big difference
owning one over my other 5 radios?

Now when I ask "do I need it", I hope you radio owners know what I
mean by that.

Thanks for your time
Lucky

Hiya, Lucky....

I don't know if you want your next new radio to be ideal for program
listening, DX'ing, utility or all three :-) You already have the NRD-525
and the R-5000. I have used the R-5000 and I can say as you can that it
is a GREAT radio. I like it quite a bit. I have also used my friends R8A
and his R8B. I have read posts that say the R-5000 sounds as good as the
R-5000 for program listening, but I dont think so. I think the R-5000
sounds very good, and I think it is a very versatile radio, but I still
dont think it sounds as good as the R8A. As for the R8B... When you are
program listening and have conditions of fade and or strong adjacent
signals, I have NEVER heard anything deal with it as good as the R8B. It
keeps it nice and steady and the ssb selectable am sync allows you to
listen to a signal that may be getting splashed from above or below
without having to put up with the muffled sound that you get by going to a
narrow filter setting. So... If you want the "King" for program
listening, I think the R8B will beat every radio you have.

Now... If you want to do some serious DX'ing... I may be able to offer a
suggestion.... Currently, I use an R-75 with all the Kiwa mods... I have
found it to be good for both program listening and for DX'ing. For
DX'ing, I almost always use the R-75 in ssb mode. If found it to be great
for doing that. I think it is better for DX'ing then the R8 or the R8A
and R8B. With the Kiwa mods, it is also respectable as a radio for
program listening. Not as good as the R8 series for program listening,
but it is adequate. The one amazing feature of the R-75 given its good
performance and features... The Price... I got mine brand new with the
free DSP module for just under $500.00. But.... As of the past few months,
I have really been interested in getting a new true DSP rig for DX'ing.
One of the first rigs I thought of was the NRD-545. After some reading,
advice and research, I have come to a radio I didn't even know existed. I
have not yet used it, but everything I have read and heard shows that it
would be exactly what I would hope for as far as DX'ing performance....
It is the ICOM IC-746Pro. It seems to be a primeDSP rig for DX'ing. I
never would have thought to look at transceivers as I am not a ham, but I
have to admit, it looks to be the direction I want to go in. I'm probably
going to buy one soon. If I do get one, I'll probably also study to get a
ham ticket, being that it also has a transmitter. It might be fun.
Also.. I wouldn't buy a used radio, but I have seen used 746Pro's selling
for just under $1,000 bucks because there are serious defects in the
transmitter section. No problem there, though, if you only want it for
receiving. It would be a bargain to have a receiver like that for under
$1,000.

So.... For top quality program listening... The R8B.... For non DSP
DX'ing, The R-75. For DSP SUPER DX'ing, The 746Pro. For best over all
versatility, the R8B. For best value for dollar... R-75.

Hope that helps

--
Respectfully,

Michael

Location: New Jersey
Primary Receiver: R-75 with full Kiwa mods
Antennas: G5RV, 200ft "Frankenstein" roof wire
Additional Radios: 7600GR,KA-1101,KA-1102
PL-550, KA-989, Info-Mate 837, GE-SR III
Westinghouse H-104 (seven tube)
Web Site: http://md_dxing.tripod.com

you certainly have given the group fodder for conversation!

I'm quite certain that you won't hear anything on an R8B that you would not
hear as well on the 525 or the R5000.
The 525 doesn't have the greatest audio, but it's a killer utility listener.
I hated the R5000's ergonomics, but it's a great performer and has great
audio. So chase DX on the 525 and listen to programs on the 5000. Play
with the rest for fun.

You know, of course, you'll never be completely happy until you've actually
had the Drake. Then you too can feel qualified to answer questions like
this.

John




"Lucky" wrote in message
...
You're all great guys and are giving me fantastic advice. I mainly use the
radio for program listening during the day, and DX'ing at night. But, as I
said before, I want the benefit of a good receiver so I know I can improve
my skill at this hobby.

It seems I have a "Drake" bug in my head now as well as the other radios
people mentioned.
I get these bugs to buy something and it won't leave me alone. It's like I
start telling myself how short life is, I'm getting older, asteroids could
destroy the planet any month, so why not buy the radio?

Can someone tell me what a good price for a R8A with VHF option in very
good
condition sells for these days just in case I succumb to my addiction?

Lucky

"Michael" wrote in message
t...

"Lucky" wrote in message
...
Hi fellas

I'm new to this group and would like your advice based on your broad
knowledge of radios. OK I have 5 radios.

1] JRC NRD-525 stock
2] Kenwood R-5000 YK-88a-1 and remote options
3] FROG-7 stock, mint
4] Ten Tec 320-D
5] FRG-7700 FRA-7700 and F5 low pass filter options
6] Degen 1103

Now, I've been looking to buy a Drake R8 or R8A since I've read so
many good things about them and many of you own one.
My question is, do I need it and will I *notice a big difference
owning one over my other 5 radios?

Now when I ask "do I need it", I hope you radio owners know what I
mean by that.

Thanks for your time
Lucky

Hiya, Lucky....

I don't know if you want your next new radio to be ideal for program
listening, DX'ing, utility or all three :-) You already have the NRD-525
and the R-5000. I have used the R-5000 and I can say as you can that
it
is a GREAT radio. I like it quite a bit. I have also used my friends
R8A
and his R8B. I have read posts that say the R-5000 sounds as good as
the
R-5000 for program listening, but I dont think so. I think the R-5000
sounds very good, and I think it is a very versatile radio, but I still
dont think it sounds as good as the R8A. As for the R8B... When you are
program listening and have conditions of fade and or strong adjacent
signals, I have NEVER heard anything deal with it as good as the R8B.
It
keeps it nice and steady and the ssb selectable am sync allows you to
listen to a signal that may be getting splashed from above or below
without having to put up with the muffled sound that you get by going to
a
narrow filter setting. So... If you want the "King" for program
listening, I think the R8B will beat every radio you have.

Now... If you want to do some serious DX'ing... I may be able to offer
a
suggestion.... Currently, I use an R-75 with all the Kiwa mods... I
have
found it to be good for both program listening and for DX'ing. For
DX'ing, I almost always use the R-75 in ssb mode. If found it to be
great
for doing that. I think it is better for DX'ing then the R8 or the R8A
and R8B. With the Kiwa mods, it is also respectable as a radio for
program listening. Not as good as the R8 series for program listening,
but it is adequate. The one amazing feature of the R-75 given its good
performance and features... The Price... I got mine brand new with the
free DSP module for just under $500.00. But.... As of the past few
months,
I have really been interested in getting a new true DSP rig for DX'ing.
One of the first rigs I thought of was the NRD-545. After some reading,
advice and research, I have come to a radio I didn't even know existed.
I
have not yet used it, but everything I have read and heard shows that it
would be exactly what I would hope for as far as DX'ing performance....
It is the ICOM IC-746Pro. It seems to be a primeDSP rig for DX'ing. I
never would have thought to look at transceivers as I am not a ham, but
I
have to admit, it looks to be the direction I want to go in. I'm
probably
going to buy one soon. If I do get one, I'll probably also study to get
a
ham ticket, being that it also has a transmitter. It might be fun.
Also.. I wouldn't buy a used radio, but I have seen used 746Pro's
selling
for just under $1,000 bucks because there are serious defects in the
transmitter section. No problem there, though, if you only want it for
receiving. It would be a bargain to have a receiver like that for under
$1,000.

So.... For top quality program listening... The R8B.... For non DSP
DX'ing, The R-75. For DSP SUPER DX'ing, The 746Pro. For best over all
versatility, the R8B. For best value for dollar... R-75.

Hope that helps

--
Respectfully,

Michael

Location: New Jersey
Primary Receiver: R-75 with full Kiwa mods
Antennas: G5RV, 200ft "Frankenstein" roof wire
Additional Radios: 7600GR,KA-1101,KA-1102
PL-550, KA-989, Info-Mate 837, GE-SR III
Westinghouse H-104 (seven tube)
Web Site: http://md_dxing.tripod.com

On Thu, 16 Sep 2004 23:06:11 -0400, "Lucky"
wrote:

Can someone tell me what a good price for a R8A with VHF option in very good
condition sells for these days just in case I succumb to my addiction?

Lucky


Yes - go here - http://tinyurl.com/3w4lo

Ebay link

"You know, of course, you'll never be completely happy until you've actually
had the Drake. Then you too can feel qualified to answer questions like"
this.

John

I think you hit it on the head.....my head!
"john KB5AG" wrote in message
news
you certainly have given the group fodder for conversation!

I'm quite certain that you won't hear anything on an R8B that you would
not
hear as well on the 525 or the R5000.
The 525 doesn't have the greatest audio, but it's a killer utility
listener.
I hated the R5000's ergonomics, but it's a great performer and has great
audio. So chase DX on the 525 and listen to programs on the 5000. Play
with the rest for fun.

You know, of course, you'll never be completely happy until you've
actually
had the Drake. Then you too can feel qualified to answer questions like
this.

John




"Lucky" wrote in message
...
You're all great guys and are giving me fantastic advice. I mainly use
the
radio for program listening during the day, and DX'ing at night. But, as
I
said before, I want the benefit of a good receiver so I know I can
improve
my skill at this hobby.

It seems I have a "Drake" bug in my head now as well as the other radios
people mentioned.
I get these bugs to buy something and it won't leave me alone. It's like
I
start telling myself how short life is, I'm getting older, asteroids
could
destroy the planet any month, so why not buy the radio?

Can someone tell me what a good price for a R8A with VHF option in very
good
condition sells for these days just in case I succumb to my addiction?

Lucky

"Michael" wrote in message
t...

"Lucky" wrote in message
...
Hi fellas

I'm new to this group and would like your advice based on your broad
knowledge of radios. OK I have 5 radios.

1] JRC NRD-525 stock
2] Kenwood R-5000 YK-88a-1 and remote options
3] FROG-7 stock, mint
4] Ten Tec 320-D
5] FRG-7700 FRA-7700 and F5 low pass filter options
6] Degen 1103

Now, I've been looking to buy a Drake R8 or R8A since I've read so
many good things about them and many of you own one.
My question is, do I need it and will I *notice a big difference
owning one over my other 5 radios?

Now when I ask "do I need it", I hope you radio owners know what I
mean by that.

Thanks for your time
Lucky

Hiya, Lucky....

I don't know if you want your next new radio to be ideal for program
listening, DX'ing, utility or all three :-) You already have the
NRD-525
and the R-5000. I have used the R-5000 and I can say as you can that
it
is a GREAT radio. I like it quite a bit. I have also used my friends
R8A
and his R8B. I have read posts that say the R-5000 sounds as good as
the
R-5000 for program listening, but I dont think so. I think the R-5000
sounds very good, and I think it is a very versatile radio, but I still
dont think it sounds as good as the R8A. As for the R8B... When you
are
program listening and have conditions of fade and or strong adjacent
signals, I have NEVER heard anything deal with it as good as the R8B.
It
keeps it nice and steady and the ssb selectable am sync allows you to
listen to a signal that may be getting splashed from above or below
without having to put up with the muffled sound that you get by going
to
a
narrow filter setting. So... If you want the "King" for program
listening, I think the R8B will beat every radio you have.

Now... If you want to do some serious DX'ing... I may be able to offer
a
suggestion.... Currently, I use an R-75 with all the Kiwa mods... I
have
found it to be good for both program listening and for DX'ing. For
DX'ing, I almost always use the R-75 in ssb mode. If found it to be
great
for doing that. I think it is better for DX'ing then the R8 or the R8A
and R8B. With the Kiwa mods, it is also respectable as a radio for
program listening. Not as good as the R8 series for program listening,
but it is adequate. The one amazing feature of the R-75 given its good
performance and features... The Price... I got mine brand new with the
free DSP module for just under $500.00. But.... As of the past few
months,
I have really been interested in getting a new true DSP rig for DX'ing.
One of the first rigs I thought of was the NRD-545. After some
reading,
advice and research, I have come to a radio I didn't even know existed.
I
have not yet used it, but everything I have read and heard shows that
it
would be exactly what I would hope for as far as DX'ing performance....
It is the ICOM IC-746Pro. It seems to be a primeDSP rig for DX'ing. I
never would have thought to look at transceivers as I am not a ham, but
I
have to admit, it looks to be the direction I want to go in. I'm
probably
going to buy one soon. If I do get one, I'll probably also study to
get
a
ham ticket, being that it also has a transmitter. It might be fun.
Also.. I wouldn't buy a used radio, but I have seen used 746Pro's
selling
for just under $1,000 bucks because there are serious defects in the
transmitter section. No problem there, though, if you only want it for
receiving. It would be a bargain to have a receiver like that for
under
$1,000.

So.... For top quality program listening... The R8B.... For non DSP
DX'ing, The R-75. For DSP SUPER DX'ing, The 746Pro. For best over all
versatility, the R8B. For best value for dollar... R-75.

Hope that helps

--
Respectfully,

Michael

Location: New Jersey
Primary Receiver: R-75 with full Kiwa mods
Antennas: G5RV, 200ft "Frankenstein" roof wire
Additional Radios: 7600GR,KA-1101,KA-1102
PL-550, KA-989, Info-Mate 837, GE-SR III
Westinghouse H-104 (seven tube)
Web Site: http://md_dxing.tripod.com

That's the one I was looking at too. Only thing is I can't pay by CC and
have to send out the money first then get the reciever. I really like some
kind of protection a credit card can afford just in case. It it arrives
broken, something wrong, I'm out the money.

I know most radio guys are very cool and responsible, but you know stuff
happens.

How do you people feel about sending out money first with no recourse
really?

Lucky
"Kameron Spesial" wrote in message
...
On Thu, 16 Sep 2004 23:06:11 -0400, "Lucky"
wrote:

Can someone tell me what a good price for a R8A with VHF option in very
good
condition sells for these days just in case I succumb to my addiction?

Lucky


Yes - go here - http://tinyurl.com/3w4lo

Ebay link

On Thu, 16 Sep 2004 23:53:26 -0400, "Lucky"
wrote:

That's the one I was looking at too. Only thing is I can't pay by CC and
have to send out the money first then get the reciever. I really like some
kind of protection a credit card can afford just in case. It it arrives
broken, something wrong, I'm out the money.

I know most radio guys are very cool and responsible, but you know stuff
happens.

How do you people feel about sending out money first with no recourse
really?

Lucky
"Kameron Spesial" wrote in message
.. .
On Thu, 16 Sep 2004 23:06:11 -0400, "Lucky"
wrote:

Can someone tell me what a good price for a R8A with VHF option in very
good
condition sells for these days just in case I succumb to my addiction?

Lucky


Yes - go here - http://tinyurl.com/3w4lo

Ebay link


Use payPal.

He doesn't take Paypal. Only checks and money orders. He has to have a
Paypal account to take cash transactions. You know, I once paid a guy cash
with Paypal who didn't tell me about a dent on top of the radio.

When I looked over what my options were, Paypal told me if I pay with cash,
they can do nothing at all but send him a e-mail asking him to comply. They
actually told me you would be better off using a CC for your future
purchases.

I have no idea why some Ebayers feel people will send large sums of money to
strangers and hope for the best. I know Paypal is not loved, but if you pay
with a CC, it's hard to get taken.

Lucky



"Kameron Spesial" wrote in message
...
On Thu, 16 Sep 2004 23:53:26 -0400, "Lucky"
wrote:

That's the one I was looking at too. Only thing is I can't pay by CC and
have to send out the money first then get the reciever. I really like some
kind of protection a credit card can afford just in case. It it arrives
broken, something wrong, I'm out the money.

I know most radio guys are very cool and responsible, but you know stuff
happens.

How do you people feel about sending out money first with no recourse
really?

Lucky
"Kameron Spesial" wrote in message
. ..
On Thu, 16 Sep 2004 23:06:11 -0400, "Lucky"
wrote:

Can someone tell me what a good price for a R8A with VHF option in very
good
condition sells for these days just in case I succumb to my addiction?

Lucky


Yes - go here - http://tinyurl.com/3w4lo

Ebay link


Use payPal.

If you are into SSB and utilities, the NRD-545 is an excellent option. I
notice you already own a Japan Radio Company rig, so maybe that does a
similar job. The 545 (as you probably know!) is a true DSP receiver (IF and
AF DSP). Like all radios, there are varying opinions on its performance. I
have one and I'm mightily impressed with it - the best radio I've ever had
the pleasure of operating, simply brilliant.

Mark.

"Lucky" wrote in message
...
Hi

I'm pretty new to SW radio. Not even a year into the hobby. I'm getting
more
and more into looking around for obscure SSB stations and weak muddy
stations. All in all I want to own the best within price constraints so I
know I'm working with good equipment and if I can't get a certain staion
in
it's my own fault and/or my antenna.

I think the NRD-525 is pretty good as well as the r-5000 really. I just
wondered if I bought the Drake and if I were in dark, would I notice
anything different about the Drake.

But you guys have given me the main reasons so far.


"Mark S. Holden" wrote in message
...
Lucky wrote:

Hi fellas

I'm new to this group and would like your advice based on your broad
knowledge of radios. OK I have 5 radios.

1] JRC NRD-525 stock
2] Kenwood R-5000 YK-88a-1 and remote options
3] FROG-7 stock, mint
4] Ten Tec 320-D
5] FRG-7700 FRA-7700 and F5 low pass filter options
6] Degen 1103

Now, I've been looking to buy a Drake R8 or R8A since I've read so
many good things about them and many of you own one.
My question is, do I need it and will I *notice a big difference
owning one over my other 5 radios?

Now when I ask "do I need it", I hope you radio owners know what I
mean by that.

Thanks for your time
Lucky


Hi

It would be easier for people to give good advice if they knew what you
were hoping to accomplish.

I had an original R8. It was a good radio, and it did everything pretty
well.

As Dan has mentioned, the R8b has the better sync detector. Sideband
selectable sync is nice - I use it all the time on my Harris.

The original one had the nicer tuning knob. Not a performance feature,
but hey, you'll probably spend a lot of time using it.

The Drakes have nice audio - particularly if you use a good external
speaker, so you'd probably enjoy one for program listening.

Personally, I wouldn't buy a Grundig Sat 800. While it's got a circuit
designed by Drake, they're made in China, and the build quality doesn't
impress me. They're also incredibly large. They remind me of the
stereos
they used to sell in Woolworths back
in the 70's. Speaker cabinets would be 5 feet tall, 2 feet wide, and
weigh close to 10 pounds.