Hello Lucky.

You know, you can go so "crazy" on this subject that you lose sight of
your real objectives. In your original message you stated:

"I'll be using the receiver for AM BC during the day, and local Hams
and
DX'ing at night into the wee hours."

Regarding the two receivers in which you are interested, it is my
opinion that it is always better to buy something new rather than some
dude's cast-off finery. (Why is he selling? No one gets rid of
something they like!) You could call Universal and speak to a
technician there who could give you some advice on configuring an ICOM
and then you could have (after one year and the warranty is expired)
the Kiwa modifications effected.

However, for the type of listening you do (AM BC, Hams, SW
broadcasters), the Grundig Satellit 800 would be almost ideal. Order
one from Universal and ask them to test the particular unit you will
be getting prior to shipment. You will get a fine receiver in perfect
condition which will suit you very well. You will not need any
modifications to it, you will have very fine sound and excellent
performance for the type of listening you do, and the price will be
right. Want better sound? Run the Grundig through your stereo system.
Cost is the cost of connectors at the Radio Shack. Want better
performance? Buy a better antenna. You know that the antenna is far
more important than the receiver.

I know that the Sat800 doesn't have the "prestige" or "professional"
styling of some of the more esoteric receivers, but the performance is
there! Also you would have FM and some limited portability to boot.

FYI: I own a Sat800 and use it for most "casual" (BBC, VOR,
R.Nederland, etc.) listening. I also own an AOR AR7030 Plus (modified
by the factory) Receiver, which is the finest radio with which I have
ever had experience, bar none. (Note to the gentleman who wrote post
#26: when listening to music over the shortwaves, I DO run my AR7030
Plus through Klipschorn speakers [the cost of which is now over $6000
per pair] using a Hafler DH-101 Preamplifier and a Hafler DH-200 Power
Amplifier. The sound quality must be heard to be believed!)

My antennas a Wellbrook ALA 330S Active Loop Antenna (for the AOR
and sometimes for the Grundig) and AOR WL-500 Active Window Loop
Antenna (mostly for the Grundig).

Given the fact that my AOR cost almost four times the price of the
Sat800, and given that your budget appears to be in the $400-600
range, and also noting that if you were to buy a Sat800 you will still
be able to avail yourself of that fine Drake service (I've had
experience with it), I feel that the Sat800 would be the best
"real-world" option for you.

Consider it carefully.

All the best,

Joe