Hello John,

Sorry for the somewhat delayed reply but I have had some family
problems and have not been using my computer.

The AOR AR7030 Plus is indeed a superb receiver, in my opinion, fully
as good as any "professional" receiver. The "Plus" version is
definitely worth the extra money. Here are the differences (copied
from AOR UK's website):

* Increased balance of the mixer for greatest IP2 & IP3
* High tolerance 0.1% components in DDS ladder for low noise
* Enhanced RF attenuator operation for minimal intermod
* Higher spec wire aerial input transformer for minimal mixing
products
* Ceramic metal cased 4 kHz (displayed) AM filter fitted as
standard (typical bandwidths: 2.2kHz, 4.0 kHz, 5.3kHz
9.5kHz)
* Bourns optical encoder for the smoothest DX tuning
* Features CPU fitted, 400 memories, multi timers & alpha tag

It would be wise to telephone AOR UK at 011 44 1629 581222 and speak
with Richard Hillier directly. He can assist you in choosing the
options needed (if any) which will meet your requirements. He can also
recommend some shops where you can purchase the receiver (I bought
mine from THE SHORTWAVE SHOP; their telephone number is 011 44 1629
581222. Ask for Rob Burrows, but, if he's not there, they have a
number of helpful technicians.) (The telephone numbers are what I use
from the US; in the UK the prefixes can be dropped.) (You can e-mail
both of these individuals; you can get their e-mail addresses from
their websites [use Google to find them if you do not know them], but,
frankly, I personally still prefer "talking" to a real person about so
expensive and important a purchase. Both of those gentlemen are REAL
gentlemen and are extremely knowledgeable and helpful.)

You're lucky living in the UK; purchasing the receiver will be
somewhat easier for you as you may even be able to visit a shop to see
the receiver first-hand and speak to informed salespeople.

Definitely consider buying the Notch Filter/Noise Blanker option. I
don't use the noise blanker too much, but I use the Notch Filter
extensively; you won't believe what that filter can do until you've
tried it. It's WELL worth the extra money (though I feel it should be
standard on the radio).

Make sure you check with them about the advisability of including DRM
in the receiver; my receiver does not have it, but, of course, any
AR7030 can be upgraded to DRM at the factory if DRM ever takes off (I
hope it does NOT!).

Also, if you buy the AR7030 Plus, make sure you contact Jan Arkesteijn
in The Netherlands about his fantastic RxWings Computer Control
Program which makes the AR7030, already a very advanced receiver, into
a fantastic one. The program incorporates facilities into the receiver
which are not present without it (such as scanning - at any rate and
with any configuration you like!). What's more, RxWings is totally
FREE!!! (Don't buy AOR's now-outdated and expensive computer program;
it's had its day!)

If you have any other questions with which I can be of assistance,
please don't hesitate to contact me.

All the best,

Joe

P.S. The geomagnetic storm of the past week has raised havoc with the
shortwave bands. Reception has been just dreadful and has nothing
whatsoever to do with your current receiver or antenna; I've
mostly been
listening to my records and tapes but conditions do appear to be
improving. I even heard a 2 kw Brazilian domestic station on the
60-meter
band (4885 kHz) last night.

"big boy now" wrote in message k...
Thanks Joe
good reply you have answered my questions i may well get the
1530 version but i am first waiting for a spec sheet for a DX-1 Pro.
i will look over the two antennas and them make my final decision on what
one to buy..
i am using the AR5000A+3 great all round receiver but i may after the
Christmas is out of the way invest in a dedicated HF receiver how do you
find the AR7030....just what is the difference in the 7030 and the 7030+ is
the + version worth the extra cash.....
with a little bit of luck i may get the welbrook at the end of this week.
as were i am located the conditions are terrible at this time i have just
turned my receiver on and well its turned off again can not hear much. to
much interference on most of the HF band....
lets hope a new antenna will improve my situation...

Thanks: John