I've been looking at Drake R8B, but was wondering if these days one should
really be considering nothing but a DSP rx. Like Ten-Tec RX-350D at about
1,200 USD, or maybe JRC NRD-545 DSP at about 1,800 USD.

I do like radios with good audio. And I do like BCB DXing. Maybe on that
score the R8B would be best. Nice also if the frequency readout reads the
actual carrier frequency of the transmitted signal no matter what mode or
filter setting you choose..

I've been away from SWL for some time, and I don't know much about todays rx
offerings.