Joe Analssandrini wrote:
Dear DeWayne,

Let me make a statement that you (and all here) should seriously
consider. NO shortwave radio with portable characteristics will match
the performance of a tabletop shortwave receiver, all other things
being equal.

I think I understand the point you are trying to make. But clearly
there are selected portable receivers that will outperform selected
tabletops.



While as RHF noted I am partial to the AOR AR7030 Plus (properly
configured) and, as I operate the set mostly via the RxWINGS
computer-control program and therefore have none of the complaints of
the person who does not like the AR7030's operating procedure (which
is, in fact, very easy to learn and use - I myself do operate the set
from its control panel every once in a while), the fact is that your
Drake R8 is very close in performance to the AOR and should be superior
in reception quality to the Eton E1, Grundig Satellit 800 (and yes I
own one of these too) or any other portable radio.

If you have a "weak point" (and I use this term carefully) in your
system, it is the antenna, good as the AOR LA-380 is according to all
reviews I have read. You might want to consider the Quantum Loop v.2
http://www.radiointel.com/review-qloop.htm for DXing on the MWs.
While I have no personal experience with it, Jay Allen is a respected
reviewer. If a Wellbrook Loop or an outside wire antenna is out of the
question for you, this might be an improvement over the AOR LA-380 on
MW. You would, of course, have to carefully research this one, though.

In short, I do not believe you need another radio; certainly, the Drake
R8 you have, assuming it is working properly, should be excellent for
MW DXing. The antenna is the key here - remember the antenna is always
more important than the radio.

As always, the above represents my opinions only. I hope they were of
some help to you.

Best,

Joe

P.S. Remember, I can handle things. I'm smart! Not like everybody says
... like dumb ... I'm SMART and I want RESPECT!

John S. wrote:

I think I understand the point you are trying to make. But clearly
there are selected portable receivers that will outperform selected
tabletops.



For instance?
--
Brian Denley
http://home.comcast.net/~b.denley/index.html

On Sat, 22 Apr 2006 23:36:00 -0400, "Brian Denley"
wrote:

John S. wrote:

I think I understand the point you are trying to make. But clearly
there are selected portable receivers that will outperform selected
tabletops.



For instance?

SW8 vs FRG-100

Brian Denley wrote:
John S. wrote:

I think I understand the point you are trying to make. But clearly
there are selected portable receivers that will outperform selected
tabletops.


A for instance would be: A Sony 2010 will outperform a Kenwood R300.
And I'm sure you can come up with several others.




For instance?
--
Brian Denley
http://home.comcast.net/~b.denley/index.html

John S. wrote:

I think I understand the point you are trying to make. But clearly
there are selected portable receivers that will outperform selected
tabletops.

If you look really hard to find the crappiest tabletop receivers ever
built, then maybe. In general, though, if you want real performance, go
for the tabletops. And most of all, remember this cardinal rule of
receiver purchasing:

A $500 dollar portable is still just a portable. (It's also an
extremely bad deal, but that's a story for another time...)

Steve wrote:
John S. wrote:

I think I understand the point you are trying to make. But clearly
there are selected portable receivers that will outperform selected
tabletops.

If you look really hard to find the crappiest tabletop receivers ever
built, then maybe. In general, though, if you want real performance, go
for the tabletops.

Since performance can be assumed to take into account many factors I
think it is safe to say a portable of the quality of a 2010 will run
circles around several (but certainly not all) tabletops.


And most of all, remember this cardinal rule of
receiver purchasing:

A $500 dollar portable is still just a portable. (It's also an
extremely bad deal, but that's a story for another time...)

"A portable is an extremely bad deal." Hmmm...you must have benefit of
special insight that legions of purchasers of portables have completely
missed. I'm sure they (and I) would appreciate your insight into the
qualities of portable radios, so please feel free share them.

Actually, I would never say that a portable receiver is necessarily a
bad deal. I have a Sony 7600GR, for example, that I spent a little over
a hundred bucks on. That was money well invested. I've gotten many,
many hours of enjoyment from it and it continues to go strong. I'd say
the same about my little Grundig Mini-World receiver, which is
literally so small it fits in my shirt pocket. There are some very,
very good deals to be had on portables out there.