Any version of the Drake R8 would fit your need perfectly. There is no
better SWL receiver available in my opinion and that of many others.
You will appreciate the synchronous AM reception for SW broadcast
listening too. I do not believe any of the rigs on your list have that
feature excepting perhaps the RX 320.
R8's can be purchased for $600 or so used and are still serviced by RL
Drake in Ohio. The boards are fairly accessible for user service and a
very complete service manual is available from Drake.
The three models of R8 recieved the highest ratings from Radio
Netherlands for years until they were discontinued in 2004. I have the
optional VHF board in mine which is a nice feature also. You can find
these on Ebay occasionally for approx. $100.
Thousands of SWL can't ALL be wrong ... I can tell you from experience
that a fine SWL RX and an hot ham rx are two different animals. The
Orion secondary reciever is pretty good for SWL but way too pricey for
this service alone.
My two cents.
Dean Shutt
AL7CR
Al Gulseth wrote:
> OK folks,
>
> I need some input here. I'm looking for a reasonably priced general coverage
> rig (either receiver or transceiver). The intended uses would include both SW
> BC and ham band listening, with good CW performance a must. Also, the XYL is
> a KC Royals fan (with no local affiliates -- all the stations are "secondary
> coverage" situations), so good performance on the AM BC band would be a plus.
> I would also prefer "user-serviceable" solid state (i.e., no surface mount).
>
> In looking at the possibilities, I have come up with the following list among
> the Ten-Tec offerings: a few other alternatives I am considering are listed
> at the end. Your comments/suggestions concerning my assessment of these is
> requested (list is in alphabetical order):
>
> Argonaut V: positives: compact size, good performance based on reviews.
> Drawbacks: not easily user serviceable, stretches the budgeted range.
>
> Delta II: positives: reasonably compact size, fits target price range, good
> performance from my contact with one some time back. Drawbacks: lack of
> availability?
>
> Paragon: positives: excellent performer based on "hands-on" experience, good
> availability (several currently listed for sale in various places).
> Drawbacks: larger footprint, stretches the budgeted range.
>
> RX-320: positives: excellent performer according to reviews, small footprint.
> Drawbacks: not stand alone (requires control computer of some sort or 3rd
> party "front panel" at extra cost).
>
> SP-325: positives: excellent performer, reasonably priced. Drawbacks: limited
> availability, possible service issues due to obsolete parts, large footprint.
>
> T-kit 1254: positives: small footprint, well within budget range. Drawbacks:
> not as versatile in filtering etc.
>
> Other possibilities outside the TT product line I am considering include the
> Drake SSR-1 or SW series and possibly some of the Ickesu (AKA Yaecomwood)
> offerings.
>
> Any comments or suggestions?
>
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