[TenTec] which radio?

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In my humble opinion, buying the Orion II or any other $2500+ radio as a FIRST HF rig is a mistake.  It is not a "novice's" transceiver.
Half as much money for your first one with less features and simpler operation is the way to go. Definitely. 

There are lots of nice radios out there that are designed for your type of operation.

The Orion II is a contester's or DXCC Honor Roll radio.   Rag chewing or casual dxing on a modest antenna really requires a more
modest transceiver since all the expensive extras will give you little benefit.  Its all just good balanced systems engineering.

If, years from now, you ever feel you have outgrown your first HF transceiver -- you will have progressed down a lane that will lead to 
some NEW interest area -- and you will be able to decide between the features/nuiances of the various choices.

Many years of my early HF years my mouth watered over the super radios others had.  Then in 5 years what looked like a prize choice 
was no longer leading edge at all.  With the expanding digital modes and DSP and Softare defined radios  -- who can say for sure what  
features will be most important.

Ken K5WK/7
(Once a systems engineer, always a systems engineer)