[50mhz] Yaesu FT-650 questions

[caitlynmaire@earthlink.net]

Hi, everyone,

I had the pleasure of operating Roger, KD4MYE's FT-650 at Field Day and
fell in love with it.  Then along comes Ron, KL7XL, whom I've had the
pleasure of dealing with before, offering a nicely equipped FT-650 at a
really fair price.  OK, I'm buying it, and I am thrilled.  I do have
some questions about what will soon be my primary 6m rig.

1>  What is the model of the matching speaker for this rig? 
2>  I know a number of hams who think the FT-650 is probably the best 6m
rig ever made.  Why the crappy QST review?  Which flaws are real, and
what, if anything, can be done about them?  I'm particularly concerned
about the complaints about CW operation, which I certainly would do on
10/12m with this rig, and on 6m during openings.
3>  Is the DVS-2 actually useful?  Is it worth buying?
4>  I am assuming an FIF-232C will be needed if I want to do any of the
digital modes with this rig.  Would y'all recommend the genuine
(expensive) Yaesu or one of the aftermarket equivalents?  Why?
5>  Any tricks, tips, etc... related to this rig I should know about?

Thanks in advance for any and all opinions.

73,
Caity
KU4QD