I have, and have used, both.
Construction and parts-quality of the R-11A is noticably better than the average BC-453.
However, the BC-453s were made by several different manufacturers, some of whom were better than others.
One particular maker, whose name I have forgotten, was particularly poorly done. Very cheap. Chassis folded rather than drawn, for instance.
The R-11As I have (2) are, quite obviously, built better and include higher-quality components, the most obvious ones being the can-capacitors which have ceramic insulators rather than the mica ones of the BC-453.
But there are other bits that are higher quality.
Both work so much alike that listening-tests show no real difference.
The missing BFO and tuning dial of the R-11A being annoying rather than important.
Ken W7EKB
Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, an AT&T 5G smartphone
-------- Original message --------
Date: 12/27/25 11:40 (GMT-08:00)
Subject: Re: [ARC5] Vintage LF/MF Fun with my BC-453B
If someone has informed opinion on this question, i would sure like to see it here.
-Hue Miller
-------- Original message --------
Is the ARC R-11A superior to the BC-453? Of course it lacks a BFO but I think the construction and materials are superior to the BC-453. I have examples of each in my collection but I've never done a Fly Off between them.
Wayne