[Boatanchors] 51J3 vs SP600?

[Todd, KA1KAQ]

On 6/21/05, Keith Densmore <densmore at idirect.com> wrote:
> OK, my two cents worth.
> Every single word said on this discussion is true. But if you want to just
> have ONE radio, my vote would go for a R-390 non A.

A what? Never heard of it. I'm aware of the R-390 and the later 'A'
model, along with the R-389, '391, and '392. Wait - is this one of
those "covert"-black-panel-worth-billions radios?  (o:

 <snip>
> OK, it's not a wonderful bandcruiser but after a year you will have wrists
> like Hercules!

Precisely why it's a great idea to have the SP-600 sitting in the rack
right below (or above) your favorite R-390(*) receiver. Al is right -
the '600 is the high water mark for that design. We could sit here all
day and say "this one has better audio" or "this one is more stable"
or "this one is better for SSB". The trick is to decide what you
really want to listen to and get the receiver that best addresses your
needs. Or better still - get one for each use, and a few spares!

The worst thing to do (IMHO) is expect an old dog to do new tricks.
Wanna listen to SSB? Get a decent SSB receiver like a 75A-4, SX-115,
etc. Drift-free digital stuff? Any current Yaecomwood ricebox should
do. If you're looking for a vintage receiver that is fun and not
tiresome to use, has the features you need for SWLing as well as CW/AM
listening with reasonably decent audio - the SP-600 is tough to beat.

~ Todd, KA1KAQ (helping to prevent the dumbing down of 'old radio' by
using actual nomenclature/model numbers)