[Boatanchors] rcvr recomendations

[Todd, KA1KAQ]

On 5/11/05, jeff <jeffv at op.net> wrote:
> My current radios include a Hammarlund HQ140X, Grundig YB400,
> Hallicrafters S120, and an AOR 8200B MK1.
> 
> If I were to purchase another boatanchor and another digital w/presets,
> what is the next step in each category? 

Jeff - 

Can't comment on the sandboxes, but here's my spin on the BAs.

The Collins R-390 family of receivers are excellent if you're into
serious listening. The original R-390 has the better audio, while the
later economized A model uses mechanical filters for better handling
of interference and close/adjacent signals. Tuning isn't exactly what
you'd call smooth and easy and requires some effort. They are not
'band cruisers' and many guys use a Hammarlund SP-600 to find stations
then tune to the R-390 to pull them out of the noise.

 Neither the R-390 or later A are real 'SSB' receivers and won't do
SSB easily, although they will receive it quite well using the usual
method of cranking the AF gain and backing off the RF gain. There are
several converters available to remedy this if SSB is a big part of
your listening. Older rigs lacked a product detector, of course.

Most other Collins rigs are ham band only except for the 51J/R-388*
which are general coverage. Collins audio tends to be a bit more
restricted 'commo quality' overall, although not terribly
objectionable. More casual listening can be done with Halli rigs like
the SX-28*, SX-62*, SX-42 and others with excellent push-pull 6V6
audio outputs. The -28 is a true band cruiser with flywheel tuning,
it's just not the brightest bulb in the string for selectivity and so
on. Still a lot of fun.

Hammarlund SP-600 is somewhere between the Halli's and 51J for audio,
but is also a joy to use with it's super smooth flywheel tuning.
Probably one of the better compromise choices between the most
sensitive/stable and best audio/ease of use.

I could go on and on, but it's only my opinion. Different folks like
different things, and there is ususally a receiver out there to meet
their needs. Collins rigs (outside of the 51S-1) aren't thought of us
the simplest to use and don't have the best audio, but can't be beat
when it comes to stability, sensitivity, or selectivity. Older
Hallicrafters have excellent audio but suffer in the other areas. Same
with Hammarlund, but to a lesser degree.

de Todd/'Boomer'  KA1KAQ