[Boatanchors] Hq-170 & "The Classics" Myth

[Todd, KA1KAQ]

On Fri, Jul 18, 2008 at 8:26 AM, EP Swynar <gswynar at durham.net> wrote:

> The receiver hasn't been built yet that
> DOESN'T have SOMETHING inherently wrong with it, believe me...

> Even the much vaunted Collins 75A4 is NOT without its detractors ---


Ain't that the truth, Eddy! 75A-4 is probably the best 'battle mode'
receiver for AM use and SSB as well, but not terribly great in the
audio department. Very stable, selective, and...communications
quality.

SP-200 and SX-28 have wonderful audio but some drift, sensitivity
issues, and so on. The R-390 family of receivers is considered the
overall best by many, yet an outboard amp fed from the diode load
connections is required on the A model if you want nice audio.

> His shrugged shoulders said it all.

Had very similar experiences re: the SX-88. A couple of friends have
them, both say they are nice radios but nowhere near what you'd think
for the prices some bring.

> ...and just like the owner
of a $70 thousand Mercedes-Benz would NEVER admit to there being any flaws
with the car of his choice

Yes, try to convince the owner of a Ferrari or Porsche, or even an old
muscle car that a Mercedes sedan is a better car. :D

At the end of the day, it's what you like about it that matters. We're
seldom dealing with life and death situations with respect to our old
radios, so that kind of performance expectation is not an issue. As
Jim points out - the experiences and knowledge possessed by others is
most helpful if you are looking for particular performance, as it can
help you avoid buying a radio you won't be happy with.

~ Todd,  KA1KAQ