[Boatanchors] AR-88 comments, value?

[Al Klase]

Ian,

The AR-88 is a much better radio in almost every way than an SX-28. The 
latter was a high-end consumer product.  The AR-88 is a PROFESSIONAL 
receiver, and may well have been the best general coverage radio in the 
world when it was introduced.  Don't be seduced by the PP 6V6's in the 
28.  The single ended 6K6 in the AR-88 sounds better in side-by-side 
tests on a quality speaker (Altec 604).  The reason is the the RCA guys 
had a handle on negative feedback.  Reduced IMD results in better 
performance on noisy signals.

Richard K's price range is pretty good.  At the retail level, a proper 
S-meter is a $200 adder.  I don't see any advantage to the LF model 
unless you just hate the broadcast band.

Like any radio this age, TLC, i.e. recapping, is in order.  The AR-88 is 
pretty straight forward to repair.  Recapping the front end on an SX-28 
is a nightmare.

Go for it,

Al

On 9/3/2013 2:50 PM, Ian Wilson wrote:
> There is an AR-88 available (sort of) locally. Although
> arguably the last thing I need right now is another
> boatanchor receiver, the AR-88 is something special.
>
> No special tubes needed, I see. Would be interested
> in reports on how this stacks up against the SX-28, say.
> Also any suggestions as to what would constitute a
> "reasonable offer" assuming fair condition and no
> obvious major damage would be helpful.
>
> 73, ian K3IMW
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-- 
Al Klase - N3FRQ
Jersey City, NJ
http://www.skywaves.ar88.net/