[Hallicrafters] SX-88 Value Controversy

[Peter A Markavage]

 I've had an SX-88 for a number of years, and even after spending many
weeks changing out all the old caps, resistors out of tolerance, cleaning
controls, switch contacts, alignment, etc., the word "wow" never appeared
on my lips in using the receiver. Over all, it's not a bad receiver in
sensitivity and selectivity, although on the higher frequencies it was
sometimes difficult to pull signals out of the mud. Since I generally use
headphones (the rest of the family nor the neighbors care to listen to
what I'm listening to), the 6V6 audio output pair was not of great
importance. My Squires Sanders SS-1R, National HRO-500, and McKay Dymek
DR-33C receivers seem to outperform the SX-88 in the areas of sensitivity
(especially on the higher frequencies), selectivity (under adverse
QRM/contest type conditions), and definitely SSB audio quality. Several
years ago with a side-by-side comparison of the SX-88 and 70's Kenwood
R-599D receiver, the Kenwood was able to pull out 10 meter AM signals,
whereas the SX-88 was struggling trying to get them out of the noise. I
still have the SX-88 and probably will keep it more for its collector
value $$ (unless I really get strapped for cash) then as a high
performance type receiver.

Pete, wa2cwa
http://www.manualman.com

On Sun, 8 Feb 2009 09:26:17 -0500 "Kim Herron" <kim.herron at sbcglobal.net>
writes:
> 
> Hi Gang!!
>      My conclusion:  SX-88  Collectable yes, better that what I'm 
> currently
> using, no. 
> 
> Kim Herron W8ZV 
> www.goldenradioservice.com
> kim.herron at sbcglobal.net
> 1-616-677-3706