[Hallicrafters] SX-73 VS: SP-600-JX Comparision question

[Robert Nickels]

On 11/3/2010 4:14 PM, Richard Knoppow wrote:
>        I have long been curious about the relative
> performance of the SX-73 and SP-600-JX.

Richard, I've got both versions of the R-274 racked up side by side 
(well, one above the other, technically...) and every attempt I've made 
to compare them in actual use has come to the conclusion that there's no 
difference.

I'll concur with Al and Carl, the smooth tuning makes the Hallicrafters 
a great band-cruiser, something the SP-600 is reknowned for. I've had to 
re-cap every SP-600 I've had (about 4) and have never had to do anything 
the Hallicrafters, but then we know that's luck of the draw and one 
could probably have the same experience with later models of the 
Hammarlund that used disc ceramics.  (Re-capping the RF deck of an 
SP-600 belongs on every boatanchor nut's 'bucket list'!)   I don't know 
how a ham can help but love the styling of the SP-600 - it's what a 
communications receiver is supposed to look like -- but there's nothing 
wrong with the more mil-looking Hallicrafters either, although it was 
definitely designed after Raymond Loewy had left the building.  The 
actual SX-73 branded commercial versions are pretty hard to find,  but 
you can't go wrong with any of the above for SWL and AM ham use.

73, Bob W9RAN