[Icom] Re: IC-751A vs. IC-765

[Igor Sokolov]

but my only rig for comparison was a Swan 700. I'd like to hear some
opinions and wisdom from the members of this list as to whether it's worth
the time and money to upgrade. My interests are DX and a little bit of
casual contesting. I am particularly interested in a comparison of receiver
performance. Will I really be able to tell the difference between the two
rigs? The 751A does not have an internal PS or tuner, but that's not a big
problem for me. It would be great if someone who has owned both rigs can
comment. Thanks.

I was very much in the same position 3 years ago when I had 751A and was
thinking of purchasing 765. I currently have both. I have donePBT and CW
trackin modes to 765. Here are my impressions:

I mainly work in the contests. I would say that both radios are about the
same.
751a is smaller and better for contest expeditions. It seem to have better
filters and no that 6db ripple that is so noticeable in 765 (on usb only in
my case).But 751a seems to be a bit (not really that much) noisier on 160m.
The main advantage of 765 for me is the size, build in ux-14 (computer
control which I had really hard time finding for 751a) and  nice large
readout and knobs that are much better in 48 hour contest. Another plus of
765 is 3 step attenuator (10,20,30 db)  and front panel switch for the
preamp. To sum it up - here in the center of the city all the advantages of
765 that are apparent are of ergonomical and not electrical nature. May be
somewhere in less noisier place you will benefit from the better synthesizer
of 765. It did not happen to me.

73, Igor UA9CDC

>
> Hi Chuck.  I've owned a 751, 751a, 761, and (currently) a 765.  IMO,
>
> 751 - good
> 751A - *Much* better
> 761 - Basically a 751A in new clothes (again, my opinion - someone might
chime in on this)
> 765 - *Much better* than 761
>
> In crowded (ie, contest) conditions, the 765 excels, especially with the
250hz
> filters.  Very reliable,  large front panel with wide control spacing.  A
few - what
> I would call essential - mods include the passband tuning mod - there is
also a mod
> for agc, and a front end PIN diode mod.  I would also highly recommend the
tracking sidetone
> circuit,  from the aug '93 (i think) QST,  especially if you contest a
lot.  Built in tuner,
> but I rarely use it.  Built in power supply is nice,  but makes for a
heavy package.  I have
> also run into a few minor heat related issues - see my web page.
>
> I also have a 746 (un-pro),  but find myself gravitating back to the 765
in contests.
>
> In short,  I think the 765 is probably the best value in the used Icom
market,  probably
> the best used hf transceiver value all 'round.
>
> I think you'd be satisfied with an upgrade to a good 765.  Also be sure to
check Adam's
> pages for links to the mods.
>
> Rich, KA8OKH
>
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