[ICOM] Pro 2 vs. 746 Pro

[Augie Hansen]

On 10/6/04 7:31 AM, "Jeff Frank" <jafrank at nyc.rr.com> wrote:

> I'm trying to decide between buying the Pro 2 or the 746 Pro. Read just about
> everything I could find on the internet about it. Besides the difference in
> extra features and price, some technical types have been saying the Pro 2 has
> a more "bullet-proof" front end against very strong signals than does the 746
> Pro. I like working 40 meters (ssb and cw) at night, as well as and some
> contest activity, so that could be an important factor for me. Does anyone
> have any experience with both those radios under very strong signal
> conditions?

Hi Jeff,

Given your intended use you want a radio that has good dynamic range
characteristics. Check out Rob Sherwood's comparison chart on his web page:

http://www.sherweng.com/presentation.html

The close-in (2KHz) is particularly critical to CW contest operators. I have
an Elecraft K2 and an old, but still very capable Drake R4C with the
Sherwood mods. Both have exceptional dynamic range characteristics.

The two Icom radios you are looking at have virtually the same DR numbers --
good, but not great. A 2KHz number of 80 or higher is preferred. So your
choice will probably be based more on cost vs. features (dual watch, etc.).

73, Gus Hansen
KB0YH at arrl.net