[ICOM] 7800 and 7600

[Jan C. Robbins]

I have been fortunate to have side by side in my shack for more than a 
year an IC-7800 (three roofing filters) and an IC-7600.  They are
both EXCELLENT radios.  Here is a comparison that might surprise some folks.

There is really nothing to choose between the 7800 receiver and the 7600 
receiver, and both rigs
allow dual receive (unlike the 7700, which doesn't but is also a superb 
rig; I've tried it). There is NOTHING
you can hear on a 7800 that you can't hear equally well on the 7600.  
Nothing.

If anything, the 7600 is easier to use on digital modes than the 7800, 
and of course is in general much simpler..

Given the price differential between 7800 and 7600 ($7,400 v. $3,600), 
you lose nothing important by purchasing the
7600 EXCEPT the possibility of running 200 watts.

Now of course there are other differences.  You can't use an external 
monitor with the
7600 and you can with the 7800, as an example.  Certainly you should 
evaluate the specs on 7800, 7700 and 7600
together when you consider a purchase. But for sheer performance in DX 
and contests, most will find the 7600 all
the radio they need, and at a substantial savings, if 100 watts will do 
what they want to do (drive an amp, for instance).

Thus this is no statement that the 7800 or 7700 do not have advantages 
over the 7600; patently they
do.  But if one uses any kind of cost/benefit ratio in determining a 
purchase, the 7600 is not
just a "best buy:" it is probably the BEST BUY on the market.

Happy New Year to all!!  73 Jan N0JR

-- 
Evolve.  Coexist.  Go in Peace.