[ICOM] Icom 7600 Interfacing

[bcarling at cfl.rr.com]

Dear Brains Trust - Questions:

I am looking at buying a used 7600 in the next few days from a local chap, and I am 
wondering IF I will need the ICOM CT-17, that the is  CI-V interface and cable?

Icom says that you need the CI-V interface for computer control - do you?
I am told that I can just use the USB cable to go to a computer and use that for both audio 
I/O and rig control' HRD, FL-DIGI, WSJT-X etc. etc. and I am told I won't need it for that, BUT
what if I also want to interface the 7600 to my MFJ-998 antenna tuner that is hung on the 
ouput of my TT 422 amplifier?  Is there any advantage to using the Icom CT-17 CAT 
interface and cable for rig control... or interface to the tuner??

Also, I wonder what you all think of the Icom SP-23 speaker?

Many thanks for your comments and experiences, guys - Bry, AF4K
Brian Carling, Radio AF4K