[Kenwood] TS870

[Bill Roberts]

Steve,

I've had a TS 870 since Fall, 1998.  Its S/N is in the 9XXXXX range.  I have heard that anything in the 7s and above has the latest firmware.  I have thoroughly enjoyed the rig.  I am (just) a casual, mainly SSB operator, licensed and mostly active since 1964.  I use the radio on 20-10 meters, occasionally driving an Ameritron 811H into a Force-12 C4EXL.  Unlike Yaesu, I have heard of few if any quality problems in the '870s, although I believe a few have been reported on eHam.

This will cause controversy but I prefer my 870 over my FT1000MP which is fairly loaded with filters in the main receiver.  The '870 seems quieter and more sensitive.  I have not experienced the overload on close in strong signals reported by some.  My gut feel is that in a very competitive situation where selectivity were of the utmost importance, the 'MP and its analog filters would probably beat the '870.  However, for every day operating, the '870 is easier to use, sounds better, etc.  BTW, I am using mine with the matching supply, speaker MC-90 microphone and an SM220 scope with pan adapter.

My only reservation about buying the '870 you mention is why not consider the TS2000?  On paper, it appears to have more features than the '870.  I believe that its IF DSP chips run faster than those in the '870 (40 MHz VS 100 MHz in the '2000).  Also, the TS 2000's DSP allows you to run multiple noise reduction schemes simultaneously, compared to the '870's 1 at a time capability.  I will soon be able to A/B the two radios as I expect delivery of a new TS2000 this afternoon ($1600 delivered, sans power supply).  I have heard a few guys saying that in terms of basic receiver performance that the '870 will 'run circles around the 2000,' but this is not a commonly held belief.

Bottom line...  the TS 870 is a great rig.  I plan on keeping mine for a long time.  

73

Bill / K8DXX


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