[Kenwood] Compact "Kitchen Sink" Mobile Rig?

[Scott Manthe]

>In my opinion, Kenwood took a major shift in direction with the 570 and
>2000.  Neither radio interests me.  If they continue in that direction, my
>870 will probably be my last Kenwood HF rig.  However, I have an 830 that I
>would never part with so that might categorize me as a bit of a
>"curmudgeon!"

>de Rick, KN3C

What direction was that? Offering excellent performance at a decent price?

I'd suggest you compare the specs on your TS870 to those of the TS2000. I
traded a TS870 for a TS2000 essentially even up and you'd have to shovel
money at me to go the other way. The TS2000 is a much better low band and CW
rig than the 870, while being at least as good in almost every other
category and it has all mode VHF/UHF capabilities! I also get downloadable
firmware upgrades, an RX antenna jack, a built-in TNC and VHF/UHF sub band
TX/RX. The TS870 is a better "SSB Hi-Fi" rig, though. The TS570 is also a
very good little rig.

I find a lot of people who've got negative things to say about the TS2000
have never used one. I've worked 100 countries in 7 months with mine, under
all kinds of band conditions on both SSB and CW and don't have too many
complaints. No, it's not a FT1000D/MP (Neither is the FT1000 Mark V
Field!!!) or a TS950SDX, but it is a very good rig- certainly the equal of
the TS870 on HF. Before you disparage the TS2000, use one.

73,
Scott, W9AL