[Kenwood] My comments were for KENWOOD

[Wayne]

WA2JJH at aol.com wrote:

> 
>    Kenwood was a clear leader with the affordable TS-520, the revolutionary 
> tiny TS-50. The TS-850 and 950 have RCVRs that come very close to my commercial 
> HF Harris 1446U and most Drakes and Racal.
> 
>    Kenwood you make the best radio's <snip>...
> 
>   The TS-870 did nothing for me. Mr Kenwood, you need a new flagship radio.
> OK you will do a $10,000 job like ICOM.
> 
> <snip>

Well, I don't wish to offend anyone either. Now that the 
subjects been opened up, I think I can elaborate on it though. 
I'm sure Kenwood has heard this before. If not, then *someone* 
should say it.

I think all 3 of the major Japanese manufacturers have lost 
their way. If there is a question of "degree", Kenwood is 
probably the worst offender.

I've never owned any Kenwood other than a TS660, TS50 and a TS850.

Probably the TS2000 offers terrific price/performance. It may 
even be THE radio to choose based on specification. The problem 
is - the look of the thing. A radio that looks like that just 
simply is *not* going to make it to my table top. If you're 
selling this thing in sufficient quantities to confirm your 
"styling" decision, then by all means, carry on.

But I won't have one, thats for sure.

Yes, its a "looks" issue. Problem is.... this needn't have 
happened. Some folks will like it. I know this and I can accept 
that. For me, its just a purchase killer. Period. I don't care 
how well it works. There are alternatives that I can choose, and 
I have.

Same for the TS480.

Based on the TS850, you should be able to sell me a new radio in 
a heartbeat, but it has to at least have the *appearance* of a 
radio. You've yet to make a radio in the last 10 years that 
would inspire me to let go of my '850. Why is that?

I disagree with WA2JJH to some degree. You don't need a 
"flagship" radio. You need to start making radios again in the 
way you used to. Until then, more of the same of what is coming 
out today but more expensive just ain't gonna cut it.

Repackage the TS2000. Give it a *real* S Meter, a decent layout 
and some real knobs and we'll talk. Until then, I'll camp out 
with my TS850, Cubic 103 and Drake Bee line.



Wayne
VE3EFJ