[Kenwood] TS7000 approved and are order taking

[Scott Manthe]

There are often late model TS-870s for sale on eHam.net, QRZ.com and 
QTH.com and they ususally sell for $1100-1200.00. They seem to show up 
fairly regularly and oftern in bunches.

Much like the audiophiles do with the TS-850/DSP-100 combo and 
DXers/contesters used to do with the FT-1000D, it seems that some people 
are starting to hold the TS-870 in higher esteem than its performance 
should warrant. It's a nice rig and was pretty cool when it came out, 
but honestly, in late 2005, it's really no great shakes.

The fact is that the TS-870 was introduced in 1996. Since the TS-870 was 
introduced, Yaesu has come out with the FT-1000MP, the Mark V and the 
Mark V Field, as well as the FTDX-9000 series. Icom has introduced the 
IC-756, the Pro 1,2,3 and the IC-7800. Kenwood has introduced the 
TS-2000 and the TS-480. Contrary to what Kenwood might tell you, neither 
of these rigs is in the same class as any of the above mentioned rigs 
except for possibly the 756 and the original Pro.

I've owned a TS-870 and it would not make the trip to a desert island 
with me. That rig would most certainly be a Mark V Field, which is the 
best radio for the money currently available or the Pro 3, although if I 
had to take a Kenwood, I also owned a TS-2000 and it is a terrific buy 
and a great all-in-one rig. I liked both Kenwoods, but performance-wise, 
they pale when compared to what the other manufacturers currently offer 
as their high-end rigs and in most cases, their mid-line rigs.

Given the advances in technology in these last eight years, I'd think if 
Kenwood wants to remain vital in the amateur market, they better get 
something out soon. I hope Kenwood comes out with something to compete 
with Icom, Yaesu and Ten Tec's high end rigs, but given Kenwoods 
moratorium on amateur R and D, I'm not going to hold my breath- although 
maybe we can look forward to a replacement for the TH-F6A or TH-D7A.

73,
Scott, N9AA

Rob Atkinson wrote:

> i  use mine regularly.  if i were marooned on a desert island and 
> could have only one rig, it would probably be the 870.    i note that 
> there is almost a complete lack of availability on the used market of 
> 870s made during the last 5 years or so.   if you go looking for one, 
> you find only the early ones.   i've even heard complaints about this 
> from those who waited too late to get a new one, and are looking for a 
> used one.  The hams who have them are hanging on to them.   to me that 
> is a big indicator that a rig is a good one.   contrast that with any 
> well known dud you can think of.
>
> rob / k5uj
>
>
>