[Kenwood] TS7000 approved and are order taking

[Paul S. Serio]

I overheard a Kenwood rep at a hamfest earlier in the year say that 
about the only thing that Kenwood had on the drawing board was a 
replacement for the D700. If I remember correctly the replacement was to 
include the 220 band. Sounds like they have written off any new HF rigs 
for a while. I agree with Scott, the 2000 is a very nice all-in-one rig 
and now apparently with the demise of the brand "Y" 847 the ONLY rig of 
it's kind but still not a top notch HF rig.
Paul, N5PS

Scott Manthe wrote:

> 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
>>



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