[Kenwood] TS 2000 NOT discontinued

[J. Moen]

The last time I talked to the National Sales Manager - Amateur Products for 
Kenwood USA Communications, I was told Kenwood plans to continue selling the 
TS-2000 "as long as it continues to make money."

The new HF rig will be a mid-range HF radio to replace the TS-570.  However, 
it appears during the design cycle, some goodies were added that will remind
us of some of the features in the excellent Elecraft K3's receiver.  So the 
new one will be very, very nice with a reasonable price point.

But it won't cover VHF, UHF or optionally 1.2 gHz like the TS-2000.

The most likely thing to dislodge the TS-2000 as a popular "DC to Daylight" 
radio is the new ICOM IC-9100H.  I have not been keeping up, but I believe
availability on that has been delayed until later this year in the US (not 
yet type-accepted by FCC).  But it will do HF/6 meters, plus VHF, UHF, 
satellites, optional 1.2 gHz and optional D-Star digital voice.  I suspect 
ICOM sees the 9100 as finally getting a TS-2000 killer.  What we don't know 
is the price, but generally,  ICOM gets a premium price.

Of course, we are told Kenwood plans to bring out a "high end" HF radio --  
who knows, perhaps 2011, more likely 2012?  It will be more expensive than
the TS-2000, but less than the other high-end radios out there, probably in 
the high US $3000s or low $4000s.

If value is a concern, and you don't crave a TV screen for your radio's 
display, I think the TS-2000 continues to be the best deal around.  With the 
current sales coupons, you can get one for about US $1450.

   Jim - K6JM

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Joe" <n3ain at hotmail.com>
To: <kenwood at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Sunday, April 25, 2010 12:49 PM
Subject: [Kenwood] TS 2000 discontinued


With the new Kenwood HF rig coming out next month, does anyone have inside
info if the Kenwood 2000 is going to be discontinued before July? I'm
thinking of getting one, but I can't do it until then. I'll bet that subject
line got a lot of attention. Thanks and 73. Joe.