[Premium-Rx] Harris RF-550 - Fixed!

[GandalfG8 at aol.com]

Hi Mike

I think you'll find that a 6217 is a 1217:-)
They're both the same set, first produced in the UK as the solid state 
equivalent of the RA17 / RA117 series.
However, I must admit I'd strongly disagree with that one ever being 
considered "premium" in any way.

I suppose the 6217 might have featured some improvements, so can only speak 
for the 1217, buy I think that has to rate as one of the worst solid state 
receivers I've owned when it comes to professional sets from that period.
The RA17 is a far better receiver and, whilst the 1218 digital display 
version is much more user friendly, it's only nostalgia that keeps me hanging 
on to my 1217.
That, and it being so long since I've used it that it's at the bottom of a 
pile somewhere:-)
I like the construction but have yet to find one where the performance seems 
up to much.
If you have to have mechanical tuning the Redifon 551, in my opinion anyway, 
is a much better performer....
assuming you can find one that stays working for more than five minutes at a 
time:-)
It was only with the introduction of the 1772 that Racal, in the UK anyway, 
started to get it right with solid state receivers.
That has a justifiable reputation for it's performance, despite some very 
dubious construction techniques, but I still wouldn't personally consider 
that to be in the "premium" class.
That had to wait for the 6790 and 1792, both of which justly deserve that 
title.

Not too sure on your Mackay 3020.
I'd like to say "yes" on that one but still sorting out the AGC on my 3021A 
after some botched repairs/twiddling by a previous owner so haven't had much 
chance to enjoy it yet:-(

One I would like to recommend is the Drake MSR2.
I owned one years ago, just took it for granted whilst I had it, and never 
really appreciated it until after it had long gone.
I'd swap my 1217 for another of those any day!!

Whoops....
climbs off soapbox:-)
I guess we've all got our personal favourites but must admit the 1217 is a 
bit of a sore point with me.
Lusted after one for ages...finally found one...then wondered why I 
bothered:-(

Nostalgia can be fun though...
perhaps I should dig it out and give it another airing.
If nothing else it'll be a bit closer to the door:-)

regards

Nigel
G8PZR
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