[Premium-Rx] "List of Premium Receivers"

[Brian Comer]

It seams to me that the use of "Premium" in our list title is what most
are getting worked up about. 

I don't see much of a need for a list on really premium receivers. If I
paid $30K plus for a receiver I would expect the manufacture to answer
any questions I had and certainly fix any problems. Most of the
receivers listed here were premium in their days but are slipping from
that position as time goes by, some quicker than others. The top of the
line (on there own or in transceivers) receivers built for the Amateur
and SWL market today out perform most of these older, premium in their
day, receivers. I am lead to believe this list was setup for those with
older receivers that could no longer get help from the manufactures. 

There is a basic outline for receivers that apply to this list and if
anything we should be examining this qualifying list to see if a
specific receiver qualifies, or the qualifying list need editing. 

Radio receivers, like automobiles, have some strange attraction that
keeps them from the trash bin. I have a BC342 which was the first short
wave receiver I ever used but only have a TDS3032 scope (maybe I should
have kept one of the latter analog scopes) the remainder have gone to
the trash bin or given away. The specs for receivers are complex and the
desirably of any specific performance or feature is very dependant on
the application. The RA6830 has an IP3 of +30dBm the Orion +25dBm but in
operating the Orion it has a noticeably much greater dynamic range on
its main receiver (ham band only). There are many choices a designer has
to make to come up with what is considered an optimum solution. Any
receiver that is liked by more than a few, probably has features or
design choices that are interesting to receiver enthusiasts.  

 

73

Brian KF6C

 

 

-----Original Message-----
From: premium-rx-bounces at ml.skirrow.org
[mailto:premium-rx-bounces at ml.skirrow.org] On Behalf Of Gary Geissinger
Sent: Wednesday, May 21, 2003 12:18 PM
To: premium-rx at ml.skirrow.org
Subject: [Premium-Rx] "List of Premium Receivers"

 

Guys, 

I'm new here, but here is my perspective on "Premium Receivers". 

There are a number of radios that are obviously "Premium Receivers",
like: 
        WJ-8711A 
        RF-590 
        681S-1 (those who maintain these may take issue with me!) 

There is a longer list of radios that are NOT in this category: 
        Heathkit GR-78 
        RT-77/GRC-9 

The problem is how to draw the line in between.  This gets complicated
in a hurry. 

I would be inclined to include radios like: 
        WJ-8718A really an excellent receiver, but no processor or DSP
in original rx 
        RF-550 perhaps one of the best (mostly) analog receivers ever
made 

There are a number of really fine surplus receivers that are less
expensive, but still are at the top of the line.  I would be inclined to
include them as well.  For example:

        R-390 and R-390A 

Now what about the really interesting radios that were at the top of the
state of the art when they were introduced, but maybe are not premium by
today's standards? Like:

        National HRO-500 this was the ultimate premium receiver for a
while at least 
        ICOM R-9000 still a nice receiver today 

And finally, what about the specialized receivers / tuners /
demodulators?  They can certainly qualify on price alone: 
        WJ-9477 marginal performance, but expensive when new 

A ham in my circle of friend just mentioned the ICOM-756 PRO II and the
Ten-Tec Orion.  Okay they are "transceivers". 

I'm sure glad I don't have to make up the list.  It's sure to be a
difficult task indeed. 

73's, 

Gary WA0SPM 

 

-----Original Message----- 
From: Mark S. Holden [mailto:mark at bmas.org] 
Sent: Wednesday, May 21, 2003 12:37 PM 
To: premium-rx at ml.skirrow.org 
Subject: Re: [Premium-Rx] Harris RF-550 - Fixed! 

 

Richard Reich wrote: 
> 
> Barry, 
> 
> I think we all ought to take a vote.... all those who want the 550 on
the list 
> say 'eye' 
> 
> ...  :-) 
> 

I'm in favor of putting the 550 on, it's my favorite. 

It probably makes sense to revisit the list and consider other radios
that may have been overlooked when the group was smaller. 

For example, someone mentioned the HF-1000 was the only WJ on the list.


But rather than tossing them up individually, perhaps it makes sense to
have nominations go to an individual who can compile them, and then
develop a coordinated way for people to vote yes/no/don't care.

Regards, 

Mark 

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