[Premium-Rx] "List of Premium Receivers"

Thu May 22 13:02:51 EDT 2003

    Hi,
    I boiled it down to 4 levels. 1. Tube,  2. discrete control, analog,
solid state,
    3. processor controlled / analog,   4. processor controlled  / DSP

    I think we have concentrated on #3 and some #4 here. I like the idea of
    staying with the rare machines that are not covered in other areas.
    The R390A is a very fine old RX but well represented in other places. fc

-----Original Message-----
From: Brian Comer [mailto:bcomer at cox.net]
Sent: Thursday, May 22, 2003 12:28 PM
To: premium-rx at ml.skirrow.org
Subject: RE: [Premium-Rx] "List of Premium Receivers"

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 <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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