[Premium-Rx] Kicking the 8711A

[Keith Densmore]

Hi Folks,
A number of members  have pointed out some shortcomings  in the 8711A.
I haven't seen anyone come to the radio's defense so I'll take it upon 
myself to do so.

After owning one for the better part of a year, here are my findings, given 
my listening preferences at my location with antennas that are at least 400 
feet from the house. Your mileage will vary .  Overall, it is the best radio 
I have ever used.

 I hear no radio generated noise on any frequency although I use no double 
shielded cable but the WJ  is cased.  I can't believe people would buy a 
prem receiver and have the antenna next to or near it (and the computer, 
plasma TV etc.). Kinda like buying a race horse to pull a plow.
The radio performs the best on VLF of any general coverage set I have owned. 
I like to listen to beacons and Euro SW stations. The WJ pulls them in just 
great, it maintains good sensitivity that other rigs do not, ie WWV on 60 
KHZ gives me a solid S9 most nights. It is not as good as my  WJ 357, a 
dedicated 600 KHZ set  but it beats the pants on any GC receiver I have 
used.

I don't do much on BCB dxing but the filter options, SAM,  ISB certainly 
should give it a leg up on that band.

On short-wave it excels. It's got the three S's down pat Sensitive Selective 
and Stable. Period.

Audio quality is 'crisp' maybe a tad harsh to some ears but it is a 
communications radio not a SW fidelity cruiser like a SX-62. But combine it 
with a good antenna, a W9GR audio filter and the wealth of filters, NR, 
Notch, and detection modes,  the radio is outstanding in its ability to pull 
intelligence out of noise.

I love the fact the S meter does not back off if you back off the RF gain, 
or put in the antenuator.
I love the fact you can set the radio to AGC control with or without RF gain 
control active.
I love the fact you can control different audio lines from the front 
panel..one to the audio processor one to the speaker, etc.
I really love the large green displays. I can read freq and other parameters 
without reading glasses, without squinting.  I don't like pushbuttons much 
on any radio and I find I can do 95 percent of the ops with just the regular 
controls.
I love fact it has SAM, noise reduction, notch and programmable filters. Not 
always necessary but nice when you need them and easy to access.
I love an analog meter. I changed the tint on mine to green, less harsh on 
the eyes.
I love the built in MUTE, great if you pair it with a transmitter.
I love the fact it has an easily selectable pre amp.

Bottom line,
if you don't like yours I'll be glad to take it off your hand for 
say...100.00 :-}


73,
Keith VE3TS