I like the idea of leaving the original IF deck in, tapping off before the mechanical filters. How about running the R-390A's 455kc IF signal thru an outboard BC-453 (remember those ARC-5's that we all cut our teeth on?) that has its own 85kc IF and passable audio. I did this as an experiment and it sounds fine. BC-453's can be had for $25 or less at hamfests. W. Li Mercer Island, WA