[R-390] Another satisified Ebayer?

[rbethman at comcast.net]

I believe that RM is doing the best he can within reasonable limits.

The manufacture of an enclosure whether steel or aluminum would drive costs ballistic.

The handmade nature of the front panel, the transformer, and the impedance matching along with the beautiful lettering and painted finish show a professional job!

I have opted to use one of two Halli R-42 "reproducer" speakers for my own pleasure.  Just imagine what it would cost to duplicate THEM!

I do NOT feel we should be beating RM the way this is running!

Just MY $0.02!

Hank does VERY good work, along with Chuck R.!

Bob - N0DGN

 -------------- Original message ----------------------
From: odyslim at comcast.net
>  Bob, 
> 
>  I have one and I like it very much. Here is my list of impressions.
> 
>  1: Very nice audio
>  2: Professionally fabricated of high quality components
>  3: Perfect paint with no blemishes
>  4: Professionally silk screened front panel
>  5: The cardboard speaker cabinet was just an added bonus
>  6: Milspec transformers
> 
>  Personal comments about this whole issue.
> 
> 1: If R.M. was selling real NOS LS 206 speakers for $300.00 shipped, he 
> would have sold out long ago.
> 2: A new 206 on eBay would probably sell for over $500.00
> 3: The 206 does not have rack handles. That would have set off a
>  red flag immediately. 
> 4: I have a LS/139 G with no rear speaker cabinet. It sounds 
> tinny when listening to music. I eventually mounted it in a CY 979A
> and filled it with fiberglass insulation to improve the audio.
> 
>  5: There are very few people that would go through the time it
> takes to build the RM replica. Each hole, even for the speaker grill
> has been individually drilled. It is not a stamped out plate. I spoke
> with Rick about the " replica " speaker years ago when I purchased
> mine. He does put a lot of time and effort into that speaker. Is it a real
> authentic LS/206? No. But anybody should have noticed the difference
> by looking at it. I think the RM speaker looks very nice amongst
> my collection of R-390XX radios. I also believe that Rick Mish/ Miltronix
> had a pretty bright idea to supply a nice speaker that would normally
> be almost impossible for the enthusiast to obtain.
> 
>  So, lets give this guy a break. 
>  
>  One last thing. I dont know how many people restore military gear
> for a living. There cant be many. We should all appreciate the efforts
> weather you support them or not.
> 
>  IMHO,
> 
>  My Flame suit on, Scott W3CV