[R-390] Tranzeestors [WAS: photo taking]

[2002tii]

>I do not want tubes replaced with tranzeestors.

Tell you what, though, I have a 390A on the same antenna as a Drake 
R8B, and there isn't a signal I've heard in the last 5 years (since I 
got the Drake) that is better in any respect on the 390A.  But many 
signals are hugely better on the Drake because of its synchronous 
detector, selectable sideband (USB/LSB/DSB) AM operation, passband 
shift, and impressive notch filter.  Not to mention the improvement 
in the suppressed-carrier modes, but that's not really fair because 
the 390A isn't designed for that in the first place.  Ditto FM.  The 
Drake sounds much better, too, with its LC IF filters, plus it has 
real bass response and the AGC works better.  Even using the 390A 
with a Sherwood SE-3, the Drake easily beats it.  It is also quieter 
than the 390A.  Then there's the ease of operation -- the Drake is no 
more than 5 seconds away from any signal, in any mode, from 10 kHz to 
30 MHz.  And finally, the Drake has no artifacts from my three very 
close MW stations (two in the 0 to -5 dBm range and one at about -10 
dBm off my antenna), even with the preamp on, while the 390A shows 
some front end nonlinearity.

And a 6-year-old girl can tuck the Drake under her arm and walk away with it!

The 390A is a great radio, but technology hasn't stood still these 
last 60 years.

Best regards,

Don