What's the best-looking shortwave tabletop receiver?

[1Texn]

A bit off-topic, but since I am the OP, perhaps I am allowed . . .

If you had to recommend a vintage/legacy/classic tabletop for both performance and "maintainability," what would it be?

I ask because I saw some threads on a Drake R8 forum where folks were having to do some engineering to get new parts to work, since the old (in need of replacement) parts were unavailable.

Or would one simply be better off with a modern piece of gear?

Also, does anyone know how to get PMs to work on this forum?

Cheers, Jock

I bought an R8 a few years back from an online (eBay) seller of HF receivers. The radio arrived in nearly like new condition - at least in appearance. Unfortunately it didn’t work properly. I elected to send it off to a former Drake engineer(R8) who has an inventory of Drake parts. It came back to me in probably better than new condition (this is the 2nd R8 that I’ve owned.j Everything was aligned and calibrated spot on. Only two small parts needed replacing as I recall. The sync works great and it’s not a “moaner.” I don’t know if the Drake contact is still kicking, but if anyone needs it I have his contact information. I won’t publish it publicly without his permission.

73,
Bill K

[startrek.steve]

I personally think my two Yaesu's FRG7 and FRG 7700 are pretty nice looking

[myteaquinn]

I agree with the others, the JRC radios are all very nice looking. But, it had to start somewhere.



The NRD-505 has my vote.

[Elephantcage]

What?? No JRC NRD525 love?! It's the JRC that I own, so I am biased.

In all honesty I drooled over the Kenwood R-5000 when I was a kid - and still I have yet to own one which is funny.

Glad to see this message board set up... just registered today - hello all!

[N2HUN]

Good question Jock and many nice responses with some very handsome radios.

This is not per se a SW receiver, it's an IFR 1200S service monitor that works pretty well on HF. After owning more shortwave radios than socks over the past 60 years this one fills my needs for an overabundance of analog dials, switches, meters, buttons and a spectral display. It does double-duty as a benchtop radio tester/troubleshooter for miscellaneous tinkering projects.

[kb5ag]

I would go for the Icom IC-R9000.

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Incidentally, the NRD-535 has a vacuum florescent display, but the NRD-545 is a backlit LCD.

[Thomas]

This is a most difficult question to answer because I have favorites in various genres of receivers (portable, analog, digital, commercial, etc.).

That said, I remember spotting this 1954 16 tube French-made AME receiver at the 2019 Hamvention. Spotting this made my heart skip a beat. Seeing the price ($3,000 firm) was a quick enthusiasm kill because I knew it was way out of my reach.

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But golly what a beautiful radio!

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And that dial!

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It was beautifully restored--a working museum piece.

I was so captivated by this radio, I would have stretched my budget to the max, but it was easily 3+ times more than I could pay.

Maybe someday!

Cheers,
Thomas

[kb5ag]

Wow; I've never seen one of those. I can understand your desire for one. Bet it's heavy!

John KB5AG

[Blubby]

I really like the appearance, as well as the feel of my JRC NRD-515. I also really liked my old BC-348R bomber
radio. Not a desktop though.
But my desktop HF rig is eye popping and a great performer. AM is a sad afterthought but SSB and CW are superb.
Yaesu FTDX5000MP

[Blubby]

I know...it's not a receiver. But it is still great eye candy.

Receiver? My NRD515. Better looking than my R8A and Icom 8500.