What's the best-looking shortwave tabletop receiver?

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1Texn
Posts: 1
Joined: Tue Jun 07, 2022 1:03 am

Re: What's the best-looking shortwave tabletop receiver?

Post by 1Texn »

Jock Elliott wrote: Sun May 29, 2022 11:50 am 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
Posts: 1
Joined: Mon Jun 06, 2022 4:56 pm

Re: What's the best-looking shortwave tabletop receiver?

Post by startrek.steve »

I personally think my two Yaesu's FRG7 and FRG 7700 are pretty nice looking
myteaquinn
Posts: 1
Joined: Tue Jun 07, 2022 1:27 am

Re: What's the best-looking shortwave tabletop receiver?

Post by myteaquinn »

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

Image

The NRD-505 has my vote.
Last edited by myteaquinn on Tue Mar 14, 2023 10:31 am, edited 1 time in total.
Elephantcage
Posts: 2
Joined: Wed Jun 08, 2022 11:32 am

Re: What's the best-looking shortwave tabletop receiver?

Post by 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
Posts: 5
Joined: Fri Jun 10, 2022 9:52 am

Re: What's the best-looking shortwave tabletop receiver?

Post by 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.
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kb5ag
Posts: 2
Joined: Wed Jun 08, 2022 11:41 am

Re: What's the best-looking shortwave tabletop receiver?

Post by 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
Site Admin
Posts: 7
Joined: Mon May 23, 2022 8:34 pm

Re: What's the best-looking shortwave tabletop receiver?

Post by 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
Posts: 2
Joined: Wed Jun 08, 2022 11:41 am

Re: What's the best-looking shortwave tabletop receiver?

Post by kb5ag »

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

John KB5AG
Blubby
Posts: 14
Joined: Wed Jun 15, 2022 5:52 am

Re: What's the best-looking shortwave tabletop receiver?

Post by 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 Image
Blubby
Posts: 14
Joined: Wed Jun 15, 2022 5:52 am

Re: What's the best-looking shortwave tabletop receiver?

Post by 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.
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