Hello gentlehams,
Some time ago I sold off my radio gear (boy, what an idiot!) and am now trying to build myself back up again. I presently am using a Icom IC-718 with no filters. I tried to play in the CQWW-SSB recently and it was just so utterly miserable I actually shut the radio off in anger. Don’t get me wrong, the 718 is a nice little starter radio for rag chewing, but if there is anyone nearby to you, forget it.
In the past I had a Kenwood TS-2000 and thought with the adjustable DSP filters it was pretty good. Since then I have listened to you all and believe there may be something better out there for a contester that would like to play without getting my ears burned off with QRM.
As the holidays are approaching soon to be followed by hopefully a nice tax refund check, I will be searching for a nice contest radio. What are your opinions with pros and cons on what I should get? What kind of budget should I set? I was thinking around $1,000 to $1,500. I think I should find something nice in that range. If I look at certain models, are there options I should verify it has? Have you upgraded to the new Binford 6100XLT and maybe thought you would keep your old 756Pro3 around as a back up and now think you may sell it? I will be combing the QRZ ads as well as a likely trip to NEAR-Fest this spring.
FWIW, I am hoping to pick up 6 meters in the new radio also, but not a deal-breaker. I see many of the later radios do that already. You should probably know, I want an amp too! I am tired of sitting there trying to bust pileups with 100 watts! Baby steps!
Thanks to all for your consideration,
Chuck -ka1cqr-