Copper Talk » Ask The Tech » General CB, Ham & Mur's Radio Related Questions/Topics » What radio has the best ears « Previous Next »

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Grumpy
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Username: Grumpy

Post Number: 82
Registered: 4-2005
Posted on Monday, April 10, 2006 - 8:11 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

looking for the best ears
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Bruce
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Username: Bruce

Post Number: 3734
Registered: 9-2003
Posted on Monday, April 10, 2006 - 9:43 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Grumpy

For the money the mag257

Gest in my opinion with 2sc2999 mod and channelguard the Grant LT OR the Lincoln.
Now there are many good radios both CB and export and many have good receivers.
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Tech291
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Username: Tech291

Post Number: 385
Registered: 11-2004


Posted on Monday, April 10, 2006 - 8:39 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Grumpy,
The best one currently available at my disposal is the President Lincoln.



TECH291
CEF#291/CVC#6
KC8ZPJ
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Yankee
Senior Member
Username: Yankee

Post Number: 1135
Registered: 7-2003


Posted on Monday, April 10, 2006 - 11:14 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)


With all the real good top end radios now on the market and most resent. It's hard to say which has the best over all receive. I agree with another post here on the 2SC-2999 for the RF stage in the receive section and the transistor move to the sideband receive section on the radios the likes of the most resent Uniden Grants. I'm hear say on the Magnum radios. Many owners have said the Magnums have very good receive.
Carl CEF-357/CVC-9
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Darkseid
Junior Member
Username: Darkseid

Post Number: 15
Registered: 2-2006
Posted on Tuesday, April 11, 2006 - 3:02 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

So far for me, it has been the Uniden Washington, exceptionally good ears....
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Thehobo
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Username: Thehobo

Post Number: 74
Registered: 2-2004
Posted on Tuesday, April 11, 2006 - 11:46 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

S9 S9 S9 S9 S9 S9 S9 did i mention the S9, or the other mag radios????? has better ears then my yazoo!!!

thehobo
274150 am
monitor ch
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Hotwire
Senior Member
Username: Hotwire

Post Number: 1147
Registered: 1-2005
Posted on Tuesday, April 11, 2006 - 12:04 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Grumpy, If you have the cash and go export I would say about any Magnum. I have a high opinion of Connex too. Just legal cb I would say Cobra after alignment or a Uniden. All radios should have a noise filter.
Its a real tough question. The antenna is gonna make the most difference and your coax is important too for any radios recieve. Also how well you installed it and if your getting interference from sources like sparkplugs, alternaters, power lines, atmosphere and such. Always use a good antenna and good coax ( I like rg213 ) for any install. In the mobile keeping the interference down is key to good ears. If I had to choose top shelf radio or top shelf antenna I would go antenna first and then radio. Some will disagree but I feel almost any radio tuned properly can have good ears if it has a good antenna. My ideal of great antennas are like the Predator 10K of course the 102 inch SS whip, then like almost all the Wilsons are good, Or any well made fiberglass whip like a Francis. IMHO I get the best performance out of antennas that are at least 60 inches long and top loaded. Full wave is the best. Grump you already know this stuff. I'm just tossin in my 25 cents. Coffee in the morning does this to me, peace! 73
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Vanillagorilla
Advanced Member
Username: Vanillagorilla

Post Number: 567
Registered: 4-2005


Posted on Saturday, May 13, 2006 - 3:35 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

What Hotwire said...I've had the Grant, Malaysian 148GTL, PC68LTW, 2 Magnums and the Pluto in My Mobiles. The SINGLE greatest improvement I EVER made was QUALITY coax AND the P-10K.....that ALONE was like adding a 15db preamp ..BTW....thanks Pat :-)
Having said all that...My Grant has the better ears and less hash of all without any mods...suppose it'll only get better if I get to them. To bad they are getting harder to come by.
Depending on exactly what your looking for I have to wonder how the newer version 148GTL (still available) would respond to that mod and for that matter, I wonder just how good the ears are to begin with? Anywhere close to its earlier versions? Any reports/comparisons that can shed light on that? I'd LIKE to think the receiver section was duplicated/rolled over from the past although probably with somewhat lesser quality parts.
Just another 2 cents~

BTW....It doesn't HAVE to be a new high dollar radio to have ears! In my shack I'm playing with an old Telstat 23 Lafayette (STOP LAUGHING!) When I threw the antenna switch I wondered which channel the Laf was on...because I suddenly heard people talking! Ummmmmm...it was the same channel the Galaxy Pluto was on but BARELY receiving! The Laf heard a small talk going on I could hear clearly while the Galaxy was only noticable after I knew they were there! I threw the switch again to position 4 where the Grant is in line and heard them the about the SAME as with the old Telstat....go figure!
Insult to injury now......while trying to find which VR to adjust to lower the DK I was counting 1 2 3 4 over twice then pausing. This went on no more than 1/2 min until someone from Kentucky answered my Long Island station with 5 6 7 8! This on my pea shooter 3w swinging 6 23Ch Lafayette using that stock black/white hand mic! ASK HIM about good ears!
We talked for 2min until others were calling for the LI station...(HEY SKIP WAS ROLLING!!)then I switched back to the big guns I DIDN'T need but made me feel better!
..learning every day...
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Therealporkchop
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Username: Therealporkchop

Post Number: 658
Registered: 11-2002


Posted on Saturday, May 13, 2006 - 4:39 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I hear Mr Potato Head is coming out with a radio. You can swap out the 'ears' for bigger ones when you need to hear something far off. Then switch to little 'ears' when you are close up. I just hope they don't include that goofy little hat...
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Yankee
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Username: Yankee

Post Number: 1191
Registered: 7-2003


Posted on Sunday, May 14, 2006 - 3:47 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I again rest my case on this issue your honor, let the jury bring back a verdict. I still like the Uniden/Cobra sideband rigs prior to the move to China manufacture. This also takes in the older UPd-858 PLL sideband rigs of Uniden origin. There are several of those great Unidens of past years in my vast vintage sideband collection.
Carl
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Mikefromms
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Username: Mikefromms

Post Number: 886
Registered: 6-2003
Posted on Sunday, May 14, 2006 - 8:16 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Magnums are top notch hearers in my book. My Magnum Omega Force S-45 is both sensitive and very quiet. Sounds like a ham radio receiver.

Mikefromms
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Mrsandman
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Username: Mrsandman

Post Number: 94
Registered: 1-2002


Posted on Monday, May 15, 2006 - 1:04 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Malaysian 148GTL i just got nib rocks !!!!!!!!
no mods ...well just a little tune up by me....lol
great on ssb and am.. this was tested by talking to my freinds kenwood ts2000 that just got back from kenwood and my radio was dead on freq!was giving him 15db at 18 miles as the crow flys
barefoot..rx is great no white noise..

ps all test were done my car to his house..
if you can get a Malaysian 148GTL or grant xl or tr296 due it..
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N9emz
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Username: N9emz

Post Number: 2
Registered: 5-2006


Posted on Tuesday, May 16, 2006 - 11:40 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Tram Diamond 60. I've been running mine mobile for over 30 years. I've tried to replace it with nearly every mobile you can think of. The 60 always wins for ears. It's not much for transmit "punch," though. For barefoot mobile DX my pick is the RCI-2970. If you can hear them, you can generally talk to them.

For a base, keep what you've already found that pleases you and add a Timewave DSP-59+ to your station....until....you can electronically restore a Browning 2nd generation Golden Eagle or MK II for 11m AM. It takes a piece of high-dollar Amateur gear to beat them. I like the Kenwood TS-940S/AT for SSB, The TS-870S/AT for AM & SSB, and even the TS-440S/AT all filtered up is a good choice.

None of it though will stand up against a hotrod Drake R-4C receiver unless you want to spend about $3K and up for professional commercial ears.

Most fun bases I've ever owned were the Eagle 5000/RCI-2990. I live at the highest elevation in three counties and I never lost communication with my home-20 running those bases and a 2970 in my vehicle.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
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Kilowatt
Intermediate Member
Username: Kilowatt

Post Number: 235
Registered: 2-2004


Posted on Tuesday, May 16, 2006 - 12:16 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I'd have to go with the President Grant Classic with the 2SC2999 mod. Mine receives better than a $1,600 Furuno FS5000 on 10/11 meters...
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Bruce
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Username: Bruce

Post Number: 3845
Registered: 9-2003
Posted on Tuesday, May 16, 2006 - 6:12 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

"None of it though will stand up against a hotrod Drake R-4C receiver unless you want to spend about $3K and up for professional commercial ears. "

I ran drake back 36 years ago I had the entire station even 6 and 2 meter transverters ( NOW THEY WERE NICE! ) and must disagree not that they are bad radios but they dont hold up to the new stuff. ... even with the ceramic filters.
I got rid of mine and went with another brand ... and still have that radio and using it after 30+ years ....
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Tech808
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Username: Tech808

Post Number: 10016
Registered: 8-2002


Posted on Tuesday, May 16, 2006 - 6:32 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

#1 ~ is a 3 way tie with the President Lincoln & Magnum S-3200B and Magnum S-45 Omega Force.

#2 ~ is a 2 way tie here with the Magnum 257 & Texas Ranger 696F SSB Base Radio.

Our #1 Radio for EASE of OPERATION and OVERALL PERFORMANCE is the MAGNUM S-3200B

Lon
Tech808
CEF808
CVC#2
&
Shirley
1st Sargant
CEF164
CVC#3
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Yankee
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Username: Yankee

Post Number: 1195
Registered: 7-2003


Posted on Wednesday, May 17, 2006 - 1:09 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I feel the same as others.
If one believes what they have is OK for their use, regardless of what it is and they are happy with it.
Then why change to a different radio? Not just because a neighbor has a new super dupper sideband base radio with all the blue lights and lighted knobs, and all the latest receive and transmit gagets.
Blue displays, back lighted control panels, and lighted knobs, doesn't make an outstanding great radio.
It's who manufactured the radio and how well it was made, also what country of origin. Has to be taken into thought,when looking at a new or used radio one would like to buy.
What I'm trying to get understood here is, it's what's inside the radio and how well it was made, that counts.
Just my thoughts.
Carl CEF-357/CVC-9
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Hyperno_1979
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Username: Hyperno_1979

Post Number: 47
Registered: 12-2005
Posted on Wednesday, May 17, 2006 - 4:10 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Best one i have at my disposal and out of all my radios is....Yaesu FT 7. Absolutely magical rx, shame it's not the "B" model and would dearly love a digital readout. Next would be my TS 820S, shame it doesn't tx, that's my fault. Then would be a toss up between my Magnum 357DX and my Super Bengal Mk 3 (Madison), followed by a few others. My Uniden AX 144 is not bad either but it's getting old and had a hard life. This is all on ssb...i don't use "Animal Mode" very often.
Cheers and Beers,
Bob CEF 703
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Troublemaker
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Username: Troublemaker

Post Number: 299
Registered: 2-2004
Posted on Wednesday, May 17, 2006 - 7:36 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

MAGNUM S-3200B #1 RANGER TR-696f #2
PRESIDENT LINCOLN #3{COOL BLUE DISPLAY}
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Ak3383
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Username: Ak3383

Post Number: 31
Registered: 11-2005
Posted on Wednesday, May 17, 2006 - 8:47 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I've had a realistic 451 in 3 different cars in the past 18-years I've owned it. It has great receive at least I can hear somebody way out there when someone else near me says they can't. For the most part.
I would have no idea about a new radio. I did have a newer model 2950dx in the vehicle last year for a couple days, and it couldn't come close as ears go. AK3383 Noblesville, IN LSB ch.38
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Patzerozero
Senior Member
Username: Patzerozero

Post Number: 2863
Registered: 7-2004


Posted on Saturday, May 20, 2006 - 12:44 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

RF LIMITED's CLEAR CHANNEL COMMUNICATIONS RANGER AR3500

followed by my S9 & delta force

but for overall performance, not just receive, the receivers in these are really amazing for the cost & ease of upgradability....

grant xl/grant lt/cobra 148/texas ranger 296/general sherman
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Dale
Intermediate Member
Username: Dale

Post Number: 405
Registered: 12-2002
Posted on Sunday, May 21, 2006 - 10:03 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

hr2510/licoln best ears quiestest recieve sometimes couldnt even tell they were on untill that one weak station came in that no one could hear expect me and everyone thought i was ghost talking...
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Jameslarson
Intermediate Member
Username: Jameslarson

Post Number: 241
Registered: 4-2006


Posted on Wednesday, July 05, 2006 - 2:24 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

My all time favorite has to be the Radio Shack TRC-415. This thing is a talker and a half. Classic 5 pin din mic receptacle. Super 4 led display. Compact size. Radio Shack quality. Even the push to talk button is on the right side of the mic as opposed to the popular left side. It can be modified to do 120 below and 120 above. The only thing is it is not a sideband radio. However, it is built like a tank. Doesn't get any better than this folks.
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Revpo
New member
Username: Revpo

Post Number: 3
Registered: 7-2006
Posted on Friday, July 21, 2006 - 6:50 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I have a hr2600 but not on 11 meters, would like to use it on both, but people want to much to install a chipswitch in it, would be nice though

revpo
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Dale
Advanced Member
Username: Dale

Post Number: 576
Registered: 12-2002
Posted on Monday, July 24, 2006 - 12:52 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

dont really need the chipswitch for11 meters
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Walterb
Junior Member
Username: Walterb

Post Number: 23
Registered: 12-2007
Posted on Saturday, April 26, 2008 - 8:39 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

There are a lot of good radios out there, It depends, where you are going to use the radio, Base radio, SSB or AM Mobile, SSB or AM. I like the Cobra 2000GTL and the RANGER 2980WX for AM base radios for SSB a Washington Base does a real good job, for mobile rigs for AM a Super Star 360,3600,3900, work very good on SSB & AM for SSB the best I ever had was a President Jackson that was worked over by a tech that is now a silent key by the name of Bill Good. I have the equipment now again to check new radios, and I can tell you this that most all the new radios now come in very close to spec on the plus side, not like 10 or more years ago when you had to hunt for a good receiver. A Cobra 148GTL will still give a good showing for it self like it did back in 1976 when I brought my first one..............walterb (Oldtimer)
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Tech237
Moderator
Username: Tech237

Post Number: 987
Registered: 4-2004
Posted on Sunday, April 27, 2008 - 10:00 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

and a really good antenna helps no matter what radio you have.
Simon
Tech237
N7AUS

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Bruce
Senior Member
Username: Bruce

Post Number: 4681
Registered: 9-2003


Posted on Monday, April 28, 2008 - 6:15 am:   Edit Post Delete Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Tech 237 said it the 3 things that make or break a station ....

ANTENNA ANTENNA ANTENNA
On 6 since 66

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