SHOOTOUT:
Yaesu FRG-7 & Kenwood R-5000
This YouTube video features a side-by-side listening comparison of two classic shortwave receivers - the Yaesu FRG-7 and Kenwood R-5000. We select a range of shortwave broadcasters from around the globe and record 14 video clips, switching between these two venerable receivers.
Thanks for watching, 73 and good listening to you all
Rob Wagner VK3BVW
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© Rob Wagner, Mount Evelyn DX Report, and contributors 2012-2020
Rob, good video, I have an old frg 7700 I want to get looked at, do you fix/repair them or know of someone who does?
ReplyDeleteKeep up the posts, always informative
Ian (Emerald Central Radio)
Hi Ian. No, I don't repair other people's stuff. The old eyes aren't what they used to be, and SM components are useless for me. There are several guys who restore vintage AM radios who may be able to help. One often has displays at hamfests. I last saw him at the Rosebud ARC's hamfest last November. The other guy lives near the inner city (Brunswick or Moonee Ponds??) and advertises his restorations on eBay. I don't have their contact details, unfortunately. Cheers, Rob
DeleteThanks Rob, just thought I would try...
DeleteGreat video Rob. I enjoyed in almost all accounts listening to the FRG-7. Sounded better to me.
DeleteI have a Grundig Satellit 650. Love the sound of it
Thanks for your observations and comments, awr!
DeleteGreat comparison. I found the fidelity/audio quality better on the FRG-7. I agree with you on the better selectivity on the R-5000 but all around I enjoyed listening to the FRG-7. I do understand why you use a mixer to fine tune your personal audio preferences. Good job !!!
DeleteInteresting and enjoyable presentation Rob. I used to own an FRG7 and i have fond memories of many Mediumwave DX catches heard on it in the 80s. I do agree with your summary, both radios had good and bad points. Audio on the Frog was somewhat sharper and clearer on certain frequencies, but on others the Kenwood had the edge. However the bang for buck of the Yaesu still makes it a very good buy. Even if it does lack certain features that are taken for granted these days (digital readout, selectable bandwidths, memories etc etc..). I'd be interested to hear the noise floor of the two rxers without any antenna connected. I'm guessing the FRG7 might be quieter? I use a Drake R8A and that is the best receiver I've ever owned, but would like to have an FRG7 onr day for nostalgia purposes. They are very well constructed. cheers, Vince in South Africa
ReplyDeleteHi Vince! I haven't done the noise floor test with these two receivers, but I will. Yes, I picked up the FRG7 at a hamfest late last year, purely to see what the fuss was all about and to own a piece of receiver history. Got it at a good price and it is in great condition, so I'm pleased with my purchase. OK on the Drake R8A. Here in Australia, we often saw Drake receivers in the 70s and 80s, they were very popular with the MWDX crowd. But the R8A and B series rarely made it to our shores. Not sure why! All the best, Vince! Rob VK3BVW
DeleteReally nice shoot out. I do have a FRG7 and use on daily basis for SWL. I have to say that sounds better than my other desktop receivers (FRG 7000, Sony 6800 "orange", Panasonic 4800 and even my JRC 535 with his external original speaker). Only exception is my Kenwood R1000 that sounds as pleasent as the FRG7 (maybe the 6MHz wide filter ?). Regardless the lack of features (digital readout, memory...etc) I think the FRG 7 still the one that I like most on my shack.
ReplyDeleteTks for the excellent video and 73s from PU5NSA Brazil _ Daniel Diniz
Hi Daniel. Thanks for your kind comments and excellent feedback regarding the receivers. Much appreciated! 73, Rob VK3BVW
DeleteHi Rob. Thanks for the blog which I really enjoy. Like you, I recently got my hands on an FRG7, advertised as 'working as it should' (it was, sorta!) After recap,refurbishment and doing some of the mods to be found on the net, it is just a nice set to use for casual listening. Yes, the single bandwidth is a bit wide and I have a couple more things to do, but it really takes me back to the teenage years and analogue sets which gave me a fascination with all things wireless. I have elected not to realign it as it is quite a hot reciever as is.
ReplyDeleteOne of your correspondents wanted to know if you did repairs. He should google razorradios.com. Located in QLD, there are a couple of nice FRG7s under "services - repairs" they have modified for customers (short video clips). Not an endorsement, just advice of the website.
Regards, John VK2JLS.
Hi John! Great to hear from you. Thanks for your comments on your FRG-7, all noted. Also thanks for the tip on razorradios. I didn't know about him, sounds good. I'll alert Ian to your tip. Much appreciated. Cheers, Rob.
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