Friday, Dec. 31, 2010, 10 a.m. — I scan eBay’s latest listings a time or two a day in a number of categories to see what’s new, and if I was looking for a “good used rig,” I have assembled a short list of my choices, looking at it from the aspect of maxiumum bang for the buck.
1. Icom IC-756ProII. I have seen some very clean ProIIs selling for as little as $1300, which is a good but not exceptional price, given the fact they sold new for right at $2,000.
2. Yaesu FT-847. A late model rig that probably sold fewer than it deserved. Can be picked up on eBay in the $900-1200 range. Given the rig’s flexibility, its a heck of a bargain.
3. Icom IC-746 (non-Pro). I’ve seen these go as little as $600. Pro versions command upwards of $1000-1100. I know of top DX’ers who believe the non-Pro version outfitted with good filters was superior to the Pro version.
4. Kenwood TS-2000. Never operated one of these, but on the used market they seem like a big value when you can buy one for about $1,000. It’s on the high side of the ‘good used rig’ scale, I would say. I’ve heard of no major problems from those who own this rigs, just lots of positive feedback. Lots of pleased owners out there!
5. Icom IC-706xx. The 706 is the TS-520 of the 21st Century; its a dependable rig that is a solid workhorse. I own two of the “Mark I” versions, and two of the MkIIGs, and for “bang for your buck,” these little rigs top my list. You can get the Mark I model for $400 easy; the later MkIIG sells as low as $600 and as high as $850 or higher. The only drawback is you’re dealing with a small, menu-driven transceiver; if that’s not your cup of tea, look elsewhere.
More to come … stay tuned.