drake rx r8/a/b/e ????????

[garath]

Hi
I am returning to SWL after many years and looking around for a good Rx.
Have seen the Drake line up for sale and wondering what is the difference btween the R8, the R8a, R8b, R8e.
Were any of these better that each other.
Is there a ""better" Rx arround that you would recomend.

Thanks

garath in a cold but sunny London

[SoCal Jim]

I'm hoping anyone can respond to Gareth's question, because I'm wondering the same thing.

I've heard all about Drake's reputation and see the various R8/a/b models available on eBay and elsewhere, and wonder whether it's worth the effort/cost to get one. To be more specific: It appears one can buy an R8 at a reasonable price, but are the R8A & R8B that much better that they're worth the additional cost? Or is the R8 a fine receiver in its own right?

Thanks for sharing your thoughts -- this is a great forum.

SoCal Jim
Icom R75
JRC NRD-525

[WX9T]

Have a look at http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/commrxvr/r8.html

This and pages off of it give info on the R8, 8A, and 8B with listings of revisions as well as full specs and possible options for each.

My take on it, though, is that the R8 family just doesn't seem to me to warrant the expense. Drake's later products just don't seem to have the same 'feel' to them as their earlier, classic pieces. If I was going to drop that much money on a set, I would lean more toward the JRCs, or even try and hunt down certain used late-model commercial receivers such as ones from Watkins-Johnson that often go for somewhere around the same prices.

[sebring38]

My favorite drake was the ugly black box the 2B. Amazing receiver. I would like to find one to add to my collection.