Opinion -- Icom IC-R8600 v AOR AR5700D

[AOR-262]

As the new receiver from Icom is out there, whilst AOR haven't officially released their new AR5700D -- any opinions on these two titans of receivers compare?

 

[hth999]

I just received my Icom R-8600 about a week ago. I am extremely impressed. HF, UHF, VHF, all work very well. it's a well thought out receiver, that seems to do everything right, at least that is my opinion. I also own the AOR AR5001D. Performance is better on the 8600, that's just my opinion. Since I have had my 8600, I decided to put my older 5001D back in the box, that should tell you something. The 5700D won't be out for a while, but judging by previous AOR models, most likely it will be overpriced, and will underperform the 8600. That is of course a guess. I hope AOR hits a home run with the new 5700, but I would not count on it. It will probably cost much more than the 8600.

 

[AOR-262]

@hth999 -- I have to say I am a 'BIG' AOR fan, of their products. I own the (in my opinion) one of the best handhelds on the market, still today. The AOR 8000. Obviously things have moved on in the receiving world, such as the implementation of the new 8.33kHz channel spacing typically around the frequencies used by civil and commercial aircraft -- which the 8000 doesn't support as the 8000 was made many years before the new 8.33kHz -- and of course new modes such as DMR, dPMR, P25 etc. My main receiver is my AOR 8600 Mk2 which again in my opinion is an absolutely superb receiver.

This new 5700D AOR are bring out, again in my opinion I think the Icom IC-R8600 is going to out-perform AOR's new product. The screen of the 5700D appears to be an almost replica copy of the receiver you have--the AR5001D and the aesthetic design of such a second-to-flagship product is again based on the AR5001D case/design. Icom must have patented or copyrighted the design of the IC-R8600? If only AOR would have a touch screen display such as the one the IC-R8600 has. I think I'm with you on your views and hope soon to order one.

 

[hth999]

AOR-262 -- I should have mentioned I still think the 5001D is a very good receiver. Good on HF, SW, Good for Ham Band listening. Not bad on the AM Broadcast, Very good on the FM broadcast. However this is 2010 technology, I believe. I bought my 5001D in 2012, and it's served me very well. But the new Icom R-8600 is a better radio, and it should be. The touch screen is wonderful. Audio is excellent, audio is excellent, and all the bells and whistles it has are easy to bring up on the screen. Icom seemed to do it's homework on this one. We'll see how it lasts, as time will tell. The new 5700D should be a good radio too.It appears it will have more choices regarding digital modes. So if a person is more interested in the digital modes, perhaps the 5700D will be a better radio for them. However, I don't think Icom will rest. I believe they will add more digital modes, simply by adding them in firmware. Time will tell, but I would be interested in the 5700D, but we shall see how AOR prices it. I hope they keep it competitive, if they don't I doubt there will be many sales. Just my 2 cents worth. hth999 Hal