Vintage Expensive -vs- Modern Midrange SDR's

[Omega-TI]

I've always wondered how an higher end vintage receiver would match up against a modern mid-range SDR with the same antenna. Has anyone ever done a head to head comparison like this? If so, the results would probably be fascinating.

 

[tuihill]

I have been running a Drake R8B and an AirSpy HF+ Discovery side by side off an Alpha Delta 66' Sloper through a proper antenna switch.
I find the results to be very similar though the Drake has better fidelity. I listen to both through my Bluetooth hearing aids.
I haven't done any real shootout type testing but generally, anything receivable on one is also equally there on the other.

 

[Token]

I've always wondered how an higher end vintage receiver would match up against a modern mid-range SDR with the same antenna. Has anyone ever done a head to head comparison like this? If so, the results would probably be fascinating.

Might help if you give a quick few examples of what you mean by "higher end vintage" and "mid-range SDR". Also, what specifications are important to you?

I own and have used things like AirSpy HF+ Discovery and SDRplay RSPdx SDRs next to things like NRD-515/535 or an R390. Although I consider those SDRs to be very good values (good performance, modest price), the traditional receiver came out on top in many ways, both quantifiable and intangible. On the other hand, the WinRadio G33DDC equals pretty much any traditional receiver I have used.

With that said, I would recommend an SDR like the HF+ Discovery or RSPdx to most new users over the classic receivers, if for no other reason than the potential sustainment problems of the older receivers.

T!

 

[Omega-TI]

I suppose the SDRPlay against your NRD-515 might make a good example. I'm wondering if the high end radios of the time and the new SDR's are someone evenly matched. Kind of a bang for the buck sort of thing, factoring for pre-inflation costs of the older rig.