IC-R2 user here

[ImplodingVoice]

Hi, I use an IC-R2 for its portability and tiny size. I'm looking to upgrade to more sensitive handheld scanner.
I did a search here on the IC-R2, yet I can't find anything detailing its audio quality and sensitivity, compared to higher-end models.
Is there anywhere I can go to learn more? Thank you.

 

[Ubbe]

The Icom R2 are one of the most sensitive scanners I have ever tested. But it only works where there are no interferencies.
If you connect it to an external antenna it "dies" and the sensitivity goes 10 times worse and when I tested it at work on a roof test antenna it went 100 times worse. It is extremly suspect to overload issues but with proper external filtering or using it wisely it works excellent with it's small size and good audio quality that few other handheld scanners can match.

There are so many different scanners and receiver and antennas because there is not one that works for all people. It all depends on the local radio enviroment, on how much interference you have in different frequency bands and what antenna you use.

If you experiance that the R2 are not sensitive enough then you probably need a scanner that can handle strong signals better. I would say that probably any other receiver out there have better strong signal handling but not as good analog audio quality.

/Ubbe.

 

[bearcatrp]

If P25 is not the only interest, suggest you take a hard look at the R30. I was considering the SDS200 but decided I wanted allot more options. It picks up P25 phase 1 great. But also picks up much much more. Did consider the R6 too. Am glad I spent the money on the R30. What do you listen to?

 

[hardsuit]

ImplodingVoice - If you want a Analog General Coverage receiver I Recommend the R-6 its Similar to your R-2.
but its Updated for 2001. If you want Digital and Analog then I would Recommend the FLAGSHIP hand held Receiver the R-30.
It has Built in GPS Tracking and Bluetooth audio. and as Usual it has Multiple Scan and Search modes , such as Voice and Tone.
Unlike your R-2 ICOM R-30 has Dual Receiver VFO and Dual Recording as well.

 

[palmerjrusa]

I own the ic-r2 and it's successor iterations, they're all fantastic little performers.

I would consider the ic-30, all the technical reviews to date have been excellent. I own one and across the spectrum it performs extremely well.

 

[RogerH11]

My R2 was stolen and I want another one if cheap enough.