IC-R9500 vs IC-R9000

[IK2GNP]

I didn't know the product had been cancelled. The problem with the IC-R8600 Is that it uses a touch screen instead of more physical knobs and buttons for the radios functions. For someone like me who is blind this makes the radio pretty much useless. It's a shame because I've heard so many great things about this particular receiver.

I'm exactly in the same situation like you, totally blind.
As I mentioned earlier in this thread, finally I purchased a like-new R9000. It was my unique chance to get such fantastic radio at a reasonable price.
No chance to get a new R9500 here in Italy, and importing from the USA was very very expensive, too expensive for me.
But I'm very happy with my purchase. My R9000 works very well and, as I said, it is like new.
I just called the italian ICOM distributor pointing out the problem related to the R8600 (and other ICOM radios) touch screen for every blind users, they understood but had no solutions. Bad luck.

 

[IK2GNP]

Hey, Folks—Russ here. I have been looking for an R-9500 for over a year. I finally found a brand new one sold by a vendor in New York City and imported by a company in Hong Kong. After a two-week import process, it arrives tomorrow.

What I have to say below is not based on any hands-on experience with the rig, but a combination of hearsay and logical conclusions on my part—not to be taken as gospel—but rather just what I have heard:
(1) not sure whether Nick’s excellent and informative post on SWLING has been mentioned in this thread, but anyone considering pursuing a 9500 should listen to his several videos as their Bible.

(2) The overall negative (but probably fair) review given by N9EWO (and mentioned in this thread) seems more and more to have been due to an extremely early version of firmware. Almost every time the reviewer mentions a failing, he points out the early version. Nick, on the other hand, in over a full year, has experienced NO overheating or odd buzzing when relying on the internal power supply. Here’s hoping my unit will follow in that regard!

(3) Apparently, after the product was cancelled last year (in favor of the 8600???) enough parts existed to build something like ten units. I have no idea how many of that alleged batch remain available.

Best regards,

Russ

Please let us know your impressions with your new R9500. Thanks.

 

[IK2GNP]

So, did you play a little bit with your new radio? I would like to understand your opinion of "real listening" with such a fantastic receiver. Thanks.