Yaesu FT-450D vs yet be be seen Icom 7300

[hamwillyt]

I am a 62 y/o guy from Mass studying for my General Ticket and plan purchasing a HF rig for DXing using SSB and CW (after I learn). I'm looking to invest in a "not too complicated" rig and have read good reviews about the Yaesu FT-450D (cost about $700).

I also see that Icom has launched their new 7300 unit ($1400) that "Instead of using the conventional superheterodyne system (that Yaesu FT-450D uses), the 7300 uses a direct RF sampling approach. Also, the brilliant TFT touch screen provides complete operational status including a stunning real-time spectrum display with waterfall plus a useful audio scope display." There is also a built-in tuner as present in FT-450D

So my question is whether you think the features of the new Icom 7300 are worth the extra $$$

Thanks,
KC1EWJ

 

[PrimeNumber]

New designs frequently have bugs. As a new General, you're going to have challenges enough without those likely/potential problems. That's a check against the 7300.

At half the price, the 450D is a solid rig that will get you on the air fast. If a year or two later you want to move up, you can get most of your money back on the used market. Or it makes a great backup and field day radio.

There's always the "buy once, cry once" argument to just lay out the bucks just once for top notch gear and be done with it. It's a good argument, and valid for relatively simple choices like say hip boot waders. However, the world of ham radio is different. There are so many options, features, sizes, weights, and user requirements that it's hard to say that this radio is better than that radio. For example, a 200w $7000 contest radio is clearly "better" than a $600 Yaesu 817 QRP rig -- unless you're into lightweight hiking, in which case the 817 wins hands-down.

Go for the more basic radio and get on the air. Figure out your interests, your niche, and then maybe shop for a "better" or more specialized radio and go that way. You can always get most of your money back if you don't want to keep the basic rig for a back-up.

 

[N4KVE]

I have always waited at least 6 months before buying any new radio. You want to wait for the bugs of a new radio to be worked out. Especially on a radio that has a totally different [direct RF sampling ] system. Don't be the "lab rat" on a brand new radio design. I'd buy the 450. Proven design. Or wait at least 6 months after the new radio is released.

 

[prcguy]

I agree, wait for some reviews to come out unless you want to be part of the beta testing crew. I lucked out a few times buying high end HF rigs when first released that turned out to be keepers but I also had a few bad experiences.
prcguy

 

[KB0VWG]

Yaesu Ft450d

I have the 450d and its a great little radio the only gripe I have is that the keys are black with red lettering and its very hard to see in semi lighted ham shack, for get about working with it in the dark. I bought mine used i think the newer model is better.
kb0vwg
wqoi992

 

[MarkWestin]

Early Adopters of any new Amateur Radio Equipment will almost always pay a higher price than if they were to wait a few months or a year before buying a new model of equipment. There generally is a waiting list and limited availability when a new model is first released. After this initial surge in demand has been satisfied, the availability will become better and the price that the dealer(s) ask will decrease, sometimes enough to pay for some accessory that you will want or need for your new radio.

Mark

 

[KD8NIV]

I bought my 450D last year because it was recommend to me for a starter radio, mine has the white on the buttons, and I ran it on the 10m band for 6 months or so until I up graded to a General this past July, and so far it seems to be a solid radio....I did a lot of research on this radio before I bought it....
Have ran a couple different antennas on it since I owned it and has did a good job....

 

[AK9R]

I have always waited at least 6 months before buying any new radio. You want to wait for the bugs of a new radio to be worked out.

FWIW, the IC-7300 has been available in the Japanese market since sometime in January. Icom has already released a firmware update to address issues the Japanese users found.

Generally, I agree with you. The old rule of thumb to not buy the first year of a new car model or the X.0 version of software certainly applies to new radios.

 

[prcguy]

I heard someone with a new 7300 this morning and they commented the receiver seems to be very good and quiet. They also commented something about the display is not that useful (spectrum?) but otherwise they are happy with the radio so far.

I know the 7300 uses a direct sampling receiver which is a similar architecture to my Elecraft KX3 and that has a world class receiver. The 7300 might turn out to be a good radio and the price seems reasonable.
prcguy

 

[AK9R]

I think the issue with the touch-screen display on the IC-7300 will be learning how to use it. Since the display is small (compared to a 24-inch computer monitor that you might use with other SDRs), Icom has designed the user interface so that you can touch an area on the spectrum display which then causes the display to "zoom in" on the part of the spectrum that you touched. Once zoomed in, you can then further manipulate the cursor with your finger. At least, that's how it has been explained and how it appears in the YouTube videos.