If money is an issue and you do not spend a fortune...
Shop for a use TEN TEC Omni VI (option 3) or a Omni VI+
You ears will thank you. Its a older but great radio that is quieter than most radios on the market.
And TEN TEC will fully repair them when needed. So will not end up with a door stop.
Describes me to a tee. Money was an issue for me, and I bought an Omni 6 option 3 on the second hand market, for about the same price as a new "midprice" radio.
OTOH, I think the "quest for the ultimate CW rig" is a bit overblown at times.
When most folks ask me about a rig for operating CW, I suggest they start with what they already have. Most radios work okay on CW.
