Best rig under $1000

[KC2NYU]

I know this sounds like a repeat subject, but when I search around many of the recommendations are somewhat dated. I also realize that the subject can get very subjective but here goes..... I got a call last night from my brother in law who wants to purchase a new rig for his son, who has been licensed for a few years but has only had old used gear. He mostly operates SSB and digital- no cw at this point. So two questions"

- What is the best HF -6M  rig today for under $1000
- what is the best HF - 6M rig today for under $1500

Tnx & 73 Paul

[VE3FMC]

Under $1500.....Yaesu FT-950. I have owned and operated one daily for 2 1/2 years. Problem free, with SSB & digital modes on a daily basis.

Under $1000. For more bells and whistles the Yaesu FT-450D.

For simplicity under $1000, Icom 718. I also owned one of those and that was a good radio for the price.

[AC4RD]

Under $1500.....Yaesu FT-950. I have owned and operated one daily for 2 1/2 years. Problem free, with SSB & digital modes on a daily basis.

I've got a 950 and it seems like a GREAT buy at the price, especially now that prices have dropped a bit on it.  I'm mostly CW these days but the 950 is a great performer all around, IMO, and a LOT of "bang for the buck."   He would even have a nice bit of change coming back from the $1500.  :-)   

In the under-$1000 range, and for phone/digital only, he might consider a TS-480; I bought one as a "refurb" for well under $1000 and it's a nice performer for the price.  Not great for CW, IMO, unless he throws another couple hundred into an optional filter.  But if he's not interested in CW and could find a 480 at the price, it might be a decent choice. 

[VE3FMC]

I'd also look for a good condition Icom 7000. I also own one of those and it is a good rig, and the bonus is VHF/UHF coverage. No built in tuner though.

Again, no problems with mine since I bought it in 2009.

[K6AER]

New or used or both?

[KB5UBI]

FT-450 is the most bang for the buck. I love my FT-950 (>$1000) but the 450 is still a great transceiver and with the left over funds you could pick up an antenna or two.

[AD5ZC]

Another vote for the Kenwood 480SAT/HX.  You can get an SAT new for under $1000 and the HX used for that price.
Awesome bang for the buck and if you add the filters they def hold their own.

Never owned a $1500 radio so can't say on that one but the 590 is 1539 right now at HRO and that would be the one I would buy in that range.

[KJ6MSG]

I love my FT-450D. Tons of features that I'm still discovering.

[KC2NYU]

There was a question- New or Used. He is looking only at New.

73
Paul

[W8JX]

Another vote for the Kenwood 480SAT/HX.  You can get an SAT new for under $1000 and the HX used for that price.

A new 480HX is just a bit over a 1000 and is a solid 200 watt rig. Both 480's are far more user friendly then a FT450 which is VERY menu dependent for even simplest functions.

[HB9PJT]

TS-480 is much better than FT-450. Best rig for 1500 USD is the TS-590.

73, Peter - HB9PJT

[WB2WIK]

Another vote for the Kenwood 480SAT/HX.  You can get an SAT new for under $1000 and the HX used for that price.

A new 480HX is just a bit over a 1000 and is a solid 200 watt rig. Both 480's are far more user friendly then a FT450 which is VERY menu dependent for even simplest functions.

I sure agree with this.  The 480HX is more powerful but the 480SAT has an internal tuner which can be very handy.  But they are definitely more user-friendly than the 450D and nicer to listen to.

[KE4YOG]

Look around and find a used TS-480HX. I absolutely love mine. It will be along time before I look to buy another rig. It is easy to use. It has a very receiver and I always get compliments for my audio using just the hand mike.