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write your own review of the Kenwood TS-870S.
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KG4USN
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Rating: 4/5
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Feb 9, 2012 17:28
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Quality Radio
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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I purchased a used 870S(1997) a few months ago. My previous rig was a IC-756 plain version. The dsp on ssb works a lot better on the 870 than the 756. I liked the cw filters a little better on the 756 than the dsp filtering on the 870. The main issue I have is the radio does not seem selective enough(reason for a 4 rating). I have been enjoying using it and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a radio in this price range. Nice quality feel and build, and it easily connects to my computer.
73
Ken
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W3HDN
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Rating: 5/5
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Jan 8, 2012 15:54
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Love my TS-870S!
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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Can't say much more than hasn't already been said. It's GREAT radio! However, if you are looking one, try to find a later model (1998+) if you can:
TS-870 Serial Numbers that begin with
70 = 1995
80 = 1996
90 = 1997
00 = 1998
10 = 1999
20 = 2000
30 = 2001
40 = 2002
50 = 2003
60 = 2004
Here's a Kenwood promo video that does a nice job highlighting the radio's features:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2qhpTSL8yg
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N2EAC
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Rating: 5/5
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Oct 28, 2011 21:02
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HAPPILY REUNITED
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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I operate two other first class HF rigs (IC-7700 and a factory built fully outfitted K-3). So, why buy a used TS-870S after selling one some 10 years ago. Because as a used rig its quality outpaces the used price of other HF rigs (OMHO, of course). The 870 certainly does not have the bells and whistles that either the 7700 or the K-3 have . . . but the rig is rock solid in its tx audio (yes, I do use a ribbon mic, tube preamp and a W2IHY 8 band eq. but it is not needed). It has absolutely clean and clear rx audio. The display is clean, clear and functional. It has an IF out that you can interface with LP PAN through a sound card (no SM-220 with BS-8 or SM-230 scope needed). Lastly, it is a quality built rig that has withstood the test of time.
You can spend a lot more money for a newer, contemporary rig. But, for a used price in the $1000 to $1200 price, it is a value that cannot be beat. If you can find a clean one . . . buy it and use it as either a primary or back up rig AND HOLD ON TO IT.
73, Ed, N2EAC
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VK2NU
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Rating: 4/5
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May 22, 2011 22:49
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Good Value!
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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Owned radio for about 6 months. Older model that came with an 'iffy' VFO knob, but only cost me $750AUS.
Replaced VFO for $50!
99% of my use is on CW so can't comment on great SSB audio everyone talks about, but this is a good CW radio. From our big antenna contest QTH, I did notice some issues with close in big signal stations, so have installed the Inrad Roofing Filter mod kit, but haven't been back to the contest QTH to try this out.
Knobs and buttons well laid out, and for the usual second hand price ($900-$1000) these are a good value radio. It doesn't have all the features and perfomance of some of the newer high price radios, but is a solid work-horse and well worth the second hand price.
David, VK2NU
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K2VI
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Rating: 5/5
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Mar 26, 2011 13:46
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amazing audio
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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No other radio i have ever owned produces the audio(xmit/rec)as does the ts-870.This radio was introduced in 1997 and still one of the best sounding radios in todays market.Well built and seems to have no production issues to speak of.If you can find a clean one for say 1200.00 jump on it. You will be thrilled.I use a sony 3 way bookshelf speaker and the sound is full and clean as a whistle.I rattles the windows.
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VA3DTP
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Rating: 5/5
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Mar 19, 2011 16:29
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Very Nice Radio
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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Purchased a mint condition Kenwood TS-870S last year. I have one of the earliest 1995 models when they first came out but was been updated by Kenwood. Great HF radio with lots of modern day features such as built-in antenna tuner, digital signal processor, various user programmable functions, and much more. Works very well with Ham Radio Deluxe. If you can get your hands on one for $ 1000.00 don't hesitate to buy it !
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HI8CJ
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Rating: 5/5
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Mar 18, 2011 07:35
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One of the best...just outstanding!
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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This is one of the best transceivers I ever had and I have had a lot of them!
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OH5YU
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Rating: 5/5
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Feb 5, 2011 10:54
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With mods, very good
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I have an early serial number TS-870 with the receiver overload mod done and with the two stock filters replaced with Inrad's 2.1 kHz filters. Judging by some A/B comparison with an FT-1000 with good antennas, and by many CW contests worked with modest antennas, I am of the opinion that this radio with the mods is perfectly good for contesting. It is easy to operate and it interfaces well with a PC and a linear amp. BTW, W8JI´s receiver measurements seem to confirm my personal experience.
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LW8DJI
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Rating: 5/5
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Oct 1, 2010 22:17
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great trx
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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this if it is a delight. a pleasure to use. sound better. does not break the ear, fast tuner. dsp excellent. very robust. I have a ic775 is better than the kenwood. but breaks the ear, the ts870 is listening to a concert, tx also very nice. in Argentina price used is 1500 usd
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KB3IBT
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Rating: 4/5
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Sep 7, 2010 17:22
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A GREAT Kenwood
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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This is actually my second multiband HF XCVR.
The first was a TS-530. Besides that I have a RS HTX-10 and an Icom IC-706MK11G.
My comparison would mainly be against those raios.
I bought the 870 used back in 2006 for $1100. I should have waited a couple of years since you can get one for around $900 nowadays.
My radio is a first year production and I really can't complain about the performance at all.
I've noticed some complaints about adjacent signal interference on the early models like mine. Not an issue with me. I use the AIP button and adjust the rf level accordingly for that situation. This is the main "rig" in my humble shack. I love the rcv audio and have only dabbled with the TX EQ.
My only complaint is the stupid arrangement of the numeric keypad. It feels like the numbers are all out of place when inputting a frequency.
Yes, there are some newer fine radios out there these days. But for what the TS-870 is and dose, I will keep it! I love the aesthetics and the size of this solid radio.
PS, this radio will look good next to the FT-2000 when I purchase it next year. (maybe in Dayton)
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