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Author Topic: 991A vs 590S/G  (Read 643 times)

N3WTK

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991A vs 590S/G
« on: June 19, 2022, 02:16:50 PM »

I'm interested in hearing from anyone that has used *both* an FT-991A *and* a TS-590S/SG; I would like to know what you think of the RX on the two radios.

I don't really need guesses; I can guess.

I'm asking because my 991A has the best RX of any radio that I've owned. At the moment I own a 991A and a KX2. I use the KX2 for field operation but when I use it at home on the same antennas, the 991A receives better. I like the 991A but I'm attracted by the knobs and dials of the 590S/G (looks more appealing than flipping through menu screens). However, I'm worried that I'll lose my superb RX ability that I have now.

thanks!
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Dave / N3WTK

AF5CC

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Re: 991A vs 590S/G
« Reply #1 on: June 19, 2022, 02:23:13 PM »

I have used both.  The RX on the 590SG is just as good if not a little better than the 991A.  The DSP is different, both work pretty well DSPwise.  The noise blanker is probably a little better on the 590, doesn't break up the signal like the 991A's will at higher levels.

73 John AF5CC
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GRUMPY2021

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Re: 991A vs 590S/G
« Reply #2 on: June 19, 2022, 03:53:22 PM »

I happen to think questions like this are way subjective.  You're asking people for answers that only you can answer.  It's about "fit".  What radio "fits" you better.   My suggestion would be to find a hamfest or brick and mortar where you could listen to the 590 and see how it fits you...your hearing whatever.    Now with that said, I've had all three.  I've had the 991a, 590SG and the ever popular 73 hunnert.    I can honestly say the only radio I still miss is the 590SG.   Now I understand I didn't even realize how good it was.   And with all that said... I've found my perfect fit and it's not any of the above.   

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AF5CC

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Re: 991A vs 590S/G
« Reply #3 on: June 19, 2022, 04:00:31 PM »

Care to share what your perfect fit is?  I am not using any of those three right now either.
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GRUMPY2021

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Re: 991A vs 590S/G
« Reply #4 on: June 19, 2022, 04:22:29 PM »

Icom IC-7410.   What an amazing radio.   
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NU7J

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Re: 991A vs 590S/G
« Reply #5 on: June 19, 2022, 05:42:01 PM »

I have both the 590SG and 991A.  I like both equally well, for different reasons.  The 590 is much more intuitive and easier to use.  And in my opinion the 590 has a better receiver. 

The 991A is a good rig too.  Hard to do a direct comparison since the 991A covers 2M and 440 and has C4FM mode.  I like the versatility of the 991A but it's not as intuitive.  I don't use the 991A often enough so I usually have to break out the manual to figure out a few things.

The 590 can handle strong, close-in signals better (i.e. Field Day or dxpedition situations). 

Both radios have needed one minor repair, I think I was unlucky because both radios appear to be very well built and are considered to be reliable.

Tom, NU7J
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AF5CC

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Re: 991A vs 590S/G
« Reply #6 on: June 19, 2022, 06:25:50 PM »

I agree, that the TS590S is much easier to use than the FT991, has a much better internal tuner, and a slightly better receiver.  It is probably the most intuitive radio to use on today's market.  The noise blanker is ok in it, could be better.  Still, one of the better radios out there.

The Icom 7410, which I have used briefly, is kind of an unsung hero.  You don't hear that much about them, they aren't that flashy, but seemed pretty good.  I had an Icom 9100 which was like the 7410 with 2m and 70cm on it, and the tuner in it burned up after a couple of days.  That kind of turned me off from that line.  The tuner in my FT991 quit on 17 meters as well after a while.

Now using a Yaesu FT450AT.  Pretty basic, very easy to use, and since I do mostly FT8 it is good enough for that, especially since it cost me less than $400.

73 John AF5CC
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KT8R

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Re: 991A vs 590S/G
« Reply #7 on: June 20, 2022, 04:06:29 AM »

Owned both rigs. Each are better in there own perspective. 991A is a shack in a box, the 590 SG isn't. Depends on what you want and need. I downsized my shack and took the proceeds to purchase a 991A for the Fusion mode, after owning a 590 for years.
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K2TPZ

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Re: 991A vs 590S/G
« Reply #8 on: June 20, 2022, 05:20:24 AM »

I’ve also had both radios. I first purchased the 991a and after a very brief time I became so totally frustrated with the menu system that I sold it and gladly accepted the monetary loss. I just couldn’t use it even though I did enjoy the receiver section of the rig. I then purchased the 590sg. The ergonomics of the 590 was a breath of fresh air after my bad experience with the 991a. The receiver, while incrementally better than the 991a seemed a little less appealing to my ears. But overall I found the 590 to be a very competent rig with a decent antenna tuner.

I sold the 590 two years later after listening to a FTDX10. The receiver’s audio got my attention. It sounded to my ears the way a receiver should sound and the DSP and QRM tools were excellent. The menu system is easy to use and sensible. I’ve been using the 10 a little over a year now and I am still impressed. This might be a rig you should consider.
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N3WTK

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Re: 991A vs 590S/G
« Reply #9 on: June 20, 2022, 10:17:27 AM »

Thanks for your responses.

I realize this is a little subjective, but that's why I was targeting people that actually own/owned both, particularly if you had both side/side, then you might be able to say that for the same station and antenna, X radio had a stronger signal than Y. And if a lot of people agreed on the same thing then it's possible that the subjective becomes statistically significant.

I realize they are different radios with different features (indeed, my decision to buy the 991A was based on features that the 590 will never have) but I was trying to limit this topic to RX only, something they have in common.

Your comments have been helpful, thanks.
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Dave / N3WTK

N3WTK

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Re: 991A vs 590S/G
« Reply #10 on: June 20, 2022, 11:14:58 AM »

... also ... the suggestion to go to a brick and mortar store to try them was a good one, but I live in such a tiny little town (Los Angeles, CA) that there just aren't enough amateur radio operators to support a store here.  :)   ::)  haha
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Dave / N3WTK

WA3SKN

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Re: 991A vs 590S/G
« Reply #11 on: June 20, 2022, 11:21:08 AM »

Just buy both!

-Mike.
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K6JH

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Re: 991A vs 590S/G
« Reply #12 on: June 20, 2022, 06:44:28 PM »

... also ... the suggestion to go to a brick and mortar store to try them was a good one, but I live in such a tiny little town (Los Angeles, CA) that there just aren't enough amateur radio operators to support a store here.  :)   ::)  haha

Yup. Need to go all the way down to HRO Anaheim, since they closed the Burbank store.
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73
Jim K6JH

G8FXC

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Re: 991A vs 590S/G
« Reply #13 on: June 20, 2022, 11:43:21 PM »

... also ... the suggestion to go to a brick and mortar store to try them was a good one, but I live in such a tiny little town (Los Angeles, CA) that there just aren't enough amateur radio operators to support a store here.  :)   ::)  haha

Yup. Need to go all the way down to HRO Anaheim, since they closed the Burbank store.

Do look very carefully at the front panel ergonomics of the 991A before handing over your money! Functionally, it is a very good value radio, but the front panel is cramped and it does push a lot of frequently used functions down into the menu system. I resisted for a long time for this reason, but eventually gave in and bought one because it really is the only economical option for all-mode VHF/UHF operation on the market at the moment. By that time, I had pretty much fully embraced the PC operated shack concept and vary rarely touch the physical controls of any of my radios, so Yaesu ergonomics are a lot less important to me. If you are still a physical knob twiddler, then you may not feel the same about it.

Operationally, it is a decent radio. The receiver is good for the price point and Yaesu noise reduction is streets ahead of anyone else. The spectrum scope is poor compared with other radios on the market, but it does give you an indication of band conditions. I use an external SDRPlay RSP1A as my wide band panadaptor, so seldom look at the one on the front panel.

Martin (G8FXC)
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AF5CC

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Re: 991A vs 590S/G
« Reply #14 on: June 21, 2022, 10:25:47 AM »

Band scopes are becoming less important anyways, as most people hang around on one frequency anyways, one that ends in .074.

73 John AF5CC
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