It amazes me, the 7300 idolatry.. almost cultism. Not to criticize the rig- it's the owners whom amaze me. From what I hear, on the bands, the 7300 if pretty well known for having a poor front end that crumbles in crowded environments. And that the rig is a chore to listen to due to harsh sounding audio. I must add though- that rig has FANTASTIC Tx audio. Pleasant and natural to listen to on my end.
I can and have built rigs that sound FAR better than a 7300. Rich, deep, robust.
An analog LO, mixer and IF section will never perform as well as an I/Q system in terms of numbers. And will always sound far, far better in my opinion.
Yaesu's FTdx3000 series has the most beautiful Rx audio I've ever heard. All say the same. It's front end performance is over the top good- and has actual roofing filters. They will never perform the same as the digital I/Q mixer- and will always sound far, far more pleasant to listen to. In my opinion.
My 1974 Heathkit SB-101 sounds better than 90% of rigs today, can be listened to all day long tirelessly, with superb audio, and has specs that would make King Rob laugh.
All comments and opinions are my own- since it was I who uttered them.
Be well all, have fun and enjoy the summer in NA
Chuck, N8NK