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Reviews For: Icom SP-38 speaker

Category: Speakers for communications

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Review Summary For : Icom SP-38 speaker
Reviews: 7MSRP: $175
Description:
Matching speaker for the Icom R8600 receiver and IC-7300
Product is in production
More Info: http://
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
0074.1
AE0NF Rating: 2022-11-19
Excellent build quality Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I decided to dissasemble my Icom SP-38 enough to see what kind of speaker they actually put in there. After taking the cover off I noticed the quality machining and bends with the metal chassis gave it a precise fit. The speaker itself was not one of cheap design. It was mounted in its own acoustic suspension and sealed in the front with an O-ring to prevent air leakage from the suspension and vibration noise. The wire was also soft glued around the entry points and the engineer was thoughtful enough to add a bit of shrink wrap where the wire went through the plastic into the suspension to prevent any chance of damage to the wires. In places where the chassis came together they made sure to put pads to eliminate any rattles or unwanted noises. I didn't measure the speaker but would guess it's a 2 1/2", but that allowed the chassis to keep the same profile as the radio. The design was solid and well thought out in my opinion. I think it is overpriced but definitely not cheaply made.
KD2TUD Rating: 2021-10-16
Excellent sound. Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Excellent sound, much more full than the stock speaker.
W7DGJ Rating: 2021-04-01
A very unfortunate product purchase Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
This is a really poor purchase. In these times, I need my money and spend only on the items I think will help my shack. I thought this would provide some kind of added benefit, but it's simply a very (very!) cheap little speaker in a matching cabinet to the IC-7300. While I appreciate the fact that it looks nice next to the transceiver, I can't help but feel taken advantage of. The profit margin on this thing for ICOM is so far out of bounds from what a company should be doing when they market an accessory. This guy (from personal experience of 20 years in the speaker business) has a speaker with a cost of about $2, combined with a cheapie cabinet painted black to match their gear. They spent as much on the paint as they did on their design of a speaker that could actually help you HEAR better. I would strongly encourage you to spend your money elsewhere!
K7JQ Rating: 2020-08-27
Aesthetically pleasing, sounds OK Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I think most will agree that the manufacturers' matching speakers are waaay overpriced. This speaker that is the companion to the IC-7300 is no exception. I had a few extra $$ burning a hole in my pocket, and felt like sprucing up my station appearance, as I was previously using white amplified computer speakers. Fortunately, I was able to get a great low price on a new unused unit through a private sale. This is the first time in 61 years as a ham that I bought a matching speaker.

Performance wise, it sounds OK. Marginally better than the radio's internal speaker because its driver is almost twice the size, and front firing. I recommend going into the radio's audio EQ and adjust the bass and treble to your liking. But it satisfies my desire for something that looks good next to the radio.

But at the retail price of $175? NOPE!

73, Bob K7JQ



K7QB Rating: 2020-02-16
Pleasant on the ears Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Just received this speaker in the mail, picked it up used. Looks brand new. I was using the Kenwood KES-5, well that speaker is designed for a work environment but in the shack it has been like listening to fingernails on a chalkboard. That will be soon relocated to the pickup truck. But as one reviewer said, it's all a matter of personal taste. I'm glad I spent the money on it and it looks good next to the 7300. I'm not disappointed and no regrets in the purchase. 73
KI7DPP Rating: 2017-04-21
Nice addition Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
The built in speaker in the 7300 is not bad, but I just installed the SP-38 and it projects great. Bright and clear sound. Looks and sounds good! Having the speaker directed at you makes a world of difference.
N4UE Rating: 2017-01-15
Good, but not great Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I've had the chance to play with this speaker for a while. I'm at a point in my 55 year ham career that I enjoy having matching speakers for all the brand radios in my collection.
Having said that, I also have a huge speaker collection, thanks to the number of thrift stores around here. I have only purchased two, new ham speakers. This Icom SP-38 (to match my 7300) and a Icom SP-33, which was the biggest disappointment in my ham experience.
So, it was with great trepidation I purchased this speaker.
Today I did a A/B/C (SSB) test using the 7300 and a bunch of speakers. I use a speaker 'switcher' I purchased on Amazon and it allows instant comparison of up to 6 speakers at a time.
The SP-38 sounded 'adquate' but not as 'punchy' as the Kenwood KES-5, which still surprises me every time I use it.

I understand everyone's hearing is different. This evaluation is just my results, using my ears.
Ron
N4UE