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Reviews For: ICOM IC-775DSP

Category: Transceivers: HF Amateur HF+6M+VHF+UHF models - non QRP <5W

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Review Summary For : ICOM IC-775DSP
Reviews: 92MSRP: 4760.00
Description:
200 Watt HF transceiver with DSP, 10-160 m + WARC.
Product is not in production
More Info: http://icomamerica.com/support/archive/amateur/ic-775dsp.asp
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
00924.8
N3WES Rating: 2022-03-23
Can you say Exquisite? Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I purchased an Icom 775DSP with all the optional filters installed (Serial Number Series 27XX), and can say that it was the best amateur radio purchase I have ever made. The best things about the radio are:

1) A super quiet, front-end receiver that knocked me out the first time I ever listened to it. Weak signals muffled by low power, QRM or poor band conditions come through strong. The twin Passband Tuning and notch filters are a lifesaver.

2) Excellent audio reports on every mode, with power output exceeding every Icom specification. No noise, buzzes, warbling or distortion of *any* kind. The speech compressor is especially nice and has helped me break through quite a few pile-ups.

3) Super clean and efficient CW transmission. The Full and Break-in modes have worked flawlessly, and the menu driven CW options can allow you to set the weight of the code sent to your own tastes, as well as set the tone to your desired level.

4) The DSP unit works like a dream. After using it for a week, it made me seriously wonder how I got along without it. I am sure it could be improved upon even more, but for an included feature, it was more than good enough to make me forgo purchasing an external Timewave 599DX that I had been eyeing for some time.

5) It's BIG, it's BLACK and has a display that even Stevie Wonder could read. The controls are organized and easy to get used to. The VFO knob has a weighty feel and allows for very smooth tuning. The analog meter is large, well lit and very easy to read.

Here are some areas where I feel that the 775DSP could use some improvement:

1) The Dualwatch should allow you to set independent modes for both the main and sub frequency (i.e. It would be nice to monitor 14.060 CW and operate on another frequency/band in USB). Also, the user should be able to hook more than one speaker up, one for each frequency on the Dualwatch.

2) For the life of me, I cannot find one sound that the Noise Blanker gets rid off. On or off, every mode of every band seems to sound the same. The manual claims that it gets rid of the dreaded "woodpecker".

3) The filter selection and intensity is determined by turning on/off a combination of separate filter switches. This aspect is not intuitive, this is definitely one instance of where RTFM is necessary.

4) None of the controls are backlit, which makes operating the radio in darkness tricky. The display is bright enough to read by, but it does not help in that case. Some ambient light is necessary for nighttime operation.

Some will say that the 775DSP is not a contesters rig or one for the serious DXer, and I must disagree completely. If someone was unfortunate enough to get an earlier version that exhibited known problems or just had an unlucky purchase, that's one thing. But as someone who contests on and off, I will put this rig up against anything else thrown at it. I have also had more positive results working DX in the past few months than all the rest of my time as a ham combined, despite living in a confined area. Breaking through a massive pileup and hitting the former Soviet Republic of Georgia with 10 over 9 utilizing barefoot power made a believer out of me.

If you are looking for a 775DSP, be sure that the serial number is 1500 or higher, as these were the units that had factory corrections/updates done on the assembly line prior to initial shipment.

This rig has completely renewed my love for this hobby. 73 to you all and God Bless America! :)
PD2AHQ Rating: 2022-02-07
One of the best transciever made by Icom Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Icom IC-775DSP was launched in 1994 and remained in production till 2002. I had the opportunity to test extensively all of his features even I have made a reception Comparison of Icom IC-775DSP with Kenwood TS-950SDX, which can be seen on my channel;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXttPirbiFg&t=79s&ab_channel=SpacetimeEngineering

This will help all of those who are considering buying IC-775DSP and also considering TS-950SDX as both are excellent transceivers from almost the same generation with more or less the same features.
Personally, I find the dual watch a very useful feature on Icom, as well as DSP some people have changed the SSB filter with a bit wider bandwidth and, are very pleased with it but to me, 2.7 kHz is wide enough for SSB and we are not Broadcasters isn’t we? Our aim should be pushing the cleaner signal as far on the globe as we could and IC-775DSP does it very well with its 200 plus Watts on SSB on all bands.
I received excellent audio reports all the time I have used this gem with my Fritzel GPA-30 a vertical antenna. Keep in mind these radios are getting older and were built +-30 years old technology but still are good value for money and will be at your service for another 20 to 30 years more if you don’t do something stupid i.e. operating it at higher SWR or destroying it by making a modification found on the internet without basic electronic safety & soldering skills. A piece of advice don't push more than 80% of total power output as it will increase the life of output MOSFETs. If you find it in good technical condition at a reasonable price then just buy it do not think twice otherwise you will lose the chance.
WB4IVG Rating: 2021-10-31
The Single Best Transceiver/Receiver I have Ever Owned!!! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have owned hundreds of radios throughout my life, NONE better than this one! I have used most of the others that have been manufactured that I have not owned, with the exception of the Hilberling I cannot speak to its performance one way or the other. I can say that even Commercial and Military Radios costing Tens to Hundreds of Thousands of dollars DO NOT OUTPERFORM THIS RADIO!!! I have used Icom 7850/51's, 7700, I sold my 781 and my 7800, BUT I Kept the 775DSP and the 746Pro Both have incredible Receivers in fact they outperform every stand-alone receiver that I own including the Collins Receivers. The only Radio that I have used and own that even comes close is an RF Harris Lab Grade Transceiver that was built for NASA. While it is an excellent piece it does not come up to the 775DSP!
Now, all that said I will Echo the fact I would like more versatility in the Sub-Band Receive other than that I don't think you will do better than one of these radios as long as you get a unit with a serial number higher than 2000!
DJ7ST Rating: 2017-03-26
For me it is the best !!! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I owned my first IC775DSP 20 years ago together whit a
Yaesu FT1000D and i sold it to a friend of mine a few years ago.
I had a lot of very good rigs in my shackroom.
They come and go and sometimes they stay.
Today I used two of this very good rigs whit all the filters inside
and the SM8 Mikrofon.
This rig is a real keeper.
If you can get on in good condition,buy it !!
F4EGA Rating: 2017-01-30
Lovely transceiver Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I owned a IC-775DSP a decade ago and I resold it, big stupidity on my part, I always regretted this transceiver. This weekend I could exchange my IC-7300 against a IC-775DSP with filters in perfect state and I am very happy! I do not regret the 7300 because the noise level on the 775 is really very low in comparison of the 7300. This time I will not sell it again on !!
KN4G Rating: 2017-01-30
Stands the Test of Time Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Used the last couple of years a later 2002 model, the year it was discontinued. It has all the options and the addition of the INRAD roofing filter. As compared to my brand new modern day FTDX-3000..wow the ICOM receiver is as good or better. I always go to the "large" 775DSP for ease of use and 200 Watts really makes a difference. Paired with the ICOM SM-20 desk mic and I always get great audio reports. I will likely NEVER sell this radio. Going to sell the FTDX3000 when the IC-7610 has been out for a bit. If you need a home QTH rig and have the opportunity to buy a IC-775DSP you won't be disappointed. A solid 5 out of 5, even with the 22+ year old design.
K8ZPO Rating: 2017-01-05
Great recieve Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
I wanted a 775 for a log time after using my 7600 against it at my friends shack. I love my 7600, but have to say the receive is better and quieter on the 775 side by side.
LA5XQ Rating: 2016-03-10
A great rig despite its age Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Bought this one used 2 years ago. I have installed the CW filters, it had the SSB 1.8khz filters installed. I chose IRCI 2.1 khz in 455 because the Icom FL222 sounded to narrow to my taste.

This radio just works outstandingly great. Very nice VFO-knob. I use it most for CW, it is very good with the AFP and the DSP-noice blanker makes it the quitest receiver I have ever listened to. (Well - Collins are better). I can pull out very weak signals and work them as the 200 watts really makes a difference.

I compared it to the IC-7410 on SSB - and it stood up to it - even though it is a mere 20 years older! It is a pleasure to use this rig in any situation! And I sold the 7410 (not cause it was bad but I like the 775 better).

Very RECOMENDED if you can find one.




W8NIC Rating: 2015-12-10
WORLD CLASS RADIO Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
This oldie but goodie will hang with any modern highend radio. Still expensive but if you come accross one for sale, BUY IT! You will not regret it.
2M0YIO Rating: 2015-07-05
great reciever Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
i have had icom 775 dsp for about 6 months great radio great rx and tx regards 2m0yio brian