I know what you mean about the VX-170, it really looks right to me.
I didn't know about the "Mic" problem, could you detail it some.

I read several e-ham reviews and didn't see it, must have missed it.

The VX-170 has many more good features, like voltage warning, 12 volt
plugs, more TX watt options etc., I think, than the Icom V-8.

I'm probably going to get a couple VX-170s unless I discover too great
a problem risk.

Could you detail the problems?

Thanks,
Dan KF6OCI