Best advice I could give you, is too check out some second hand hf's on eBay.
if you can get your hands on one that hasn't yet had the general coverage modification done even better. You just never know who had their hands in their. Purchase it. Then, get yourself a nice 25/30 amp power supply.
Bring the rig to a reputable shop that knows what they're doing, and have them do the general coverage modification. Those mods are listed online for nearly every hf ever made (Most can be moded for 11 meters). Easy peasy! stock microphone, set the audio and output adjustments for maximum performance and sound according to radio reports or via a headphone/scope,, and you're good to go.
For between 400 and $700 (closer to $400 if you go with a 140s, including a power supply) you'll have a beautiful sounding 100 watt glorified cb radio.
You'll be happier than a pig in s*** and will be hard pressed to purchase or find any 11 meter built rig that'll sound as good as a 30 year old Kenwood 140s, or the like.
And if you ever decide to get a ticket you'll be good to go as the 140s is a great first hf. No dsp (no biggie). No confusing controls straight forward great rig that has a recive that will out hear most any cb radio front-end. If this interests you ask the good people on this site for hf suggestions.
if you decide to go that route and need a real Tec, contact Mike at
mikesradiorepair@gmail.com His prices are fair one to two day turn around and he's not a golden screwdriver. Good luck. [ QUOTE="DirtyMoney, post: 531584, member: 45621"]Ok here it is I am sure this has been posted before 1000 times, but I am new here and I need help.For Christmas my wife is getting me a new radio and I want one just like everyone else does loud clear audio, echo, thinking of an RFX add on but not sure would.like to hear pros and cons. Some days I will have some consistent conversations close range. Most of the time it will be answering radio checks and basic info. But want to be recognized. So for the chassis I am think a cobra 29. But I am also open to other options as well I have a hacked and snipped connex 4300 and I just am done with it. I had a 29 built by "the radio shop" in Ontario ca and I loved it just a simple peak tune connexion board and great dual phase antennaes. I want a good performing radio. That can be abnoxious. Not big into nitro know but not out of the question. So as far as builders I want reputable and some sort of reviews and someone who can execute what I want without belittling me. And as far as used radios for sale ......I guess case by case basis. I want to spend around 400. Plus or minus. Please help me .