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Kenwood TS-480

Thin audio

I wonder if anyone has yet been able to mod the 480 to sound as good as the 2000, 940, 870, 850, etc.?

They rated the audio frequency response starting at 400cps! That's like a built in heil #5... I know there's has to be a way to get it down to 60-100cps like every other decent sounding rig out there. Hell, even my TS-520S goes down to 100cps.

I LOVE the rig, I just won't get one until I know I can get it to sound like I'm on a Kenwood instead of a Cobra.

Listening to a tech friend on his new one as I type this. No bass, only mids... bummer. What's Kenwood thinking?

Maybe there's a filter swap available through INRAD...?

Anyone know?
 
When I was researching for purchasing a new rig (the first was the Icom IC-718), It became a horse race between the 480HX and the 2000. I leaned heavily twards the 2000, because of the 2m/440 and that I could have a rig that did SSB on 2m.

Found a Ham on eBay selling a less than a year old 2000, and won the bid for $1100. Been using it ever since. The audio is superb, and having a computer cable and the dedicated Kenwood software makes it so much fun.

I use outboard audio gear and a tube/condenser mic on it, setting the EQ on the rig to flat/wide. Just too cool with so little processing done to the audio. I don't do CW; so I can't speak for those who are so inclined to use it for that.

I have a local that I talk to that runs the 480HX. I like the sound from it, even though the mic is stock. He uses it as his mobile rig, and has one of the best - if not THE best - sounding mobile stations. Bang for buck - either rig is outstanding and are versatile. I think that either rig is a win/win situation for either mobile or base operation - IMO.

Am I a Kenwood fan now?
Yup yup . . .
 
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Channel Jumper,
Sorry, gave it away. Sort of. Local club is a non-profit thingy, donated it to them, they give me credit for tax purposes. I figure that's something like $1000, so how can I go wrong?
- 'Doc


(I do just happen to have this 'broke' TS-850, can tell you exactly which one of the 'thousand legged' chips is the problem! Bad part is that there's no 'new' replacements available. (You don't want it!))
 
My friend bought a TS-480HX.

He wanted me to modify it for, ummmmmmmmm, emergency use :LOL:

Anyhow, I said lets hook it up and listen to it for a little bit first.

Good thing I did, it was on for like two minutes and it locked up!

I'm glad I didn't modify it yet, of course then I would have been the one to blame!

Sent it back to AES and they sent another, worked great, modded, worked better :tongue:

I liked the TS-480, I had one myself, I just wished it was an "all in one" like my TS-2000, it would have been some heavy competition against the IC-7000 or FT-857D if it "did it all"
 
... yeah but if it did it all, it'd probably be maybe 1/4 inch wider, you know? Gee, where would I put it then??
Besides, it wouldn't be 'nice' for Kenwood to -always- beat out the other brands, right?
 
gee, i thought i was the only impatient guy with a UPS tracking # :) good story doc. got to the last page and was sad to see u gave it away! sure it put a smile on someones face !
 

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