Opinions: Magnum S9175 vs Galaxy DX98VHP

[OnThePike]

Hi everyone,

So the title pretty much says it all. I'm seriously considering grabbing a replacement for my current Cobra 200 GTL DX because the Night Watch illumination is dead, Cobra Electronics no longer manufactures nor sells a replacement part and I can't find a face plate or illumination pad replacement anywhere online. So while I have the entire lower console of my Chevy Venture in pieces and the Cobra in the basement on my bench, this would be the best time to consider changing the radio. I do have a couple of issues though.

My custom install was designed for this radio. One with a front mic mount. The console was trimmed away to fit this radio and uses the standard export 3-position bracket (I think roughly 8 inches) which is buried deep inside (what was) the Venture's glove compartment (here's a photo).

Here's a large image to give you a better idea of what I'm talking about. I left the image full-sized so it might take a while to download. If you click the image, you'll get the big picture:



The thing here is, if I need to replace or remove my mic, (which I do when I take the van into the shop, so the mechanics don't key it up without the antenna), I don't want to have to rip the console apart to do it.

Anyway, onto the radio questions. I've been looking around and have narrowed down a few radio's I like, based on features, fit and aesthetics. I like the Magnum S9175 and the Galaxy DX98VHP but can't decide which of the two to run with, if either. There are issues for me with both. Most notably, the side mic input as opposed to a front mount. The issue there is, I'm not sure if there's enough clearance inside that glove box. I'd need someone who actually has the radio to measure the thing for me, if possible.

So if anyone can offer opinions/suggestions with one radio over the other, please let me know.

Thanks
Jeff

 

[9C1Driver]

Compared to a Cobra 200 POS either of those radio's will impress the heck out of you. That said I would go with the Magnum, it has better echo and talk-back, and alittle more stable on SSB. Both will have loud audio with punch, the 98 VHP does alittle more watts.

 

[moose]

If the replacement radio is going to be a hard install like your current You could make a mic plug extension, dismount the side plug from the chassis, insulate and lay it inside the case. The extension wire will still exit the side hole albeit with a tighter clearance and you will still be able to remove the mic like you want to.

I did this years ago with an old 29 in a big truck with an overhead console mount.

 

[OnThePike]

Thanks guys, I was really hoping to just make a quick swap out but the two radios I like that are out right now both have the side mic issue. Not the biggest deal in the world and yeah, I can work around it with the extension plug, but that's just another "thing to do" when I was hoping to just get this done before the snow starts.

I signed up on a number of CB forums really to get an idea about how you guys feel about the radios themselves, but all I seem to be getting is site sponsored references to this guy or that guy who will sell me his great radio, regardless of my own interest.Though someone did mention the Galaxy DX 95T2, but even that is discontinued. Does it make sense to buy a discontinued radio that's replacing a discontinued radio?

Dunno... what do you think?

 

[9C1Driver]

The 95T2 is a very good all around radio. If set up properly it would serve you well.