IC-756 ProIII vs Ten-Tec

[wd6s]

Santa has decided to be generous with me this year since I earned my general and extra in May and June (I'm an extra-lite). I've been using an IC-7000 since July and love it, but I want a "real" base station xcvr. All my VHF radios are ICOM, and I have come to think they are my "gold standard" for transceivers. But my "buy American" instincts say I should consider the Ten-Tec Omni VII or Orion II- after all what could be more American than something built on Dolly Parton Highway?

I'd like to hear opinions, pros&cons, or comparisons of these choices:

1: IC-756 Pro III vs Orion II
2: IC-756 Pro III vs Omni VII

Thanks,
Bob

[KC8BTV]

I'm in somewhat of the same boat, I just passed my General CSCE and looking for info about the 756 Pro III so far all I can find are rave reviews so I'll be watching this one closely; thanks for posting it! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[KC4RAN]

My main HF is a Kenwood TS-870SAT, and my 2nd/digital radio is an Icom 746Pro. I was thinking about a Pro III, but I may wait until they come out with one that's software updatable, and then decide if I then want a Pro III at probably $1500 (instead of $2200 today), or if I want to get whatever the new software-updatable Icom is.

The 7800 is $10K, then 7700 is going to be what, like $6500? Where's Icom's new $2500 rig?

[W1SMC]

I've had my Orion II for almost two years now and have never been happier.

I went back and forth with the ICOM / Yeasu / Ten Tec but I'm glad I went with the O2.

It's a very solid rig and you can't get a better rcvr.

You may want to look at the K3 however. I'm thinking of getting one sometime next year after looking at the reviews. The price is great and it is suppose to have a great rcvr too.

I must say though, I had a look at the 7800 at HRO and it's a nice looking rig. (My ex-wife was nice looking on the outside too .... turned out to be the devil incarnate. And ended up costing me more than 10K.)

I did have a TS950SDX back in the early 90's .... that was another great rig.

Glad I went American though.

Good luck.

[kc4ylv]

756 by a mile. Ten-Tecs are nice but I just don't feel that they are worth the prices they charge.

Oh, and the labor may be US, but the parts come from the same Taiwanese and Chinese factories that the Icom parts do.

[N2RJ]

Icom all the way.

The only people that seem to hate them are the ESSBers because they can't open up the TX passband.

[n8yx]

Quote[/b] (N2RJ @ Dec. 07 2007,08:00)]Icom all the way.

The only people that seem to hate them are the ESSBers because they can't open up the TX passband.
Awww....boo hoo....

[W0BKR]

Well, I don't have the Pro III (just Pro) but cannot justify the cost as it works equally well. I have had Ten Tec and it may be a long time before I get another. Quality control issues abound with Ten Tec radios. Read the reviews on the Omnis and Jupiter.

I would stick with the ICOM. Better re-sale value too. Kinda Chevy vs Dodge.

[ae5bn]

Lots of folks around here swear by the Pro's.

[wz0o]

How about the FT2000 ? After using both the 756 III and the FT 2000 the 2k won for me. The receiver is much better for me then the Icom but the 756 is a nice rig.
One thing to understand none of these rigs are plug and play. READ THE MANUAL. In fact down load the manuals from there web sites and check them out before you buy.
The folks at AES Orlando had both rigs set up side by side and I went back and forth for several hrs before I spent my money. I am happy with my choice but still believe they are all good radios. What ever you pick enjoy.
Have a good holiday 73

[w3qe]

I had them all (several times over) including the K2/100. Ten Tec is run by egotistic maniacs that I swear are twisted. Maybe the TN water? I agree on the K3 comment. Elecraft has unbelievable receivers no doubt.

I have a PROIII sitting here that will never go anywhere and the FT2000 Light__ the FT950, very nice radio at a VERY good price that does everything and does it well. No perfect radio but that’s the two I have sitting here after tons of high-end radios coming thru here.


K3EY

[ae5eh]

Quote[/b] (k3ey @ Dec. 29 2007,16:23)]I had them all (several times over) including the K2/100. Ten Tec is run by egotistic maniacs that I swear are twisted. Maybe the TN water? I agree on the K3 comment. Elecraft has unbelievable receivers no doubt.

I have a PROIII sitting here that will never go anywhere and the FT2000 Light__ the FT950, very nice radio at a VERY good price that does everything and does it well. No perfect radio but that’s the two I have sitting here after tons of high-end radios coming thru here.


K3EY
K3EY Rating: 0/5 Jan 12, 2008 13:50 Send this review to a friend
Dud. A nice Looking Dud Time owned: 3 to 6 months


I had two of these radios both times thinking maybe I didn’t understand something especially considering all the accolades it receives, which are woefully twisted. This radio looks good and there it ends. The way it was designed to initiate the many functions is nothing short of awful.

The logic that went into the design of this radio, well there’s none. Initiation of it’s functions is extremely frustrating and when you do get them operating their real life performance is at best, dismal.

I never owned the FT2000 but clearly understand people hating it because the 950 is the same really, some say even better! I really can not understand how anyone could like such a poorly designed piece of equipment that is a nightmare to operate with performance that matches that fact.

Yaesu should back go to the drawing board and stop proclaiming contest rig with all the other wonderful attributes they have in print. They should be sued for false advertisement and anyone who is sane should avoid this dud like the plague.

Did I hurt some feelings out there, sorry but truth hurts sometimes.

[WR8D]

Well i can't compair the proIII to the tentecs but i honestly can't say anything bad at all about Tentec as i do have a Jupiter which i also do love.

My comparison is based simply on receivers. Bar none the 775dsp with all optional filters set the standard for a low noise floor years ago...to this day!

I bought a 775dsp with every option in 98 and it's taken ten years for a receiver to come along that impressed me and that's in the proIII not a pro or a proI or proII just the proIII. The proIII and the 775dsp are just to close to call. I love the display the general feel of the proIII too and don't find the menu at all aggravating.

One must sit them all side by side at the same time on the same coax to form an honest opinion. I make them all sound alike on tx from my drakes and collins rigs, the kenwoods etc but it's a low noise floor and great xceiver features that i put my buck into. Some will change high end rigs like most of us change our socks. You honestly can't sell one and buy another and hook it up and then swear that it's got the best receiver in it you ever heard without doing a side by side in real time comparison. hi hi...but most of you just sell one then buy another and swear until the cows come home that this one or that one is the best.

From others i gather as far as a receiver goes there's really not all that differance in what the proIII has verses their 12k rig...but there again if a man throws 12grand at a rig he's sure gonna swear it beats all others. "hi hi".

You just got to go with your budget and get the best bang for "your" buck. I honestly can say from my hands on with icoms flag ships you'll never go wrong buying a proIII. Well worth the money and the xceive and dsp are a dream.

Good Luck....John WR8D;)

[n3tu]

I'm confused about this whole deal about Tentec. I am sure there are a lot of happy Icom Pro 3 owners on this board vs. the Tentec reviews but why is it when you go over to eham.com that all the reviews are 5/5 on the Tentec Omni VII? I am looking for a decent radio under $4000 that has an excellent receive and is really easy to open up for MARS. Tentec says they will do the mod at the factory if you fax over the license. Over on that board one guy mentions that he sent Icom/Yaesu back for repair within two years because the finals went up. I am looking for a radio that holds up over time and easy to modify.

[N5AX]

I have never used a Ten-Tec...
Can't compare for U...
I do have a Pro III- It is a great XCVR.
73 Hil, N5AX

[KV9U]

I have had older Ten Tecs (Omni D Series C, Pegasus, Argonaut V). Even though none of these rigs are all that great in terms of close in IMD performance they did OK at the time. I consider Ten Tec equipment to be overpriced in many cases and there is more of a cult following which I don't care for, however, service is often better than any of the Japanese companies, even on very old rigs.

My current rig is the ICOM 756 Pro 2 and is the most satisfactory rig that I have had over the years because of other features, e.g., smooth tuning, dual receivers on the same band, good enough built in tuner most of the time, TCXO standard at 0.5 ppm, and the big one ... very high quality built-in spectrum display. Once you have that, it is very hard to give it up. The Omni VII's "spectrum display" is not in the same league. On the other hand, the Omni VII has a higher performing receiver, especially where it counts the most with close in IMD DR.

The Pro 3 has some additional advantages over the Pro 2 with re-engineered front end to work adequately on 60 meters and has fairly good QSK, plus some minor tweaks with the "mini" display when using certain other functions.

Contrary to some claims, the Pro 3 and Pro 2 have about the same receiver performance in terms of BDR and IMD, whether far out or close in. While it is not at the level of high end contesting and DXing, it is quite adequate for casual use.

The big three top rigs from receive performance, are now are all U.S. made: Elecraft K3 clearly the highest receive performance. Also, the Flex 5000, and the Ten Tec Orion II. There is more to it than just the receiver numbers, but they do count:

http://www.sherweng.com/table.html

The ICOM Pro Series does not have the AGC transient problem that Rob Sherwood has found with DSP rigs such as the ICOM 7000. I don't know if there is any such problem with the high end rigs, particularly the Flex which is heavily dependent upon DSP.

http://www.sherweng.com/documents/Dayton2007w.ppt

So there are a number of considerations. If you really wanted to get into major DXing or contesting, then the Omni VII would likely give you an edge over the Pro series, especially on CW.

[ae5eh]

I had them all (several times over)

I have a PROIII sitting here that will never go anywhere


K3EY

Date Posted by Category

Feb 21, 2008


K3EY


HF Radios
IC756PROIII

As New PROIII with a very late S/N of 3205307. I can provide the invoice from HRO via email dated Dec 20th 2007. Things and issues occurred prompting this sale--- nothing amiss whatsoever. I love the radio--- it’s new in everyway but life gets in the way sometimes. I will go into detail with the seriously interested buyer---- listing a radio via this venue is not the place. I am out a lot therefore emails or phones will probably be delayed, and especially emails, but I will absolutely respond when I get home late in the day. This radio’s S/N shows it’s one of the latest made. I never programmed memories into it because it was used so infrequently. Still has plastic on front screen. The box manual and paper work show as new with unwrapped accessories it comes with. It’s virtually a new radio. On the rare occasions I do operate I use a Ten Tec QRP radio while the Icom sits. Also includes a home made cover and a new never used Nifty Manual. I will ship it via FedEx ground insured in the 48 for $2295. I will accept paypal ONLY if buyer is willing to add the fees and is verified and confirmed otherwise a check or money order or cash on pick-up will work. You are more than welcome to come pick it up and if you do I will deduct $50. I can not meet anyone due to my situation and time constraints. Also a pick-up requires arrangements first.
Phone: 412-860-9250 Email: k3ey@yahoo.com Email this to a friend!

[n0zna]

I had them all (several times over) including the K2/100. Ten Tec is run by egotistic maniacs that I swear are twisted. Maybe the TN water? I agree on the K3 comment. Elecraft has unbelievable receivers no doubt.

I have a PROIII sitting here that will never go anywhere and the FT2000 Light__ the FT950, very nice radio at a VERY good price that does everything and does it well. No perfect radio but that’s the two I have sitting here after tons of high-end radios coming thru here.


K3EY
I made the mistake of selling my TenTec,and bought a high end radio.I bought my TenTec back because the chickenbanders in my area where eating me alive.I will never own another Icom,they dont hold up.Had two hts,two to many.They both quit transmitting.I have had three diffrent TenTecs,and will never sell my Corsair2.There isnt another radio that will out rec it...I hear stations that my frends dont. 73s de N0ZNA/JW

[k3wrv]

I'm going to agree with ZNA. yaecomwood is a bit like Mincro$pftz. You've got a WHAT? Well, we nolonger supprot that! But that may change, with surface mount parts and all that good stuff. In my view, it all depends on how long you wqant to keep your rigs - 20 years, go TT, a couple of years? try "Brand J". These days, support is everything when something breaks. I use a TT Corsair, like ZNA, and when I called TT, they told me not to bother upgrading to an Orion class rig. Where else will you hear "You've got a darned good rig. We'd like to sell you a newer model, but fer what you're doing, it probably won't make much difference. But for $4KB, I'd go look at used Collins stuff - still works like new and I can fix it. YMMV.

I'm not fanatic about this, just experienced.

de Bob

[w5zz]

Icom pro3 great rig for ssb, but in the real big cw pileup it`s worthless p.o.j.

[ab9lz]

Icom pro3 great rig for ssb, but in the real big cw pileup it`s worthless p.o.j.

I'll second that with a recent experience with a pro3, my 746pro has the same problems. That said, the orion at the local club/museum station is an ergonomic pos, the main tuning knob squeaks, the multi thing sucks in the heat of things etc. The receiver is better than average from what I can tell.

73 m/4

[PE2MC]

Hi all

I own a FT2k and i can tel ya a few details.
Living in a neighbourhood that are having a lot of transmitting radio freq and all sort of things.

So a radio has to work or it's crap.

I did had a 706 847 746 pro3 none of those radios survived the shack .. lot of splatter and all of that crap i did get from the radio..

None of my radio now days have any problem with the big signals in the air..

100kw from a am transmitter.. 100kw from a fm freq we have dab etc etc./.

So don't over react if you don't know where you talking about.

I also say the FT2000 is not the best but it performs quite as good as my 1000mp or ft1000d..


Marco pe2mc

[KM6AB]

I love reading all the responses to the original poster who is asking for comparisons between the PRO III and the Omni VII. None of the responses so far are from anyone who has specific experience with both rigs! If you go to the Omni VII Yahoo group you will find lots of people who own and operate both rigs and it seems they all put their PRO IIIs on the shelf or sold them in favor of the Omni VII. I read these reports and it swayed me to purchase an Omni VII.
73,
Mike

[ae5eh]

Hi all

I own a FT2k and i can tel ya a few details.
Living in a neighbourhood that are having a lot of transmitting radio freq and all sort of things.

So a radio has to work or it's crap.

I did had a 706 847 746 pro3 none of those radios survived the shack .. lot of splatter and all of that crap i did get from the radio..

None of my radio now days have any problem with the big signals in the air..

100kw from a am transmitter.. 100kw from a fm freq we have dab etc etc./.

So don't over react if you don't know where you talking about.

I also say the FT2000 is not the best but it performs quite as good as my 1000mp or ft1000d..


Marco pe2mc

those were copies of K3EY's posts. those were his words not mine. it was a joke/spoof. you didn't get it:eek:

[wd6s]

I'm the original poster. It took me 5 months, but I bought the Icom 756 Pro III a couple of weeks ago and I am thrilled.:D I still don't know how to use all the features of the radio, but the basic functions are straightforward to learn and use.

Of course my IC 746, IC-7000, IC 706 mk IIg, and assorted IC-2m/440 radios were a big influence.

Thanks for all of your opinions and advice.

Bob

[ae5eh]

I'm the original poster. It took me 5 months, but I bought the Icom 756 Pro III a couple of weeks ago and I am thrilled.:D I still don't know how to use all the features of the radio, but the basic functions are straightforward to learn and use.

Of course my IC 746, IC-7000, IC 706 mk IIg, and assorted IC-2m/440 radios were a big influence.

Thanks for all of your opinions and advice.

Bob

It is a fine little package. Not that I know anything, but I always say the best/favorite radio is the one that does what you want it to do, for the price you were willing to pay. And what does it matter what it looks like, or who makes it? As long as you enjoy it, and it makes you happy that is all that matters.

And I agree with you on the influence thing. My IC7000, IC910H, and IC756PROIII, really influenced the purchase of a IC7700 from Gigaparts today. Can't wait for it to get here.

Have fun with that PROIII.

73, de terry ae5eh:)

[PE2MC]

those were copies of K3EY's posts. those were his words not mine. it was a joke/spoof. you didn't get it:eek:

I can read.. but the lines above are from K3EY i did reacted one your comment.
Really blown out of the sky.. total noncense..

Still don't need glasses!!

Marco Pe2mc

[ae5eh]

I can read.. but the lines above are from K3EY i did reacted one your comment.
Really blown out of the sky.. total noncense..

Still don't need glasses!!

Marco Pe2mc

Then maybe spelling in english/grammer? Or do you resent the fact that english in spoken in a lot of the world? You are not making sense. Try again.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dan misschien spelling in het Engels/grammatica? Of neemt u het feit kwalijk dat het Engels in gesproken in de heel wat wereld? U houdt geen steek. Probeer opnieuw. :)

[k9xr]

Then maybe spelling in english/grammer? Or do you resent the fact that english in spoken in a lot of the world? You are not making sense. Try again.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dan misschien spelling in het Engels/grammatica? Of neemt u het feit kwalijk dat het Engels in gesproken in de heel wat wereld? U houdt geen steek. Probeer opnieuw. :)

AE5EH,
Your posts were very confusing. The only reason I knew what was going on was that I happened to see the original posts. My GRAMMAR and spelling may not always be perfect, but I know confusing when I see it. There is really no need to rip someone who doesn't follow your confusion.

[ae5eh]

AE5EH,
Your posts were very confusing. The only reason I knew what was going on was that I happened to see the original posts. My GRAMMAR and spelling may not always be perfect, but I know confusing when I see it. There is really no need to rip someone who doesn't follow your confusion.

You two are easily confused? My apologies for challenging your cognitive skills. Oh, my grammar and spelling aren't perfect either, nor is anything else I do.

Just so you'll know. Sorry ladies for ripping you.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

AE5EH,
Uw posten waren zeer verwarrend. De enige reden wist ik wat gebeurde
was dat ik gebeurde om de originele posten te zien. Mijn GRAMMATICA en
spelling kunnen niet altijd perfect zijn, maar ik ken het verwarren
van wanneer ik het zie. Er is werkelijk geen behoefte om iemand te
scheuren wie uw verwarring niet volgt.

U twee bent gemakkelijk verward? Mijn verontschuldigingen voor de
uitdaging van uw cognitieve vaardigheden. Oh, mijn grammatica en
spelling aren't perfectioneren of, noch zijn iets anders ik.

Enkel zo zult u het weten. Droevige dames voor het scheuren van u.:)