not a bad recommendation; good receiver and a very cool display, but I find
a transceiver a bit awkward to use if one is never going to transmit on it.
It keeps wanting to go to ham bands and switch sidebands accordingly,
requires extra keystrokes to directly enter frequencies, etc.

Both the R8B and the NRD545 are fabulous receivers. If broadcast listening
is second to utility listening in preference, I would go with the 545. The
Drake might have better audio quality for broadcasts, but I think that's it.
The 545 is built better, has more tweeks for reception improvement, tunes to
0khz, is prettier and more ergonomic.

I haven't had an R8B, but I have had an R8A, and a 545 at the same time.

John


"patgkz" wrote in message
...
I think that you'd be happier with a Icom 756PRO, used ones going now for
about 1100-1500 bucks.


"JJacob6879" wrote in message
...
OK, has anyone owned both thwe Drake R8B and the NRD-545?
I am trying to decide on which model is better. I will be using it
mostly
for
the utility bands (GOV. aircraft, etc.) I owned a Drake R8 before and
liked it
as a receiver but was very dissapointed in the cheap (thin) case and
the
cheap
plastic tuning knob.
the NRD-545 looks like it has a more solid case but then Passport
gave
the
Drake R8B a little bit better rating then the NRDS-545. So which one?
Also, can I asume that either of the above radios will give me better
performance then my Icom R-75 that is, as we speak, having the Mods.
done
by
Kiwa?
Thank you so much for any input anyone has.
Jake