"Invader3k" wrote in message
om...
Hi all. Currently I own a YB-400PE that I'm happy with. However, it
gets much better reception outside than in. We live in an apartment
building with thick walls and lots of RF noise. The YB picks up the
stronger stations well; however, with weaker ones it has problems.

I like the idea of the 800. However, I am wondering if in my current
surroundings I will get enough of a performance boost to justify the
400-500 bucks for a Satellit 800. I like the idea of the large whip
because putting up an outside antenna is really not an option in our
building. I was thinking the 800's filters and other controls would
probably help me get more listenable signals as well. Usually I use
the reel antenna with my YB-400.

Would appreciate any and all input. Also, where is the best place to
purchase the 800?

Thanks in advance.

Hiya...

The Sat 800 will be an advance over the YB-400. The primary reasons it will
be better: audio quality, filter selection, better user interface, more
features for cleaning up weak signals, am sync. BUT... It really isn't that
much more sensitive then the YB 400. If there is no signal getting into the
appartment, no radio will work for DX'ing. Not even an R-75 ;-) As far as
I know, the YB-400 is not a radio that it prone to be very noisy, so I think
you may still have noise problems with the Sat800 too being in an indoor
apartment with electronic noise sources all over the place.

What might help a whole lot is an active indoor loop antenna. Before you
buy the Sat 800, try an indoor active loop first. Even if you still buy the
Sat 800, I think that your antenna is still key. Any way you slice it...
The YB-400 or the Sat 800, you would be greatly served with a loop antenna
that excels at indoor use.

Also.. I have read reports from five posters here that have gotten Sat 800's
that were either DOA or defective in one way or another. If you decide to
buy one, don't buy one from ANYONE that wont agree to test is for you before
it ships no matter how low the price is.

One last idea... I know for sure that the Drake R8 is a GREAT radio as far
as handling noise goes. A few people I know that use their radio indoors
with an indoor antenna have told me that the R8 is close to being a miracle
worker as far as how it stays nice and quiet near noise sources where their
other radios go "snap, crackle, pop". It is also great as a medium wave
DX'ing rig because of how quite it is low on the band where electronic noise
really effects things. You may want to look into getting a used or
reconditioned R8. It will cost about $500 to $550, but for your conditions
it will be well worth it if you like to listen to sw a lot.

Hope that help...

Michael