Dear DeWayne,

Let me make a statement that you (and all here) should seriously
consider. NO shortwave radio with portable characteristics will match
the performance of a tabletop shortwave receiver, all other things
being equal.

While as RHF noted I am partial to the AOR AR7030 Plus (properly
configured) and, as I operate the set mostly via the RxWINGS
computer-control program and therefore have none of the complaints of
the person who does not like the AR7030's operating procedure (which
is, in fact, very easy to learn and use - I myself do operate the set
from its control panel every once in a while), the fact is that your
Drake R8 is very close in performance to the AOR and should be superior
in reception quality to the Eton E1, Grundig Satellit 800 (and yes I
own one of these too) or any other portable radio.

If you have a "weak point" (and I use this term carefully) in your
system, it is the antenna, good as the AOR LA-380 is according to all
reviews I have read. You might want to consider the Quantum Loop v.2
http://www.radiointel.com/review-qloop.htm for DXing on the MWs.
While I have no personal experience with it, Jay Allen is a respected
reviewer. If a Wellbrook Loop or an outside wire antenna is out of the
question for you, this might be an improvement over the AOR LA-380 on
MW. You would, of course, have to carefully research this one, though.

In short, I do not believe you need another radio; certainly, the Drake
R8 you have, assuming it is working properly, should be excellent for
MW DXing. The antenna is the key here - remember the antenna is always
more important than the radio.

As always, the above represents my opinions only. I hope they were of
some help to you.

Best,

Joe

P.S. Remember, I can handle things. I'm smart! Not like everybody says
.... like dumb ... I'm SMART and I want RESPECT!