Looking at several "points of interest", it looks like the price of $450
is just about at the top of the heap for any version of the HQ-180 and
maybe out the top for a straight 180. Beings that condition condition
condition (like real estate location.......) IF it would qualify as
virtually like-new, you might want to seriously consider it. The
HQ-180A uses solid-state rectifiers vs. a 5U4 and has an extra filament
transformer to keep the LO and first mixer on and warmed up. This is
supposed to help stability, at turn-on. Beyond that, there's not a whole
lot of difference, the top opens up and as I recall, the 180A has a coax
connector already mounted. Just had a quick look at mine.... almost
forgot, the BFO on the 180A has a USB and LSB position so you don't have
to adjust the BFO freq. when you change sidebands. It also has an octal
accessory socket on the rear panel and has a 500 ohm line audio output
as well as 8 ohms for the speaker. If the receiver includes the S-200
(big) speaker, it a better deal, too. That's all folks..........
de Jeep/K3HVG