[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
Indeed, the HQ-1XX lines are confusing and HQ's prior to the 160 are also reported to have outstanding AM sound.
The HQ-160 was the High End of their General Coverage receivers from 1958-60. At the same time the HQ-145 was also available. (1959-61). And Just to further confuse the issue, the HQ-145A ran from 1966-1969.
Based on my read of the specs and difference of the HQ receivers I have tried that came after the HQ-160. The 160 was probably that last one to deliver (out of the box) a pleasing "fat" sound on AM.
The HQ's following the 160 seemed to be focused on Communications Quality
sound. This may have been a concession to SSB performance.
I have noted that the HQ-180A's command a very high price in that "E" auction
place and I will admit I have not heard one, however if the audio on the HQ-180A is
anything like my HQ-170A, the 160 was indeed the last of Hammerlund's great AM receivers.
(the 170a is Ham Band only and the 180A is General Coverage)
The source of production dates used was Fred Osterman's "SW Receivers Past &
Present" 2nd edition.
That makes sense. I bought an HQ-170 at a hamfest, because John/WA5BXO
has an HQ-145 that I just 'adore' the sound of. Sure, it's a simple
output transformer on the back (I believe) from 600 ohm down to 8-ohm,
but there's -plenty- of audio to drive that big 16" woofer he's got
under the console to make everyone sound as 'disgustingly natural' as
posible. The 170 (that I had) had a 'maximum' of 3kHz bandwidth. How
narrow and mechanical it sounded. (blech!)
I hate the thought of doing any modifications to any of my SX-73's, but
if I was to make one, it would be to change from single to push-pull
output 6V6's.
Thanks for the post. That helps me a lot.
--
73 = Best Regards,
-Geoff/W5OMR
