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Best New SSB Radio Under $200?

AndrewGS

Sandbagger
Dec 20, 2008
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I'm thinking about buying a new SSB radio and I'd like to pay no more than $200 out-the-door with mods. I just want clean, loud transmit and quiet, strong receive with stability and durability. I don't want to run out of band, I don't want echo or noise toys, just a great CB radio.

The two radios that I'm considering are the Cobra 148 GTL and the Galaxy DX-949. I'm aware of the comparison thread for these radios, but the comparison thread is about older radios, not brand new out-of-the-box 2011 models. I don't want to find a used Philippines-built 148, I want a brand new radio.

Taking into consideration the fact that I want a new radio, which one would you buy?

Also, considering what I want to get out of it, how would you mod it?

I don't know of any good local shops and I've read good things about DTB Radio here on the forum, so I'm likely to use them on this purchase. I know they can help me decide which radio to get and what mods to have done, but I'd like to get the opinion of the forum.
 

I'm thinking about buying a new SSB radio and I'd like to pay no more than $200 out-the-door with mods. I just want clean, loud transmit and quiet, strong receive with stability and durability. I don't want to run out of band, I don't want echo or noise toys, just a great CB radio.

The two radios that I'm considering are the Cobra 148 GTL and the Galaxy DX-949. I'm aware of the comparison thread for these radios, but the comparison thread is about older radios, not brand new out-of-the-box 2011 models. I don't want to find a used Philippines-built 148, I want a brand new radio.

Taking into consideration the fact that I want a new radio, which one would you buy?

Also, considering what I want to get out of it, how would you mod it?

I don't know of any good local shops and I've read good things about DTB Radio here on the forum, so I'm likely to use them on this purchase. I know they can help me decide which radio to get and what mods to have done, but I'd like to get the opinion of the forum.
The Galaxy 949/959 isn't going to offer real stability on SSB, will need to be modded for various reasons, and DEFINITELY need to be fully aligned.

A Magnum 257HP is about $210 and is quite stable and doesn't need to be modded.
http://www.premiere-electronics.net/store/magnum257.html

DTB would be a fine choice for having a shop to do your radio work.
 
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I would look at a Texas Range 966FFC is it is a decent radio you can get one for $200 to $220
 
I would look at a Texas Range 966FFC is it is a decent radio you can get one for $200 to $220

So since your recommending the 966...How long have you had yours? Where did you buy it, and would you recommend them? Did you have any Mods done to yours?

Does it drift on the SSB much?

Bet it's a bitch keeping finger prints off it.:whistle:
 
Ever since Uniden stopped making a 40 channel SSB cb set quality, performance, and stability have tanked real bad. The only other radio I can think of is the Galaxy 979 and the new Connex 566SB. If it was my dime I would come up with 30-50 bucks and get the 257HP or look for a mint used 2950.
 
Thanks for the input and recommendations guys.

I was really wanting to stay away from the digital 10m radios, but it sounds like they're the only ones worth a damn on sideband these days. I used to run a 2510 and loved it, and that Magnum 257HP looks very interesting, but I would love a "classic", chrome-bezeled, knobs and switches kind of radio.

I really wouldn't be using sideband much if at all, but the capability is nice to have. Given that I'd rarely use it I might go for the DX-949 because I know it's a performer on AM. I just don't know if I trust a new 148.
 
Get a Galaxy DX-979 from Sparky's CB Shack. It's a mid-sized chassis, has a nice large meter and variable output. It also has the awesome Starlit display. It's rock-steady on SSB after warming-up for 10-minutes. Put an xForce TNT-350HD inline with that radio and you'll talk to anyone you can hear.
 
How bout a good old 148 or Uniden Grant. I was like you at one time but I have decided to go with the older stuff. Workin on a 148 Malaysian made I just got right now. Then again I am kinda old school I guess. I do understand wanting something new so do I but I think I am gonna stick with the older stuff.
 
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How bout a good old 148 or Uniden Grant. I was like you at one time but I have decided to go with the older stuff. Workin on a 148 Malaysian made I just got right now. Then again I am kinda old school I guess. I do understand wanting something new so do I but I think I am gonna stick with the older stuff.

Actually, I was going to bid on a Philippines-built Grant XL that was supposedly unmolested, in great shape and had the box, but I forgot what time it ended today and lost out. Someone got that rig for like $56.

this_is_nascar said:
Get a Galaxy DX-979 from Sparky's CB Shack. It's a mid-sized chassis, has a nice large meter and variable output. It also has the awesome Starlit display. It's rock-steady on SSB after warming-up for 10-minutes. Put an xForce TNT-350HD inline with that radio and you'll talk to anyone you can hear.

I actually thought about the DX-979 as well due to possible future mounting inside a console as the front mic jack would help there.

Decisions, decisions. :laugh:

359 said:
I love these threads, lol, go for the AM performer.

:tongue:

BOOTY MONSTER said:
i wouldn't trust a new 148 either .

a magnum 45hp is above your price range , but it's said to be stable on SSB and has the look you want .

I could swing it, but I'm really wanting to stay away from the "exports". I think if I were going to buy an export radio I'd go all out and get the Magnum S-9.
 
Actually, I was going to bid on a Philippines-built Grant XL that was supposedly unmolested, in great shape and had the box, but I forgot what time it ended today and lost out. Someone got that rig for like $56.



I actually thought about the DX-979 as well due to possible future mounting inside a console as the front mic jack would help there.

Decisions, decisions. :laugh:



:tongue:



I could swing it, but I'm really wanting to stay away from the "exports". I think if I were going to buy an export radio I'd go all out and get the Magnum S-9.

I don't think buying an S-9 would be "going all out".
 
If I was buying a sideband radio in the US today it would be the Ranger rci3900hp, sure they will drift on warm up (is there any export that doesn't) but they tend to be very reliable once tuned up, the other i would go for is the 3900 eghp, but i've already got that one and i think the black face (y) of the 3900hp looks better than the ultra-bling of the 3900 eghp, chrome radios mark too easily. :thumbdown:

I must admit the fact the 3900hp hasn't got those faggot blue led's on it helped sway my choice. one less job i'd have to do changing that putrid blue display.(y)
 
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