I have one, the TS-480SAT version. I think the built in tuner is much handier to have than an 'extra' 100 watts, a lot easier to power too. No problems with it, it does exactly what it claims to be able to do. The remote head is very nice if/when you want to mount it in a mobile. I don't think it's a 'problem' at all, but some people really get 'bent' because the mic doesn't connect to the head, but to the radio body. I have the head mounted on the face of the dash, the radio body under the seat. Mic comes up from under the seat, isn't dangling in the way. Also means that if you feel like it, the head could be mounted on the visor, or above the mirror, or where ever just running one easy to hide cable. A speaker is in the head, or use the a remote connection on the radio's body.
My biggest (and only) complaint is that I hate menus! With the present day 'style' of radio, that's just something I have to get used to though, so big deal. Is it the "end all" of radios? Not really, but then I haven't ever seen one that was completely 'perfect' anyway. There's always something that was done just a tiny bit differently, you know? This '480 replaced another Kenwood radio that I thought was about as good as a radio could get. I was really surprised at the difference. That other Kenwood is no longer in production, which I thought was the biggest mistake Kenwood could have made. I used that radio for over 15 years, was (am) very comfortable with it. Oh well, things change for the better sometimes.
If you have the resources, buy it new!
- 'Doc
Oh. It has 'audio' DSP. I'm old fashioned, I like filters, but can certainly 'live' with DSP too. The 'audio' DSP isn't exactly as 'nice' as the RF DSP, but it works, which is nicer than not having it.
And of course... if you ain't got Kenwood, you do got squat!