i would go with the 148F between the two seems to me the RX is much quieter and i can hear distant stations more clearer on my 148F then i do with the 959. i bought the 959 to try so as to not run my classic 148F so much, but it's back on the shelf. i tell you a radio i found that is really close to the performace of a 148F plus it has a 6 digi fraq. counter and the is the Texas Ranger 696FD1 you can find them new for under $175.00. i have one and find it to be a little better then the 959. had extra channels added to it as well as a 10kc slide and opened up the clarifier with the 6 digi frq counter this radio is quite flexable. o get about 18 watts on am & 22 on ssb and with the stock mic it sounds great always good reports on am & ssb. but between the 148F & the 959 go with the 148F with a simple tune up and the stock mic it will sound great.