After all you have done Robb, would you recommend one of these radios knowing what you know?? Just curious. I would think for a little extra, there are a few radios that seems to work well on ssb and AM. The uniden 980, no power house, but is a clean sounding radio. The magnum 257, or the optima mk3 , and the 2950dx seem to be all good radios for both am and ssb use. The 980 needs a bit of a boost sometimes, but it is a great radio for the price IMO. Look around and you may find them for 120-140. Add a small amp if wanted and voila, you have a radio that is rock solid on ssb and will work well. Been using one as a base for a bit, and it doesn't drift and is on frequency from the time I turn it on until I turn it off. Same for the magnum 257hp, used one in the cold and never had any issues. Could be lucky but I have 3 of them and all worked great. Now I run the optima mk3 and it does well in my mobile. Made many contacts with it. Well built as well. Couldn't believe how well the inside of the radio was built. Yeticom got this one right IMO. But anyway, if you are happy with the galaxy, that is all that matters!!! Have fun dx'ing and hope to talk to you soon again Grogan. God bless.