Brett: I've had mine(FTdx 3000D) now since last September. I have really enjoyed operating this rig. The DNR circuit settings are extremely functional. The FT-950 was good, I thought.
I have found the FTdx 3000 a vast improved circuit. I will tell you this also, if you have found the DNR pleasant, just wait till you hear the receiver on 80-60-40 meters with a MTU in-line.
Having the ability to actually tune(or detune) the first IF stage gain and slope is really pretty damn amazing.
I use no extra outboard audio on mine, strictly radio with the Heil Gold Elite using the "studio" element. I could send you my settings as a base reference, however if your using outboard processing they will not help. I would think you'll keep the 3000 totally "Flat" and do everything outboard.
I played with mine for about a month and when I got it to where Op's come to me in-person and say "You sound in-person just like you do on the air" I got it!
I at first thought the real time band scope was a interesting "thing". I have found it very useful on 10m and especially 6m when just listening. You can simply park somewhere on the band and with the VFO set in Fast when you see a signal; the scope shows you where to go to find it. Then with Fast tuning and the scope in real time, you can quickly dial right to it while watching the peaks above the noise floor. Pretty friken cool tool!
I have not programmed a single memory after almost a year, with the radio remembering up to (3) frequencies on each band simply using the band push-buttons; why bother!
I did turn down the brightness and back-lighting on the displays to level (3) from default (10), I found it way to "HOT". No sense keeping the display that warm when it's not to my liking.
Well enjoy the new "Boy" toy, I am glad I made the jump and would recommend the rig as a "Keeper". I still say that about the FT-950 also.
All the Best
Gary
