Which One ... Superstar SS-158EDX or Magnum S6

[70cst]

Ok ... After a lot of reading and more reading I think I am down to these two radios. I will initially run barefoot but I may had an amp down the road. Of the two which has better TX and RX or are they both very close. I do 98% AM and but I like the Freq. Meter and SB... and who knows maybe I'll switch to the wild side some day. I am more interested in good solid modulation power than talking in the next state while bleeding onto other channels. I run a Wilson 1000. So the ability to RX is also important. From reading these forums I did not realize that Ranger is the parent company and Connex and Galaxy are their children sort of speak and Magnum ...their out there to compete. Again your response is greatly appreciated. My last CB was bought about 8 years ago so I don't buy a radio that often. I plan on purchasing a unit within the next few days. It is a ery hard decision but I will need to pull the trigger soon. Are there other mobiles that I am missing? Thanks in advance for your replies. This is my Christmas present to me. Oh yes ... Merry Christmas to all!!

 

[Highlander_821]

Well, you mentioned Sideband (SSB), which the S6 does not have.

The 158 is a decent radio, just make sure that you get it tuned/aligned by a good tech to get the most out of it.

Have you checked out the Ranger 2950DX? They are pretty nice radios that have great AM/SSB performance, pretty decent RX if set up properly, and some more ham radio type features and operation, to give you a radio you can grow into and then use legitimately if you ever decide to get into amateur radio. Instead of what I consider useless features like echo and talkback, the 2950/70 rigs have memory channels, split frequency operation, FM mode, microprocessor control, 10,11, and 12 meter coverage, full VFO, etc.

The Magnum 257 is a pretty neat little rig, too. Also, the Omega Force has gotten some good reviews from some members here.

The Wilson 1000 is a good choice.

 

[Robb]

Do you have a budget for this radio purchase?
It helps to know the restrictions here.
Ranger RCI Superstar SS-158EDX Review

Since the Superstar is within your budget, I will make some guesses based upon that price range of $230 to $300.
GI JOE'S: Ranger Radio - Superstar SS158Dx Blue LED's Echo TB
Assuming you want to buy new - will also be considered a part of what you can choose. Reading a couple on reviews on this Ranger, it is an excellent radio with only a few caveats. One problem with this radio that is apparent, is that the SSB will 'drift' a bit after you tune the clarifier to another transmitter. Some radios do this more than others. Such as the Galaxy DX 99V. I own and use one of these radios; they will also drift a little bit on SSB mode. But I wouldn't get another radio to replace it for that reason.

Magnum radios make some fine export radios.
http://www.gijoesradioelectronics.com/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=814
The Magnum S9 is a truly excellent choice if it is within the range of your budget. SSB is pretty much drift-free. The transmit modulation with the 'TopGun' feature on is second to none - a true 'plus' if you are looking for an AM/transmit audio 'monster'. The echo is the same as my OmegaForce - which is also second to none. Overall - the Magnum S9 would be my choice.

A Galaxy DX 99V is also a decent choice that has all of the features that the Ranger SS you are looking at - except for the fact that the only available 99V's are refurbished (but I wouldn't let that stop me from getting one of those for that reason!).
http://www.gijoesradioelectronics.com/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=366
Many other radios in this 'export radio' class have similar features.

Ranger, Galaxy and Magnum export radios in this price range will all have similar features. I use a Magnum OmegaForce for my base station radio; and a Galaxy DX 99V in my mobile with a Wilson 1000 mag mount antenna. If it is going to be a mobile radio setup, I think you have made a fine choice with the Ranger. AM and SSB transmitted audio is said to be excellent. And the receive is also excellent.

The Magnum 257 radio has a reputation of being a bit too noisy for a mobile setup; so that may not be the one to go with. They are a little less expensive than other radios in its class; but perhaps they don't have all of the features that you are looking for. I passed on buying that radio when I was looking for a new radio last year because of the noise issue.

As mentioned in a previous post, the RCI 2950DX is a fine radio but lacks some of the other features such as echo and talkback. Personally, I don't like radios that lack an regular analog meter - so that may or may nor be important to you. The meter on this radio is a digital readout on the LCD screen. It does have a roger beep function - which I don't particularly care for either. But it is a solid radio and a fine choice as well. The SSB function is the finest in its class; that is what I personally know from hearing it in my receiver. AM performance may not be as good as the OmegaForce or the Ranger; but it is far from being considered as 'lacking' - pretty decent. If you are interested in a radio w/o the talk back and echos; this would be my first choice...

 

[Flying Dutchman]

I have a sweet 158EDX for sale....very nice radio. Read about it in the for sale section. I love that radio, hard to compare to an S6 (S9 maybe?) but for the price it can hardly be beat!

 

[70cst]

Thanks all for your info ... I now hav something to chew on...

 

[hotrod]

if ya only want am then look into the stryker radios they dont have a counter but thier
nice radios with great rx and tx.thier priced reasonable too
if ya might get into ssb id look into magnum line of ssb radios
s9 [mobile] i find this model the easiest to use in mobile
omega[base]
257[base only]
if yor looking to get your ham licence than id serious look at the 2950dx or 2970n2

 

[9C1Driver]

You said you have not bought a new cb in years, don't forget all the radio's talked about are not cb's either. They are 10m Export radio's, small detail as long as you understand the legality or illegality of running one.

That said you should at least compare apples to apples in radio's. The Magnum with SSB would be the S9. I agree, make sure you by from a quality shop with a good tech. here are afew.

1) Custom cb radio
2) Sparkys cb
3) DTB Radio (he's a forum member here)
4) Bobs cb

 

[70cst]

Thanks guys for your info ... It is appreciated. I guess I am gulity of using the 10meter term interchangable with the term CB although as said ... they are different. Still thinking but I am cloe to making a decision...

 

[Robb]

Thanks guys for your info ... It is appreciated. I guess I am gulity of using the 10meter term interchangable with the term CB although as said ... they are different. Still thinking but I am cloe to making a decision...

Share your thoughts here.
Maybe you can ask some questions that you still have - too...

Last year at this time, I was in a similar position and asked people on this thread. Was a pretty lively discussion.
http://www.worldwidedx.com/export-radios/31572-radio-would-you-buy-if.html

 

[70cst]

Well...I still am thinking....This info is great. Rob KI6USW -thanks for the LINK. Great reading. After all this reading and looking at the various makes and models I am still sold on the Superstar SS-158EDX or Magnum S6 as far as my two choices although I think I may be leaning towards the Magnum. I would guess at this juncture the AM features have priority over FM or SSB ... I enjoy the Bells and whistles and I want to be able to get out with a clear voice w/o bleeding into other channels. Also I likely will stay barefoot so the built in power is important. Again thanks all as this is very educating for me.

PS:Another question to ask...if AM was the prime reason for selecting one of these two radios...which one would you select?

 

[Robb]

I think you may find that a lot of skip/DX talk also occurs on SSB. These guys who use SSB aren't power monsters or trying to outshout each other - as often occurs on channel 6/AM. You might be missing out on the better part of radio w/o having SSB. Just some thoughts...

The Magnum wins in the AM dept - for superior audio modulation and compression when transmitting. If I wanted a AM radio that wasn't a Magnum; then a Connex would be the way to go. Or a modified Cobra 25/29LTD with a 'stinger board' or outboard linear amp.