Top Ten Receivers I would love to own Drake R8B Communications Receiver

Drake R8B was one of the Receivers of my dreams

[@mixradiointernationalshortwave]

I have a Drake R8B that I modified for switchable wideband Hi Fi audio at 12Kc. It looks completely stock and like new. It also needed to be modified to shield out internal low level computer noise getting into the receive signal on some frequency’s that is present on all of the R8B’s. I added a very stable TCXO that is better than the stock that is now within .07 Hz to a GPS frequency standard. This is a fantastic receiver with one of the best synchronous AM detectors that holds lock in to the noise with no noticeable fading distortion. It has been running for years.

[@Harvestersz]

Love the Drakes. They are great receivers. The way the passband tuning works in these radios is fantastic. Whenever I get tired of clicking on SDRs waterfalls, I fire up the Drake.

[@ivandubinsky1857]

I own one and can confirm it is a top performer. The AM synchronous tuning is the best implementation of any receiver I've owned...and I've had quite a few. The synch tuning combined with selectable sideband, various filter bandwidths and passband tuning really help to dig out the weak ones in a crowded band. If you find one in good condition, don't hesitate. Nothing being made today can touch it.

[@timpearce3314]

I had an drake SPR4 sold to me for very little money, after spending an absolute "bomb" on it getting an expert to sort out the crystals and realign it,cost me £275.00! I decided it just didn,t fit the bill although I cant complain, it was a great receiver and the audio was second to none, especially through my large ext speaker, I eventually traded it in for an ICOM -ICR 8500! lots more ££ but this one is a "keeper" and does everything and more! for their year, Drake had the edge but I,ll never sell my ICR 8500 ICOM! good DX, 73,s Tim, M0TJP......

[@LouieNYI09]

I have a Drake SW8, its my goto radio. You really cant go wrong with any Drake radio

[@wf7ihomebrew]

I wanted an R8 as well. I have been told that the Eton E1 used Drake engineering and that has been a great radio as well.

[@matambale]

Excellent sensitivity and audio quality. Mine is the original R8; the user and serial interface improvements to the R8A and R8B were well-thought.

[@Radio-Hobbyist]

I own a Drake R8 but the capacitors need replacing in it.

[@jeffking4176]

NICE ❗️ My first “ real “ Short Wave Radio I had, I paid $90.oo for it. I was19. ( ca: 1980) . Drake SSR-1. Perhaps not the greatest radio, but a SUPER COOL radio. 📻🙂

[@ubik372]

Great receiver, I owned one but sold it to buy another piece of equipment, really, really wished I hadn't parted with it.

[@desbelfastireland9982]

CRAP...

[@rogerwoodland2587]

this is one of the best radios ever made.

[@N1IA-4]

@@rogerwoodland2587 I just acquired an R8. It truly is easy to use and superior in quality. I also have an R4C, R7A, and 2B.

[@dancarlton7973]

Crap? Disagree. I heard it was one of the best receivers.

[@dougsmith9571]

Drake is legendary