Good stuff..Both are very good radios, we have the TS-590S at the club, one of the major differences between the two though is the TX duty cycle, the Kenwood is 100% and will just be getting warm while the Icom has melted the finals, this is the main reason for the huge weight difference, the Kenwood has been designed as a true competition rig, I like both and in July I will be looking for a new rig, I know what I want but I can not decide what to buy.................. Jeep life
In 2022- I’d say get a new FTdx10 and a used 590sg (sdrplay) - FTDX10 for ghost signal cw and 590sg for good rx/tx audio on SSB- this is the 9/10ths version of having a TS890 and FTDX5k / 101 for the same purposes. If what I’m writing doesn’t make sense to you, buy a 7300 or 7610 and enjoy! They are all great!
You can connect both a cw keyer and a bug on the Kenwood and use either one at any time whereas on the 7300 there is only one connection and you have to go into the menus to change from bug to keyer.
I owned a 7300 for a short time. They're applauded for their ability to handle QRM and pick signals out of the noise, but I just didn't see it. Once the novelty of the band scope wore off, it was a fairly average receiver - not bad by any means, just not the game changer everyone always wants to make it out to be. I sold it after several months. I just picked up a nice used 590SG, and I'm looking forward to putting it through its paces.
as a Toshio Tori ,chief engineer,and constructor of Kenwood radios for last 30 years stated that the SDR radios have problems in receive weak signals in presents of strong ones,so Kenwood did not implemented in their radios...
I have TS-590S (not the SG) and out of all the radios I've owned it's my favorite hands down. That being said I do not care for the SDR radios except for running QRP do to the features and portability. Kenwoods all the way IMHO.
Exactly the same here! I had a 7300 but just couldn't gel with it somehow, so sold it on after a couple of years. Yesterday, I obtained a used 590SG in immaculate condition, and simply cannot keep my hands off it. The QRM elimination is phenomenal compared with the 7300 - and other radio equipment I still have, or have previously owned. I'm going on holiday for 12 days tomorrow, and shall miss my 590 dearly!
Bottom line: If you prefer traditional radios with buttons instead of menus - go with the Kenwood. On the other hand, if you prefer modern radio's with state of the art technology, then go with the Icom. If you don't care about the spectrum scope, then go with the Kenwood as it is built better.
I've had both the 590SG and the 7300. I think the 590SG is FABULOUS for SSB. Absolutely haven't owned a better radio (in this price range). For shortwave listening I never was really pleased with it. It was okay. Then I got the 7300. The 7300 seems really good on SSB and Fabulous on shortwave. That just suits me better. Given all that... I miss the 590 for SSB. Would I buy another 590... absolutely. Would I buy another 7300... absolutely. Again just my perception and your mileage will vary.
Band scopes are great but they are two small as is the touch screen on the 7300. I know its a trade off but once you have seen a band scope on a 24" monitor it makes sence. There should have been a monitor connector on the 7300. The kenwwod with an SDR would allow me to sit back rather than have to lean in which is what I found when using the 7300.
I must be honest I’m a little ‘here nor there’ when it comes to band scopes. Just like DX clusters, they have taken away from the enjoyment of ‘spinning the knob’. That said, in a pileup they are a valuable tool especially in CW where I found both the IC-7300 and IC-7610 screens were fine. I do agree though that as far as band scopes go, 24” of high res beats the heck out of 7”. 73, Jarrad VK3BL
Thanks for an excellent video Jarrad. I'm an experimenter. The TS-590SG wins for me hands down for all of the reasons you mentioned. I may buy one with my tax return :) 73 from Andrew, VK2XXL
It is a little sports car like the Toyota 86 whilst my IC-7610 is a Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV :). I say Jeep because the 7610 doesn’t quite have the reliability of Mercedes ;)
Why I bought the TS-590SG - more options, more features, "Kenwood" sound! Hooked up an SDRPlay and off I went! Fantastic radio and I never looked back! Watching your videos, you are definitely an Icom guy, which is evident by the fact that you don't actually review any Kenwood gear. The Kenwood was my FIRST HF radio and works great as a FIRST radio!
When funds were tighter, I drooled over the FTDX-3000, the TS-590SG and a few others, but finally when I was working again the IC-7300 came out and that started it all. Its nice to finally have a TS-590SG in the shack, and we'll try to cover any gear irrespective of the manufacturer moving forward, price permitting ;) 73, Jarrad VK3BL
Jarrod - I feel you are a pretty objective guy & not a fanboy of an manufacturer. I have had all 3 rigs discussed. All nice rigs with their own personalities. 73 Bob
I fully agree Travis, after having owned 450, 850 and 950SDX and now owning a 590SG ! :) But, for the higher band and vacation, 7300 is still a fun rig with its fish finder, therefore a keeper for me ;) Nope, that's not a starter's rig, i'd rather say the 480 is better suited to start or even a good used TS50 or 450, and the 590SG and 7300 cannot be compared, the first one being a middle range the last one being an entry level rig.
I looked at both radios very closely, and bought the Kenwood. It just feels and sounds quality. The Icom seems delicate and flimsy. I like not having to dive into the menue to do things.
Yet another great review. Both rigs have USB audio and controls, which is the must for the modern rig. Either one of it is a good rig which suit someone's needs. Thank you, Bahathir 9W2GNU, 73.
I just swapped my 7300 for a 590SG a few days ago and the Kenwood RX & TX audio quality is not up with the Icom in terms of richness of tone, however, the receiver on the 590 is much better at rejecting my neighbor's 2500W of QRM and the 590 NB/NR also seems to be more effective. The cabinet/case is twice the strength on the 590 and the RF Gain is as an amateur rig is supposed to be! *I was seriously considering a 7610 until I discovered that it also has the backwards 7300-type CB-style RF Gain. To Hell with THAT!*
Agree- You can use the free Sw to adjust RX / TX with an equalizer. The 7300 is a nice toy compared to the 590 on receive and xmit once you know about this - but the 7300 still a nice toy!
The Icom 7300 is the Lamborghini, flashy does everything, and the Kenwood 590SG is the Porsche 911, built with the best parts with an improved classic design.
For the Kenwood, for the bandscope, you can add a low cost SDR like the RSP2 from SDRplay to get super HD graphics if you already have a PC and computer display in the shack - as per your latest video :-) ruclips.net/video/Zw13AuzPU04/видео.html
good objective comparison.... Agree with your analogy - Lab numbers are certainly valid and valuable, but best comparisons are best done with our eyes, ears and hands. We have have been making some objective comparisons as weii.... IC-7300 vs FT-991A vs TS-480SAT finally Ten-Tec Orion and others Overall performance of all the rigs we have been using offer good, some better performance, some easy, some easier to operate, some good features some better maybe even more. Overall - the IC-7300 is a great rig - better than others? That will be a subjective answer Certainly worth consideration, we own one and have or own reasons why we prefer operating it over other rigs..... personally I prefer the features, operation and performance of the FT-991A and find that in the toughest the conditions, our classic Ten-Tec Orion still holds its own and often out shines all we have run thus far.
Nice comparison. Had a TS2000 that went south. Went with 7300 and glad I did. I don’t like mixing the computer with the radio. Love the filers and the control of them on the Icom.
While I understand you don't plan to do a side by side performance test, I would be interested on seeing how fast or simple it is to move from 80m AM voice reception to say 20m upper sideband. I'm used to a band switch, mode switch operation type of environment, and going into menus etc., would take me completely out of my element, without a lot of retraining. I ultimately would like to upgrade my "Heathkit" shack.
On air test would last for DAYS - hi. Just got IC7300 - CW ops will appreciate vastly less filter and atmospheric noise at 500hz, cost cutters will enjoy the TCXO is built into IC7300 at no extra cost. I don't like rubbery buttons, the Kenwood is loaded with them. Most of all, TS590 is conventional (in a very good way), but IC7300 has a brand new wave of features and they seemingly never end once you start trying them. Been operating since 1975 and the engineers have included everything I desire in this one small device and made it intuitive. I paid $1099 for IC7300, TS590 is $1350 add TCXO - both wonderful rigs depending on which way you want to roll. ;-)
Hello, I could use some help. I have a Kenwood 590 and an ACOM 700S amp. I need the correct control cable that will key my amp. I'm guessing I can make one. The ACOM amp has an RCA input that says KEY. What connector do I need on the other end to connect to my Kenwood 590? Thank you much. Mel
Please I need help ... I want to buy a new radio and I'm in doubt which one to buy ?? an ICOM IC 7300 or Kenwood TS 590 SG ?? as the price of these two radios are good, would it be interesting to buy only two radios ??? have these two radios on the table ?? 73
It really comes down to what you're after in a shack. The Icom IC-7300 is very easy to use and does everything most operators need. The Kenwood has a few additional capabilities such as a second antenna connector, but it is much heavier and a much more complicated radio to use, also you need to pay for some features that are included in the IC-7300. Generally speaking, I would recommend the IC-7300; if you need a TS-590SG you will know it. If you make the wrong choice you can easily sell an IC-7300 for 80% of its retail price, but a TS-590SG will sell second hand for 60% at most. 73, Jarrad VK3BL
I’ve always been a big fan of Kenwood and have a TS-2000x ... but after Kenwood walked out of Australia and left us with zero support I would never consider another rig from them.
They’re more or less the same. I got my first 100 using a 40 year old Yaesu FT-101E :). When it comes to contesting one or the other may have a slight edge at your QTH, but for DXing where a station has its own frequency and nothing else around it any modern receiver is ‘good enough, especially in suburbia. 73, Jarrad VK3BL :)
Great comparison thanks. I notice that we seem to be seeing a fair amount of kenwoods on the used market - as perhaps folks rush to newer designs, radios w band scopes etc.
Hi Jarrad, Thanks for the comparison review. I had the opportunity to try a friends 590S a couple of years ago for a few months and found it was a very nice receiver similar to my TS 990, but with less features. TX also good. Then six months after that I purchased the 7300 and found it to be the absolute best bang for the buck bar none. Just love the clarity on SSB TX and RX. For me I had much more fun and enjoyment out of the 7300 than the 590. Can't really say why but the 7300 must have a "fun factor" about it that the 590 just doesn't have... And I'm a Kenwood fan, own their flagship 990....(of course the 990 is on another level with its bells and whistles but the 7300 comes close on RX and TX basic performance...) As for the wise guy who doubts ICOM reliability, I have a near 30 year old ICOM in my shack, and it's SUPER reliable....so put that in your peace pipe and smoke it... Pictures of it on my QRZ page. Les, VK3TEX.
Les, I think the answer lies in ‘change’, or specifically its derivative, ‘rate of change’. The IC-7300 packed a hell of a lot of change into one moment in ham history, and will not soon be forgotten! Perhaps whats most telling, is I swapped the IC-7300 for a TS-590SG; I had the big brother 7610, and the other chap had the TS-990. It seems both of us wanted ‘something different’ in our second/backup transceiver. To me, that along with the near universal love for boat anchors proves to me SuperHets will be in our shacks for decades to come. 73, Jarrad VK3BL
A couple of important points missed, the Kenwood remote software, as has been pointed out, is free and very closely emulates the set. It also works superbly across the net in remote locations, all that’s needed is a laptop, headset and tethered mobile phone data. Icom’s RSBA1 software is expensive but covers several of Icom’s sets and theefore has little in resemblance to the 7300. The Icom software also doesn’t pick up the settings in the 7300 so all settings have to be re-entered in the software. Using a $60 sdr dongle and SDR-Console on the 590SG makes the 7300 bandscope look like a toy. The 590SG also has dual serial ports, one USB and the other on a db9 socket so it’s possible to run two applications controlling the set at the same time, e.g. the remote software and FLdigi.
I bought the Icom 7300 a little over 2 weeks ago based on reviews. My old Yaesu Ft-840 has a much better receiver!! I wish I had bought the Kenwood TS-590SG instead. The bells and whistles of the touch screen on the 7300 get old fast. It will be a few more years but I will get the Kenwood. I will keep the others as I want to have one each of the big.
Not according to the industry accepted benchmarks. The 7300 receiver is easily one of the best currently available and significantly better than that in your FT840. Stats don't lie.
Really wish I had gone with the 590, to much trouble with my 7300. Have come back to this vid from years ago for a second look. Miss your vids, wish you well
How on earth could I have had so much fun with an old Ten Tec OMNI? No memories, no "waterfall"(!), only 1 VFO, NOT EVEN A CODE READER! None of this frippery from these radios whose makers are engaged in a gadget contest. Worked the world with 90 watts--still in use.
My first 100 were worked on 20M with a 1/4 Wave vertical and a Yaesu FT-101 :). It was less than a decade ago, but I achieved my target of under a year and the ‘DSP’ between the ears really got a fine tuning! Believe it or not, I still rarely use anything more than a good set of headphones ;). 73, Jarrad VK3BL
I'm a pretty new ham and the amount of bile spewed from older hams regarding modern radios and technology is a pretty big turnoff. Some people are interested in complex technology that goes beyond the bare minimum needed to get on the air. I'm glad it's confined to the olds though, I don't see younger hams moaning about "plastic" radios, "riceboxes", baofengs, digital modes that aren't CW and RTTY, digital voice/DMR, SDR receivers, etc. I think there's some bitterness from folks who can't stand to see the hobby progress beyond the technology they personally understand intuitively and it's kind of sad. On the other end, I also see a few older hams who are absolutely still "with it" and enthusiastic about new developments (a lot of these guys have great youtube channels) and I salute them. I'm not saying everyone has to operate with the latest technology, hell my HF rig is a bare-bones IC-718 and I like it a lot (though I have tapped the IF to an SDR because waterfall displays are useful as hell). Everyone has their own niche and if yours is super old radios more power to you! Just understand that others may get the same kick from some totally different aspect of the hobby and *there's nothing wrong with that*. The manufacturers are putting these features in because people like and use them, even if those people may not be the ones you associate with. 73 KN4YGQ
You can have fun with nearly any radio. Bandscopes and waterfalls are nice. Not just pretty or superficial, but useful tools. I guess the best way to judge a radio is like a blind operator would. Just sit back, close your eyes and listen. What sounds best. Which would you want to hear for hours at a time. And which one sounds best to the operator that you're talking with.
I have a ts590sg and added an rsp1a sdr receiver for a beautiful pan adapter display. Class above the 7300 which is prone to severe cover loading and band noise. Good comparison, thanks 73 de vu3mes. Also the kenwood have a seperate rx port for my loop.
You missed the fact that both the 590S +SG have two ham bands missing from the IC-7300: 630 and 2100m 1mW RX/TX outputs from the DRV connector. For the non-solderer the linear connection for the 590 can be done using the very widely offered Key-line ALC cable for under $20. Just look on Ebay. For most hams, just use the DIN plug provided and and cut one end off two cheap audio RCA cables. The weight difference is due to Kenwood's use of a massive cast aluminum chassis and heavy steel cabinet, producing a much more rugged radio, weighing 16 lbs. That's enough weight to prevent moving it by pushing buttons or moderate pulling on cables, which is not the case with the IC-7300. Additionally, if you put the detailed QST tech. reviews of the 2 radios side by side, you will see that there are quite a few RX performance categories in which the 590 does distinctly better. As you say, whether those differences will be useful to you will depend on your operating preferences. Tnx for the review! I agree with you: both radios are a bargain!
Hi Jarrad. I'm considering the purchase of new rig - the piggy bank is open. I'm licenced less than a year and have great fun with my venerable secondhand Yaesu FT 840 - which shares the antenna with an SDRPlay (I just can't get them to work together though). I was really attracted to the 7300 as my next rig before watching this video. If I'm reading you right - should go I with TS-590SG and just integrate the SDRPlay - do you reckon that is a superior set up? 73 Adrian EI9HAB
My biggest question is what works better for remote operation? I know the Kenmore has free software and the Icom I would have to spend 119 dollars but what works better with no crashes and problems.
Well Internet Gold Miner, I don't have a "Kenmore" like yours, but for remote operation that you speak of, both my Whirlpool and KitchenAid radios work VERY well, + Whirlpool & KitchenAid both offer GREAT free-software options as well. 73s
I really enjoy your videos, as they are objective and scientific in revealing the pros and cons. I would though lime to comment briefly on the fact that one thing said was that yaesu does not offer the sound card option without extra cost etc. perhaps when this video was made that may have been true since the FTDX 1200 which is closest in price point and performance to these two would require the extra money for the sound interface. Now though the FTDX 3000 which is selling for around $1800 with a $300 rebate making it only slightly more expensive than the TS590SG , of course sfter the txco and sound options are pirchased for it, and the sound option for the 3000. So for $100 difference in price you will have better DNR and Better IF output, after setting menu set and forget a radio just as easy to use in the 3000. Which as I have used the TS590SG and the 3000 I have found after setting filters and so on in the sub menu properly for the task at hand the FTDX3000 out performed the 590 out right. Plus you have a panscope though not a spectrum analyzer quality as the Icom, it isnt meant to be. It does whatbit is meant to do, show band activity and with the firmware updates it shows weak signals well on the water fall. It works as it was meant, besides if you absolutley want the full fledged band scope you can hook a cheap dongle up to the IF output a d set it to 9mhz and there you go. Actually you do not really have that option on the TS59sg as I discovered, it will not track with you radios vfo it only allows for a second reciever , where the 3000 allows for both IF out to panscope and control the radio to the signals of interest plus a RX out to setup a second reciever and this all at the same time. This cannot be done by either the Icom 7300 or the TS590SG and perhaps the IC7610 cannot either. Just my esperience and thoughts. Thanks again for all you do for Ham radio my friend I appreciate your videos. 73 Shane
You’re most welcome Shane; thanks for the kind words! :) Just one correction, the TS-590SG (G model only) does offer an RX Out for a panadapter ;). 73, Jarrad VK3BL
The 590 front end or features are not necessarily better, but more accessible. If you can prove me wrong by a considerable margin. I.e the notch, dsb, noise blanker and front end selectivity. I will sell the 7300 and buy the Kenwood. Is the newer SDR technology worth it??
Both are nice radios, but after Icom's total disregard for customer service, I would go with Kenwood. Icom left a very bitter taste after it pushed a firmware update for the Icom IC-PCR1000 and left everyone with bricked radios a few years back. Their response was total denial.
Trying to compare a TS-590SG to a IC-7300 is like trying to compare a Cadillac to a Ford Focus. I put my 590 up against my friends 7300 and it did not even come close. Only advantage of the 7300 is the touch screen. The 590SG has a DRV port to connect to either SDRplay or the one I use called Bonito Radio Com 6. Best software on the market with many features and I use the full version for ham radio.
Hello, I came across your videos and couldn't stop watching them. This video in particular got me thinking about the Icom IC-7300. I had a chance to play with it and it's fun to operate. Being a Kenwood girl, I would welcome this radio in my shack. Thanks again for the videos, they're very educational, you made me a subscriber. :-)
Thanks for the kind words :). The 7300 is a very fun little radio, especially for the money! I've always wanted a TS-590SG, so it has been a treat having it in the shack :). I wasn't a fan of the 'look' of Kenwood radios in the past, but the current crop quite take my fancy :). 73, Jarrad
Thanks for the objective and informative video, Jarrad. Last year, I went back and forward between these two radios until I decided to buy the 590SG. In my case, the form factor was important as I was looking for an upgrade (especially in RX) from my ageing TS2000 and the 590SG fit the bill perfectly. It's close enough to the TS2000 to operate, but offers many more up to date features as you point out in the video, plus has a superb RX. I hooked mine up to the SDR Play, which gives me a full-size panadapter, appreciate the USB out for digi and CAT control, and have never regretted the decision to buy it. I too found having to solder the DIN plug for the amp out rather than just using the RCA plug as on the TS2000 a minor scutter, but once done it's plug in and forget.
The good thing about the Kenwood is that it has buttons and nobs rather than a touchscreen. This is helpful for someone like me who is blind. It also has a speech function.
got bought of them. 23lbs vs 13lbs. the 590sg receive audio and noise reduction is superb. BUT 590sg easily get hot even low power digital operation. 7300 in another part audio is far from the kenwood. BUT the handy waterfall and a No computer needed as panadapter for 7300 is way great advantage, i dont have to turn ON my PC.one thing i like with 7300 is it operates cool on digital modes, thats a wow for me. nahhh i like them both..
Apparently there was a batch with the front fans installed incorrectly - it might be worth checking with Kenwood to see if your model was affected hence getting hot. 73, Jarrad VK3BL
Wonderful presentation. I'm a new ham so I don't have any "Well back in my day..." statements to make. I just like to call friends and make new ones on CW. Other modes don't interest me. I keep trying to like FT8 but, respectfully, I'd rather watch paint dry. Elders in my local club said the 7300 is "a game changer" so I suppose it is. I've been enjoying mine for a year now.
ICOM IC-7300 has smaler final, . 2 X 70W Kenwood TS 590SG has 2 X 100W final. ICOM IC-7300 has smaller cooler on final and smaller louder fan Kenwood TS 590SG has big cooling system and big fan than run without noise. Remote software for Kenwood is free. ICOM it cost . You would not run IC-7300 in contest. It is to small and will not run transmitter 24/7 like Kenwood who only use 50% of its power to make 100W. And and and ....................... :) Sherwood Engineering do only test 50% of the radio, the Receiver not the Transmitter! TF1A
Well said :) I do have both radios. Using 7300 on the higher bands to monitor them separately. Although if I had to keep 1 of them, I would keep the Kenwood and set up a panadaptor together with a second SDR receiver connected to it. Looks like the 7300 is indeed an entry level rig on the selectivity point of view. Still, that's a fun compact rig with panadapter included.
I'm so used to having a bandscope that without it I feel like I'm driving blind. That one feature alone makes my choice easy. I liked my 7300 enough to go ahead and get the 7610. Good move! It's got all the things that are missing on the 7300. The Kenwood is old-school superhetrodyne type technology that is rapidly becoming obsolete.
Dear Doug, thanks for the endorsement! I tried to keep it as factual as possible; whilst these radios are in the same price bracket the offer vastly different features and a vastly different experience to the owner. 73, Jarrad VK3BL :)
@@RateMyRadio I own a Kenwood 590sg and love it. I came from a family of hams. I still have dad's 520. BUT - I can't get my 590 to play well with my MFJ998 tuner which is a must have for my remote station. Apparently this is a problem with the 590. I may go with the 7300 just for that reason.
I suspect the Kenwood TS-590SG would have the edge for CW usage; it has a built in decoder if you're into that kind of thing and slightly better 'close in' performance (without turning IP+ on) than the IC-7300. However, that said a scope and waterfall is a very useful tool for a contest so you may need to pair it with an SDR Play RSP dongle and the HDSDR software. 73, Jarrad VK3BL
the vgs-1 is a lot less us than you're saying, I forget what I paid for mine in the spring but I think it was around $60 or so. I have the 590S, not the G model and like it, no real reason to go to the G model for me. I'm on daily but have so many radios I'm always changing things around.
I own both. Next time compare apples to apples. I've only owned Kenwood radios going back to 1983 when I got licensed and purchased the ICOM 7300 in November. The price difference is about $350 so yes there are going to be some differences like one antenna port on the ICOM. To say there's no menus with the 590 is incorrect, when you go to set up, say, digital modes, don't you hit "Menu" and go through the options? That's what I had to do, there's about 100 different settings in the Kenwood menu. The Kenwood definitely wins with weak CW signals over the ICOM 7300, however it is no faster, for example to change the power level on the Kenwood 590 than it is to change it on the Icom. I appreciate the review but it was really not a comparison of similar priced radios.
I agree they are apples and oranges, unfortunately many do not, and believe because they are similar in size, sherwood numbers and relatively similar price they can be compared. The point of our video is to highlight how different they really are :) 73, Jarrad VK3BL
I have a TS590S (not SG) but can safely say the rig has a great receiver. I point out that my antenna is pretty poor and low to the ground. A buddipole. I really can’t hear the low Level CW signals it’s capable of receiving. I would love to get the IC-7300 because of the band scope and a few of the other features. The single ant connection isn’t a factor for me as I use a band antenna switch. I wasn’t aware how easy it would be with the SG to add a band scope feature. Good to know.
Confusing when you have 1983 and then November in the same sentence, using the connecting word "and". I disagree with the apple to orange criticism. Both are current models on the market. Both are approx close in price range. He's not comparing a military green radio with a ham radio here. You are just nitpicking in this. If you are so right then there will be no comparison reviews at all as all designs can be vastly different.
I've had some time to play with the 590SG and I can say it's been a real treat to operate some modern hardware. The filtering is way beyond what my 1980s vintage 440S does. It took some time to get used to the new interface, but it does feel pretty fluid. Having most of the functionality on a physical button is great. The rig control software from Kenwood is nothing special at all. I was able to get some linux software working with the rig without too much effort, though I do still prefer to operator the radio using the buttons on the rig. I still haven't made an FT8 contact on it yet -- I'll figure that out soon. All in all, I'm very satisfied with it! Looking forward to taking in portable someday soon, too.
Yes thats pretty much the reason. The Kenwood has a few extra features such as a second antenna port etc which even as an SDR would ad weight but basically thats it. 73, Jarrad VK3BL :)
I like the old school goods, where there is some "there" there. I am not overly pleased with the 7300 waterfall (as compared to the 991a), so going external would be fine for me. This would be my first, but I grew up in a ham house.
the kenny is monochromatic, the icom is obviously sorta hd tv,if kenwood went multi color on their display they wood have the advantage asthetically,i like the simpleness of the kenny. i own a ftdx1200 not hottest rx but the dsp and notch/wide/contour controls really nice also with the fft1 it decodes cw and Encode and decode RTTY and PSK31, right on the display you should review the yeasus...
I have operated both rigs (owned neither) and the TS-590SG would get my money. Love a radio that you can operate with two hands, button porn :) I could listed to the Kenwood all day. Thanks sharing your thoughts Jarrad.
Thanks again for a nice comparison guide. I own both, but only used them as receivers. The IC-7300, unfortunately, had birdies and noise. Despite the latest firmware, it also needed a few factory resets. When I get on HF, I suspect the TS-590SG will be my FT8 rig. It was easier to configure. The IC-7300 sat unused at another ham's shack, too. He tried it while RV camping, however, and decided to keep it.
I use the TS590SG more than 2 Years , with an External SDR on the DRV Out . i Also use the 7300 more than 2 Month parallel to the TS590SG . on the End the TS590SG is my Winner in the Category DX-Ing Because is faster and directer to access Filters and other important Settings for getting Weak Signals "readable" With an External SDR you also faster , Click on the Signal , TRX Jumps on it ! But the 7300 is also a great Radio ! 1 Power Plug , 1 Antenna and all is working - With Panorama , Voice Recorder and a Great Audio out of the Box ! We use in Contest the IC 7300 ( with Contest Console ) and e have NO PROBLEM WITH BIG SIGNALS but dont turn on the PreAmp :-) If you the Ts590SG or the IC 7300 you make nothing Bad ! Greetings Jarrad from , DK6MP / Carsten
Good stuff..Both are very good radios, we have the TS-590S at the club, one of the major differences between the two though is the TX duty cycle, the Kenwood is 100% and will just be getting warm while the Icom has melted the finals, this is the main reason for the huge weight difference, the Kenwood has been designed as a true competition rig, I like both and in July I will be looking for a new rig, I know what I want but I can not decide what to buy.................. Jeep life
In 2022- I’d say get a new FTdx10 and a used 590sg (sdrplay) - FTDX10 for ghost signal cw and 590sg for good rx/tx audio on SSB- this is the 9/10ths version of having a TS890 and FTDX5k / 101 for the same purposes. If what I’m writing doesn’t make sense to you, buy a 7300 or 7610 and enjoy! They are all great!
The TS-590SG has 56 glorious buttons on the front panel.
Exactly! A drivers radio!
You can connect both a cw keyer and a bug on the Kenwood and use either one at any time whereas on the 7300 there is only one connection and you have to go into the menus to change from bug to keyer.
I owned a 7300 for a short time. They're applauded for their ability to handle QRM and pick signals out of the noise, but I just didn't see it. Once the novelty of the band scope wore off, it was a fairly average receiver - not bad by any means, just not the game changer everyone always wants to make it out to be. I sold it after several months. I just picked up a nice used 590SG, and I'm looking forward to putting it through its paces.
as a Toshio Tori ,chief engineer,and constructor of Kenwood radios for last 30 years stated that the SDR radios have problems in receive weak signals in presents of strong ones,so Kenwood did not implemented in their radios...
I have TS-590S (not the SG) and out of all the radios I've owned it's my favorite hands down. That being said I do not care for the SDR radios except for running QRP do to the features and portability. Kenwoods all the way IMHO.
Exactly the same here! I had a 7300 but just couldn't gel with it somehow, so sold it on after a couple of years. Yesterday, I obtained a used 590SG in immaculate condition, and simply cannot keep my hands off it. The QRM elimination is phenomenal compared with the 7300 - and other radio equipment I still have, or have previously owned. I'm going on holiday for 12 days tomorrow, and shall miss my 590 dearly!
Bottom line:
If you prefer traditional radios with buttons instead of menus - go with the Kenwood.
On the other hand, if you prefer modern radio's with state of the art technology, then go with the Icom.
If you don't care about the spectrum scope, then go with the Kenwood as it is built better.
This video made my mind up. Im getting the TS-590SG. It looks and sounds like a work horse. Thanks de KK4LGL Derrick
i know I am pretty randomly asking but do anyone know a good place to watch new movies online?
I've had both the 590SG and the 7300. I think the 590SG is FABULOUS for SSB. Absolutely haven't owned a better radio (in this price range). For shortwave listening I never was really pleased with it. It was okay. Then I got the 7300. The 7300 seems really good on SSB and Fabulous on shortwave. That just suits me better. Given all that... I miss the 590 for SSB. Would I buy another 590... absolutely. Would I buy another 7300... absolutely. Again just my perception and your mileage will vary.
What makes you say the TS-590SG isn't so great for shortwave listening?
Band scopes are great but they are two small as is the touch screen on the 7300. I know its a trade off but once you have seen a band scope on a 24" monitor it makes sence. There should have been a monitor connector on the 7300. The kenwwod with an SDR would allow me to sit back rather than have to lean in which is what I found when using the 7300.
I must be honest I’m a little ‘here nor there’ when it comes to band scopes. Just like DX clusters, they have taken away from the enjoyment of ‘spinning the knob’. That said, in a pileup they are a valuable tool especially in CW where I found both the IC-7300 and IC-7610 screens were fine. I do agree though that as far as band scopes go, 24” of high res beats the heck out of 7”. 73, Jarrad VK3BL
The 7300 can be fitted with a PTRX board and the feed from that directed to an SDR play for far higher resolution and more detailed display.
Thanks for an excellent video Jarrad. I'm an experimenter. The TS-590SG wins for me hands down for all of the reasons you mentioned. I may buy one with my tax return :) 73 from Andrew, VK2XXL
It is a little sports car like the Toyota 86 whilst my IC-7610 is a Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV :). I say Jeep because the 7610 doesn’t quite have the reliability of Mercedes ;)
Why I bought the TS-590SG - more options, more features, "Kenwood" sound! Hooked up an SDRPlay and off I went! Fantastic radio and I never looked back! Watching your videos, you are definitely an Icom guy, which is evident by the fact that you don't actually review any Kenwood gear. The Kenwood was my FIRST HF radio and works great as a FIRST radio!
When funds were tighter, I drooled over the FTDX-3000, the TS-590SG and a few others, but finally when I was working again the IC-7300 came out and that started it all. Its nice to finally have a TS-590SG in the shack, and we'll try to cover any gear irrespective of the manufacturer moving forward, price permitting ;) 73, Jarrad VK3BL
Jarrod - I feel you are a pretty objective guy & not a fanboy of an manufacturer. I have had all 3 rigs discussed. All nice rigs with their own personalities. 73 Bob
I have owned many radios, and for the money the IC 7300 can't be beat!
I fully agree Travis, after having owned 450, 850 and 950SDX and now owning a 590SG ! :)
But, for the higher band and vacation, 7300 is still a fun rig with its fish finder, therefore a keeper for me ;)
Nope, that's not a starter's rig, i'd rather say the 480 is better suited to start or even a good used TS50 or 450, and the 590SG and 7300 cannot be compared, the first one being a middle range the last one being an entry level rig.
@@W-733_KWX *Yep, you nailed it.*
I looked at both radios very closely, and bought the Kenwood. It just feels and sounds quality. The Icom seems delicate and flimsy. I like not having to dive into the menue to do things.
Yet another great review.
Both rigs have USB audio and controls, which is the must for the modern rig. Either one of it is a good rig which suit someone's needs.
Thank you,
Bahathir 9W2GNU, 73.
I just swapped my 7300 for a 590SG a few days ago and the Kenwood RX & TX audio quality is not up with the Icom in terms of richness of tone, however, the receiver on the 590 is much better at rejecting my neighbor's 2500W of QRM and the 590 NB/NR also seems to be more effective.
The cabinet/case is twice the strength on the 590 and the RF Gain is as an amateur rig is supposed to be!
*I was seriously considering a 7610 until I discovered that it also has the backwards 7300-type CB-style RF Gain. To Hell with THAT!*
Agree- You can use the free Sw to adjust RX / TX with an equalizer. The 7300 is a nice toy compared to the 590 on receive and xmit once you know about this - but the 7300 still a nice toy!
The Icom 7300 is the Lamborghini, flashy does everything, and the Kenwood 590SG is the Porsche 911, built with the best parts with an improved classic design.
I'm working all the hours I can to afford the Kenwood.Im buying the Kenwood because it's pretty much future proof.
For the Kenwood, for the bandscope, you can add a low cost SDR like the RSP2 from SDRplay to get super HD graphics if you already have a PC and computer display in the shack - as per your latest video :-) ruclips.net/video/Zw13AuzPU04/видео.html
good objective comparison.... Agree with your analogy
- Lab numbers are certainly valid and valuable, but best comparisons are best done with our eyes, ears and hands.
We have have been making some objective comparisons as weii....
IC-7300 vs FT-991A vs TS-480SAT finally Ten-Tec Orion and others
Overall performance of all the rigs we have been using offer good, some better performance, some easy, some easier to operate, some good features some better maybe even more.
Overall - the IC-7300 is a great rig - better than others? That will be a subjective answer
Certainly worth consideration, we own one and have or own reasons why we prefer operating it over other rigs..... personally I prefer the features, operation and performance of the FT-991A and find that in the toughest the conditions, our classic Ten-Tec Orion still holds its own and often out shines all we have run thus far.
Nice comparison. Had a TS2000 that went south. Went with 7300 and glad I did. I don’t like mixing the computer with the radio. Love the filers and the control of them on the Icom.
I must confess I much prefer to keep the radio room dedicated to radio; I’m glad you enjoy the IC-7300 and thanks for the comment 73 Jarrad VK3BL
While I understand you don't plan to do a side by side performance test, I would be interested on seeing how fast or simple it is to move from 80m AM voice reception to say 20m upper sideband. I'm used to a band switch, mode switch operation type of environment, and going into menus etc., would take me completely out of my element, without a lot of retraining. I ultimately would like to upgrade my "Heathkit" shack.
FT450D had voice recording. tho only few secs. could have the CQ CQ message. so 7300 wasnt 1st with it.
It was the first to offer a plethora of features at its price point, but you are correct the FT-450D did offer that feature. 73, Jarrad VK3BL :)
You maybe forgetting , IC-7000 had voice recording capability also .
On air test would last for DAYS - hi. Just got IC7300 - CW ops will appreciate vastly less filter and atmospheric noise at 500hz, cost cutters will enjoy the TCXO is built into IC7300 at no extra cost. I don't like rubbery buttons, the Kenwood is loaded with them. Most of all, TS590 is conventional (in a very good way), but IC7300 has a brand new wave of features and they seemingly never end once you start trying them. Been operating since 1975 and the engineers have included everything I desire in this one small device and made it intuitive. I paid $1099 for IC7300, TS590 is $1350 add TCXO - both wonderful rigs depending on which way you want to roll. ;-)
Hello, I could use some help.
I have a Kenwood 590 and an ACOM 700S amp.
I need the correct control cable that will key my amp. I'm guessing I can make one. The ACOM amp has an RCA input that says KEY. What connector do I need on the other end to connect to my Kenwood 590? Thank you much.
Mel
Please I need help ... I want to buy a new radio and I'm in doubt which one to buy ?? an ICOM IC 7300 or Kenwood TS 590 SG ?? as the price of these two radios are good, would it be interesting to buy only two radios ??? have these two radios on the table ?? 73
It really comes down to what you're after in a shack. The Icom IC-7300 is very easy to use and does everything most operators need. The Kenwood has a few additional capabilities such as a second antenna connector, but it is much heavier and a much more complicated radio to use, also you need to pay for some features that are included in the IC-7300. Generally speaking, I would recommend the IC-7300; if you need a TS-590SG you will know it. If you make the wrong choice you can easily sell an IC-7300 for 80% of its retail price, but a TS-590SG will sell second hand for 60% at most. 73, Jarrad VK3BL
@@RateMyRadio This is certainly a reality, thank you very much.73
I’ve always been a big fan of Kenwood and have a TS-2000x ... but after Kenwood walked out of Australia and left us with zero support I would never consider another rig from them.
Which has the better reciever to pull out weak dx signals?
They’re more or less the same. I got my first 100 using a 40 year old Yaesu FT-101E :). When it comes to contesting one or the other may have a slight edge at your QTH, but for DXing where a station has its own frequency and nothing else around it any modern receiver is ‘good enough, especially in suburbia. 73, Jarrad VK3BL :)
I think the Kenwood has the advantage.
Great comparison thanks. I notice that we seem to be seeing a fair amount of kenwoods on the used market - as perhaps folks rush to newer designs, radios w band scopes etc.
The 590SG models don’t seem to come up much here but 590s do occasionally however its more the 850s and older I see often. 73, Jarrad VK3BL
Hi Jarrad,
Thanks for the comparison review. I had the opportunity to try a friends 590S a couple of years ago for a few months and found it was a very nice receiver similar to my TS 990, but with less features. TX also good.
Then six months after that I purchased the 7300 and found it to be the absolute best bang for the buck bar none. Just love the clarity on SSB TX and RX. For me I had much more fun and enjoyment out of the 7300 than the 590. Can't really say why but the 7300 must have a "fun factor" about it that the 590 just doesn't have...
And I'm a Kenwood fan, own their flagship 990....(of course the 990 is on another level with its bells and whistles but the 7300 comes close on RX and TX basic performance...)
As for the wise guy who doubts ICOM reliability, I have a near 30 year old ICOM in my shack, and it's SUPER reliable....so put that in your peace pipe and smoke it...
Pictures of it on my QRZ page.
Les, VK3TEX.
Les, I think the answer lies in ‘change’, or specifically its derivative, ‘rate of change’. The IC-7300 packed a hell of a lot of change into one moment in ham history, and will not soon be forgotten! Perhaps whats most telling, is I swapped the IC-7300 for a TS-590SG; I had the big brother 7610, and the other chap had the TS-990. It seems both of us wanted ‘something different’ in our second/backup transceiver. To me, that along with the near universal love for boat anchors proves to me SuperHets will be in our shacks for decades to come. 73, Jarrad VK3BL
Insightful comments about not buying a radio based on sensitivity or any other single feature. Thanks for that
A couple of important points missed, the Kenwood remote software, as has been pointed out, is free and very closely emulates the set. It also works superbly across the net in remote locations, all that’s needed is a laptop, headset and tethered mobile phone data. Icom’s RSBA1 software is expensive but covers several of Icom’s sets and theefore has little in resemblance to the 7300. The Icom software also doesn’t pick up the settings in the 7300 so all settings have to be re-entered in the software. Using a $60 sdr dongle and SDR-Console on the 590SG makes the 7300 bandscope look like a toy. The 590SG also has dual serial ports, one USB and the other on a db9 socket so it’s possible to run two applications controlling the set at the same time, e.g. the remote software and FLdigi.
I bought the Icom 7300 a little over 2 weeks ago based on reviews. My old Yaesu Ft-840 has a much better receiver!! I wish I had bought the Kenwood TS-590SG instead. The bells and whistles of the touch screen on the 7300 get old fast. It will be a few more years but I will get the Kenwood. I will keep the others as I want to have one each of the big.
Not according to the industry accepted benchmarks. The 7300 receiver is easily one of the best currently available and significantly better than that in your FT840. Stats don't lie.
Really wish I had gone with the 590, to much trouble with my 7300. Have come back to this vid from years ago for a second look. Miss your vids, wish you well
How on earth could I have had so much fun with an old Ten Tec OMNI? No memories, no "waterfall"(!), only 1 VFO, NOT EVEN A CODE READER! None of this frippery from these radios whose makers are engaged in a gadget contest. Worked the world with 90 watts--still in use.
My first 100 were worked on 20M with a 1/4 Wave vertical and a Yaesu FT-101 :). It was less than a decade ago, but I achieved my target of under a year and the ‘DSP’ between the ears really got a fine tuning! Believe it or not, I still rarely use anything more than a good set of headphones ;). 73, Jarrad VK3BL
I'm a pretty new ham and the amount of bile spewed from older hams regarding modern radios and technology is a pretty big turnoff. Some people are interested in complex technology that goes beyond the bare minimum needed to get on the air. I'm glad it's confined to the olds though, I don't see younger hams moaning about "plastic" radios, "riceboxes", baofengs, digital modes that aren't CW and RTTY, digital voice/DMR, SDR receivers, etc. I think there's some bitterness from folks who can't stand to see the hobby progress beyond the technology they personally understand intuitively and it's kind of sad. On the other end, I also see a few older hams who are absolutely still "with it" and enthusiastic about new developments (a lot of these guys have great youtube channels) and I salute them.
I'm not saying everyone has to operate with the latest technology, hell my HF rig is a bare-bones IC-718 and I like it a lot (though I have tapped the IF to an SDR because waterfall displays are useful as hell). Everyone has their own niche and if yours is super old radios more power to you! Just understand that others may get the same kick from some totally different aspect of the hobby and *there's nothing wrong with that*. The manufacturers are putting these features in because people like and use them, even if those people may not be the ones you associate with.
73 KN4YGQ
You can have fun with nearly any radio. Bandscopes and waterfalls are nice. Not just pretty or superficial, but useful tools. I guess the best way to judge a radio is like a blind operator would. Just sit back, close your eyes and listen. What sounds best. Which would you want to hear for hours at a time. And which one sounds best to the operator that you're talking with.
I have a ts590sg and added an rsp1a sdr receiver for a beautiful pan adapter display. Class above the 7300 which is prone to severe cover loading and band noise. Good comparison, thanks 73 de vu3mes. Also the kenwood have a seperate rx port for my loop.
You missed the fact that both the 590S +SG have two ham bands missing from the IC-7300: 630 and 2100m 1mW RX/TX outputs from the DRV connector. For the non-solderer the linear connection for the 590 can be done using the very widely offered Key-line ALC cable for under $20. Just look on Ebay. For most hams, just use the DIN plug provided and and cut one end off two cheap audio RCA cables.
The weight difference is due to Kenwood's use of a massive cast aluminum chassis and heavy steel cabinet, producing a much more rugged radio, weighing 16 lbs. That's enough weight to prevent moving it by pushing buttons or moderate pulling on cables, which is not the case with the IC-7300. Additionally, if you put the detailed QST tech. reviews of the 2 radios side by side, you will see that there are quite a few RX performance categories in which the 590 does distinctly better. As you say, whether those differences will be useful to you will depend on your operating preferences. Tnx for the review! I agree with you: both radios are a bargain!
Hi Jarrad. I'm considering the purchase of new rig - the piggy bank is open. I'm licenced less than a year and have great fun with my venerable secondhand Yaesu FT 840 - which shares the antenna with an SDRPlay (I just can't get them to work together though). I was really attracted to the 7300 as my next rig before watching this video. If I'm reading you right - should go I with TS-590SG and just integrate the SDRPlay - do you reckon that is a superior set up? 73 Adrian EI9HAB
Jarrad, What is the radio of these can perform better in contest? kenwood TS 590SG VS ICOM IC 7300? 73
My biggest question is what works better for remote operation? I know the Kenmore has free software and the Icom I would have to spend 119 dollars but what works better with no crashes and problems.
Well Internet Gold Miner, I don't have a "Kenmore" like yours, but for remote operation that you speak of, both my Whirlpool and KitchenAid radios work VERY well, + Whirlpool & KitchenAid both offer GREAT free-software options as well. 73s
I really enjoy your videos, as they are objective and scientific in revealing the pros and cons. I would though lime to comment briefly on the fact that one thing said was that yaesu does not offer the sound card option without extra cost etc. perhaps when this video was made that may have been true since the FTDX 1200 which is closest in price point and performance to these two would require the extra money for the sound interface. Now though the FTDX 3000 which is selling for around $1800 with a $300 rebate making it only slightly more expensive than the TS590SG , of course sfter the txco and sound options are pirchased for it, and the sound option for the 3000. So for $100 difference in price you will have better DNR and Better IF output, after setting menu set and forget a radio just as easy to use in the 3000. Which as I have used the TS590SG and the 3000 I have found after setting filters and so on in the sub menu properly for the task at hand the FTDX3000 out performed the 590 out right. Plus you have a panscope though not a spectrum analyzer quality as the Icom, it isnt meant to be. It does whatbit is meant to do, show band activity and with the firmware updates it shows weak signals well on the water fall. It works as it was meant, besides if you absolutley want the full fledged band scope you can hook a cheap dongle up to the IF output a d set it to 9mhz and there you go. Actually you do not really have that option on the TS59sg as I discovered, it will not track with you radios vfo it only allows for a second reciever , where the 3000 allows for both IF out to panscope and control the radio to the signals of interest plus a RX out to setup a second reciever and this all at the same time. This cannot be done by either the Icom 7300 or the TS590SG and perhaps the IC7610 cannot either. Just my esperience and thoughts. Thanks again for all you do for Ham radio my friend I appreciate your videos. 73
Shane
You’re most welcome Shane; thanks for the kind words! :) Just one correction, the TS-590SG (G model only) does offer an RX Out for a panadapter ;). 73, Jarrad VK3BL
The 590 front end or features are not necessarily better, but more accessible. If you can prove me wrong by a considerable margin. I.e the notch, dsb, noise blanker and front end selectivity. I will sell the 7300 and buy the Kenwood. Is the newer SDR technology worth it??
Both are nice radios, but after Icom's total disregard for customer service, I would go with Kenwood.
Icom left a very bitter taste after it pushed a firmware update for the Icom IC-PCR1000 and left everyone with bricked radios a few years back. Their response was total denial.
Trying to compare a TS-590SG to a IC-7300 is like trying to compare a Cadillac to a Ford Focus. I put my 590 up against my friends 7300 and it did not even come close. Only advantage of the 7300 is the touch screen. The 590SG has a DRV port to connect to either SDRplay or the one I use called Bonito Radio Com 6. Best software on the market with many features and I use the full version for ham radio.
Great video Jarrad. Thank you for sharing! 73 VK3FJBO
Yaesu 991A has a built in sound card ,mine I don't need an external sound card
Configuration options are ok nested in a menu while operational control should always be "right > there"
Hello, I came across your videos and couldn't stop watching them. This video in particular got me thinking about the Icom IC-7300. I had a chance to play with it and it's fun to operate. Being a Kenwood girl, I would welcome this radio in my shack. Thanks again for the videos, they're very educational, you made me a subscriber. :-)
Thanks for the kind words :). The 7300 is a very fun little radio, especially for the money! I've always wanted a TS-590SG, so it has been a treat having it in the shack :). I wasn't a fan of the 'look' of Kenwood radios in the past, but the current crop quite take my fancy :). 73, Jarrad
Thanks for the objective and informative video, Jarrad. Last year, I went back and forward between these two radios until I decided to buy the 590SG. In my case, the form factor was important as I was looking for an upgrade (especially in RX) from my ageing TS2000 and the 590SG fit the bill perfectly. It's close enough to the TS2000 to operate, but offers many more up to date features as you point out in the video, plus has a superb RX. I hooked mine up to the SDR Play, which gives me a full-size panadapter, appreciate the USB out for digi and CAT control, and have never regretted the decision to buy it. I too found having to solder the DIN plug for the amp out rather than just using the RCA plug as on the TS2000 a minor scutter, but once done it's plug in and forget.
i put an SDR Play on my TS-2000 the SDR Play is SWEET!
The good thing about the Kenwood is that it has buttons and nobs rather than a touchscreen. This is helpful for someone like me who is blind. It also has a speech function.
The IC7300 does have voice announce as standard.
I'm partially sighted but I find the screen very bold, bright and easy to read
This is an excellent video comparison and very honest, balanced for.these two. I hope you do more! De WO8USA🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
got bought of them. 23lbs vs 13lbs. the 590sg receive audio and noise reduction is superb. BUT 590sg easily get hot even low power digital operation. 7300 in another part audio is far from the kenwood. BUT the handy waterfall and a No computer needed as panadapter for 7300 is way great advantage, i dont have to turn ON my PC.one thing i like with 7300 is it operates cool on digital modes, thats a wow for me. nahhh i like them both..
Apparently there was a batch with the front fans installed incorrectly - it might be worth checking with Kenwood to see if your model was affected hence getting hot. 73, Jarrad VK3BL
Wonderful presentation. I'm a new ham so I don't have any "Well back in my day..." statements to make. I just like to call friends and make new ones on CW. Other modes don't interest me. I keep trying to like FT8 but, respectfully, I'd rather watch paint dry. Elders in my local club said the 7300 is "a game changer" so I suppose it is. I've been enjoying mine for a year now.
I have both and love both of them the last is in the 7300
ICOM IC-7300 has smaler final, . 2 X 70W Kenwood TS 590SG has 2 X 100W final.
ICOM IC-7300 has smaller cooler on final and smaller louder fan
Kenwood TS 590SG has big cooling system and big fan than run without noise.
Remote software for Kenwood is free. ICOM it cost .
You would not run IC-7300 in contest. It is to small and will not run transmitter 24/7 like Kenwood who only use 50% of its power to make 100W.
And and and ....................... :)
Sherwood Engineering do only test 50% of the radio, the Receiver not the Transmitter!
TF1A
Ari Thor couldnt been said better
Well said :) I do have both radios. Using 7300 on the higher bands to monitor them separately. Although if I had to keep 1 of them, I would keep the Kenwood and set up a panadaptor together with a second SDR receiver connected to it.
Looks like the 7300 is indeed an entry level rig on the selectivity point of view. Still, that's a fun compact rig with panadapter included.
I run my IC-7300 only in contests
Antonis Parashis ran contests with mine too, never missed a beat.
Ari Thor, "Sherwood" in this day in age ONLY manufactures scuba-dive regulators; why would they be testing the performance of 0f Kenwood radios??
I'm so used to having a bandscope that without it I feel like I'm driving blind. That one feature alone makes my choice easy. I liked my 7300 enough to go ahead and get the 7610. Good move! It's got all the things that are missing on the 7300. The Kenwood is old-school superhetrodyne type technology that is rapidly becoming obsolete.
I fully agree, but although obsolete, just as old tube rigs, superheterodyne will still bring lots of fun for a long time to come :)
I will take the receiver on the 590SG over the Icom any day. Better sounding audio to my ears.
Thank you, I agree with you, the Kenwood Radio is far superior to the Icom. Your review was good.
excellent review. open and genuine. simply stating facts.
Dear Doug, thanks for the endorsement! I tried to keep it as factual as possible; whilst these radios are in the same price bracket the offer vastly different features and a vastly different experience to the owner. 73, Jarrad VK3BL :)
@@RateMyRadio I own a Kenwood 590sg and love it. I came from a family of hams. I still have dad's 520. BUT - I can't get my 590 to play well with my MFJ998 tuner which is a must have for my remote station. Apparently this is a problem with the 590. I may go with the 7300 just for that reason.
I mostly work CW contests, anyone compared those radio under those conditions?
I suspect the Kenwood TS-590SG would have the edge for CW usage; it has a built in decoder if you're into that kind of thing and slightly better 'close in' performance (without turning IP+ on) than the IC-7300. However, that said a scope and waterfall is a very useful tool for a contest so you may need to pair it with an SDR Play RSP dongle and the HDSDR software. 73, Jarrad VK3BL
Thanks Jarrad, do I recall your callsign during the contest last night? VK1FCLU...cheers for your vids.
Thats correct - we worked last night I was on 3647kHz :)
I like how you put them next to one another.
Thanks. There is no meaningful way to compare them in practice; both have more than good enough receivers for all but contest work. 73 Jarrad VK3BL :)
I'm going for the ts590 !
An excellent explanation. Thank you!
73,
Dave
WA7AXT
the vgs-1 is a lot less us than you're saying, I forget what I paid for mine in the spring but I think it was around $60 or so. I have the 590S, not the G model and like it, no real reason to go to the G model for me. I'm on daily but have so many radios I'm always changing things around.
I own both. Next time compare apples to apples. I've only owned Kenwood radios going back to 1983 when I got licensed and purchased the ICOM 7300 in November. The price difference is about $350 so yes there are going to be some differences like one antenna port on the ICOM. To say there's no menus with the 590 is incorrect, when you go to set up, say, digital modes, don't you hit "Menu" and go through the options? That's what I had to do, there's about 100 different settings in the Kenwood menu. The Kenwood definitely wins with weak CW signals over the ICOM 7300, however it is no faster, for example to change the power level on the Kenwood 590 than it is to change it on the Icom. I appreciate the review but it was really not a comparison of similar priced radios.
I agree they are apples and oranges, unfortunately many do not, and believe because they are similar in size, sherwood numbers and relatively similar price they can be compared. The point of our video is to highlight how different they really are :) 73, Jarrad VK3BL
I have a TS590S (not SG) but can safely say the rig has a great receiver. I point out that my antenna is pretty poor and low to the ground. A buddipole. I really can’t hear the low Level CW signals it’s capable of receiving. I would love to get the IC-7300 because of the band scope and a few of the other features. The single ant connection isn’t a factor for me as I use a band antenna switch. I wasn’t aware how easy it would be with the SG to add a band scope feature. Good to know.
Confusing when you have 1983 and then November in the same sentence, using the connecting word "and".
I disagree with the apple to orange criticism. Both are current models on the market. Both are approx close in price range. He's not comparing a military green radio with a ham radio here. You are just nitpicking in this. If you are so right then there will be no comparison reviews at all as all designs can be vastly different.
@@nine7295 thanks for replying to a 4 year old comment.
Thanks for this video! Great content!
Great and honest review, thanks Jarrad for sharing ! 73 de Dirk PA2C
This video convinced me to get the Kenwood.
Dear Scott, when you get your lovely new radio please do let us know what you think :) 73, Jarrad VK3BL
I've had some time to play with the 590SG and I can say it's been a real treat to operate some modern hardware. The filtering is way beyond what my 1980s vintage 440S does. It took some time to get used to the new interface, but it does feel pretty fluid. Having most of the functionality on a physical button is great.
The rig control software from Kenwood is nothing special at all. I was able to get some linux software working with the rig without too much effort, though I do still prefer to operator the radio using the buttons on the rig. I still haven't made an FT8 contact on it yet -- I'll figure that out soon.
All in all, I'm very satisfied with it! Looking forward to taking in portable someday soon, too.
I play with both and the IC 7300 you don’t need the manual is very easy but to boring for me I prefer the KENWOOD TS 590 S
The 7300 is lighter cuz it's an SDR. New vs. old
Yes thats pretty much the reason. The Kenwood has a few extra features such as a second antenna port etc which even as an SDR would ad weight but basically thats it. 73, Jarrad VK3BL :)
The Kenwood is more ruggedly built.
I like the old school goods, where there is some "there" there. I am not overly pleased with the 7300 waterfall (as compared to the 991a), so going external would be fine for me. This would be my first, but I grew up in a ham house.
the kenny is monochromatic, the icom is obviously sorta hd tv,if kenwood went multi color on their display
they wood have the advantage asthetically,i like the simpleness of the kenny.
i own a ftdx1200 not hottest rx but the dsp and notch/wide/contour controls really nice
also with the fft1 it decodes cw and Encode and decode RTTY and PSK31, right on the display
you should review the yeasus...
Danke für das tolle Video.73,de Jozef OE1CJG,(S56CJG).😊😊😊
Very informative. Thank you.
Most excellent video. Thank you!
What’s the future of Kenwood making ham radios?
What did you hear? I don't see any slowdown except for industry wide issues like chip shortages.
the ic 7100 has a voice keyer
Thats true Steve. Another underrated radio for the money!
Hi I found the icom 7300 was the better radio I had the 590 it was a dud not like the 570.. I enjoy useing the 7300
Nice one Jerrard well put,
Best regards Carl ,G0lka.
Thanks Carl, it was a hard one as they really are totally different radios despite first impressions. 73, Jarrad VK3BL
What have you been talking all about??? You switch both radios on and compare the receivers...
Sorry for typoes in my previous post, I am using my smart phone and big fingers
No worries Shane, you make a good point, and we all know thats hard on a smart phone! 73, Jarrad VK3BL
I watch this video with 1.5 speed.
Probably a good idea, especially if you're young :). I'm quite slowly spoken, as it were. 73, Jarrad VK3BL
As an older person with a minor hearing impairment, I appreciate the measured pace, calm voice and lack of annoying “music”.
I have operated both rigs (owned neither) and the TS-590SG would get my money. Love a radio that you can operate with two hands, button porn :) I could listed to the Kenwood all day. Thanks sharing your thoughts Jarrad.
"Button Porn!" Thats one I'm gonna steal!!
I committed suicide at the end of the video 🙂
To late IC-7300 is in the mail.
You will love it Samuel! 73, Jarrad VK3BL :)
Good Afternoon from Austria! Best 73 ,de OE5POP
ill take the cheapest one and use a decent antenna!
Thanks again for a nice comparison guide. I own both, but only used them as receivers. The IC-7300, unfortunately, had birdies and noise. Despite the latest firmware, it also needed a few factory resets. When I get on HF, I suspect the TS-590SG will be my FT8 rig. It was easier to configure. The IC-7300 sat unused at another ham's shack, too. He tried it while RV camping, however, and decided to keep it.
Jarrad where is all the content dude? It's like you've fallen off the face of the Earth. Are you OK?
I also care about the transmit bandwith..
kenwood 7.4 kg, icom 4.2 kg (for those keeping count at home)
I use the TS590SG more than 2 Years , with an External SDR on the DRV Out .
i Also use the 7300 more than 2 Month parallel to the TS590SG .
on the End the TS590SG is my Winner in the Category DX-Ing
Because is faster and directer to access Filters and other important Settings for getting Weak Signals "readable"
With an External SDR you also faster , Click on the Signal , TRX Jumps on it !
But the 7300 is also a great Radio !
1 Power Plug , 1 Antenna and all is working - With Panorama , Voice Recorder and a Great Audio out of the Box !
We use in Contest the IC 7300 ( with Contest Console ) and e have NO PROBLEM WITH BIG SIGNALS
but dont turn on the PreAmp :-)
If you the Ts590SG or the IC 7300 you make nothing Bad !
Greetings Jarrad from , DK6MP / Carsten
That slike old apples and new oranges comparing
Nice house!
Made my mind up.getting a yaesu
nice video 73 Pe3Mhz
Get a ft 991 hf to uhf
We use an IC-7100 & FT-818 for 2m & 70cm SSB in our shack, but would love to demonstrate the very popular FT-991A at some stage :). 73, Jarrad VK3BL
I have them both!
Good info thankyou. Ron. Z. Pgh. Pa.
Thanks for the kind words Ronald! 73, Jarrad VK3BL :)
Thanks for the video...73'.....KD9JHK
I love the look and feel of the TS590SG, but as I have the IC9700, I'll probably go for the IC7300 for HF. The 590 needs an update.
Great review - thank you.
Michael
VA6XMB
Kenwood for me thanks.