Great review. Own both 7610 and 890. Both are great radios. Love both!! Quality 890 wins hands down. 890 is a tank. Performance is equal at my QTH. NB and NR on 7610 is better. Audio on RX and TX on 890 is superior. There are many EQ settings to custom tune your preferences. CW is great on 890 with encoding and decoding. You can practice sending and playback code for practice. 7610 has better waterfall and customize settings are superior. 7610 voice memory is better. Either radio is a great choice as is the FTDX101D or MP. If budget is a concern the 7300 is also an amazing choice.
Thank you for this "From the heart" review. Thank you for taking the time and effort in making this video. Well done. the 890 is a great radio and I do hope you will have years of real enjoyment out of it. Albert EI7II.
Thanks for your presentation! Ham for a little over 5 years now, started with a complete Kenny line for the 830S. Then Yaesu DX-3000-D which has been my work horse as net controller 4 nights a week for a number of years. HOWEVER, I felt the need for a Christmas present to self... JUST ORDERED a Kenny 890-S! Will be here in a few days from this writing. Can't wait! Talking to fellow hams in our radio club that own the 890-S and 990-S were very helpful in my decision and purchase. Good times 🙂
@@DJGeorgetheoriginal Thanks so much for the well wishes and best of holidays to you and yours! I can't wait 'till I can get 'er hooked up and start a 'get to know you' session before my NCS duties next Thursday evening. I am told it will be a quick learn, as many of the front panel controls are similar and logically positioned to that of the Yaesu. But a BIG touch screen will be very nice 🙂 !
I have an 890 on the way and came across your video to learn more. All radios have different strengths and weakness. You did a good job of describing what is important to you (look and feel) and why the 890 fit that for you. This is my first Kenwood purchase in my long ham career. Kenwood was king in the 80’s, seemed to disappear for 25 years glad to see they are back.
Hi: your comments at 3:42 about the feel of the knobs & controls on the Kenwood 890 reminded me of the old Kenwood T599/R599 twins. The main tuning knobs would spin so freely and were unique to those radios. I STILL own a set of the twins. When I have non hams in my radio room their eyes always seem to get drawn to the Kenwood twins. BTW nice video !
Great review. Finally I bought a TS-890 because of this video. I wanted the radio that people are deeply loving as fine product. Actually now I'm loving using TS-890 everyday.
Excellent video... nice that you often repeated that it was your opinion. I will buy an 890S,as like you I have done a lot of research. If they had updated the 990 to these specs, I would have bought it as I often find 200w enough without turning on the linear.
Really interesting . You are obviously like me , you appreciate quality and engineering . I'm tempted by the 890S having been very impressed by the TS480-sat that I used for mobile and still have in storage whilst other radios have come and gone . The 890s is a big conventional radio and looks to be at the top of its game I'm beginning to think about either this radio or maybe the K4D but it's early days, so i do appreciate your measured, no-nonsense , razzmatazz free, impression. Good to watch and learn, thanks Richard G3UGF
Hi, thanks for your comments. I can tell you I’m still using and enjoying the radio. After using a few years I still stand by my original comments, built quality and ease of use are second to none.
Nice video. I agree with you about the quality. One of the things about the IC-7610 I dislike most is the sloppy/cheap-feeling knobs. They work fine and all, but they just don't feel like precision engineered parts.
Nice review. I’m considering the 890 for its CW capabilities. I have listened to lots of reviews as well and most radios being sold today are all really nice. So what separates them is the attention to detail and I am one who appreciates quality and craftsmanship. Engineers that go the extra mile for small things like the knobs tell me they care about their products. I believe Kenwood is my choice as well. Again. Nice honest review. 73 KG5SNU.
Sir, thank you for taking the time to present your thoughtful review. Features that seem important to you would probably be important to me also. 73...WA7VVV
Hi Enjoy the sincerity with which you perform the review. Very good work. Very useful for me that I live away from the US and when expensive equipment fails, we must consider transferring spare parts. When we buy relatively high-end equipment, we have to think about it because there is no service here. We have to repair those of us who are lucky enough to know how. I'd rather not do it HI. Thank you for such a useful review 73 ... CX5FK
don't worry Kenwood rarely broke,i have vintage TS950SDX and it working like first day,,,Kenwoods are built like tanks ,tx ,rx audio is best there is....
I'm new to amateur radio, hopefully taking my tech/general test later this month, just wanted to say this was a great, informative review. I was looking at a dual receiver radio(in this price range) but I think I would prefer the Kenwood 890. This was one of the better reviews I've found. Thanks.
Thanks for this video sir. Same here...got one arriving tomorrow. It was a tough decision not going with the 7610, because everything else I have is Icom. But it just looks better built and a better all around transceiver. I just like the way it is laid out, and I am still apprehensive about the displays on the 7610s. Do I need it? No, but I am trying to put everything in place so that when I retire in a year or two, I will have it all sorted out. I will work on upgrading my amp next year to something that is more modern.
Great review! Thoughtful and unbiased. Thank you for doing this. I went from a Flex 6400 (great performer but basically a computer with knobs)..to a Yaesu FTDX101D (which is also a great performer but ergonomically a mess, at least to me). Looking seriously at the 890. No second receiver but does anyone REALLY need that?
Just purchased the 890 today. Anxiously waiting for it. I also took about a year contemplating between different brands and levels of radios and I also chose the 890 for simplicity and its not a sdr radio,
You are very mistaken, I’ve taken the covers off, quality throughout and double shielded. No need for the my perspective at the end, this is not a professional review, it’s just MY Perspective.
The 890 is a FB cw rig. The qsk is near silent and no relay! The ssb audio is classic Kenwood and the best of the box radios to me. I’ve had mine a year and realized I need to take a closer look at it and I’m about order the optional Cw filter. It’s a shame that Yaesu forgot how to build a radio with good qsk - meaning no relays or I’d prob already have a 101 or a dx10. The NR on my FT5K is the best there is but I’d still take the 890 if I had to pick one- easy choice.
Hi, I’m no sure about all the differences, but the frequency coverage and power out on some bands might be different. Regardless I would caution anyone about buying an expensive radio from EBay and especially out of the country.
Thing is testing is only as good as your knowledge of the radios being tested. Would be hard to master all three that quick. But kenwood is obviously a another great design. I bought a yaesu ft1200 and was not impressed with it and then replaced with an icom 7300 and that was quite a difference in sensitivity for me. sold
I’m not a fan of one particular brand, radios are like cars, same brand different models, some good some bad. Having said that the FTDX10 is newer technology vs the TS-590SG, and from what I have read, overall better performance and features. Just my opinion since I don’t own neither. Hope this helps, maybe someone else will give their thoughts.
Hi, thanks for the comment. If budget is a concern the 7300 is hard to beat. Just remember if you are going to upgrade is this something you want. I’ve learned overtime, is sometimes worth saving a little more longer to get something your not going to outgrow in just a few months. You can’t go wrong with the 7300 or the FTDX10. Just my opinion of course. Thanks you.
Appreciate the video but it would have been great if it was a close up of the radio while you used it and pointed out what you liked and went through the settings, display options etc, there is very little video out there like that about this rig apart from one guy who seems to be mostly doing digital modes. please take this as constructive criticism and not as an insult but most people watching want to see the radio in use and not a still shot of a person talking with the radio in the background for nearly 20 minutes. For whatever reason the more established/popular hams on youtube who have experience explaining a radio's capabilities and features (while showing them in action) will not review this radio, if I was more paranoid I'd say there was shadyness going on as you can find these "influencers" mostly getting super in depth with Icom rigs, maybe doing quick disinterested glances at Yaesu rigs (seriously, you'd think there would be a ton out there about the 101D) and saying nothing of Kenwood at all, perhaps Kenwood has a crap PR firm that doesn't understand how niche things are marketed in 2019 (it involves dropping money in the pockets of people who do youtube as a job).
@Carrot Cruncher He could have explained that while also showing it in operation as audio is independent from video, which could be anything besides a single shot of a talking head with the radio in the far background. 9 months ago when I posted the comment, there were few in depth videos of the functionality and user interface (the sort of thing where every option and setting is discussed and demonstrated). I'm not sure if things have changed now, but I doubt there will ever be "hundreds" of truly comprehensive videos about such an expensive and niche radio. Most videos I could find were 5 minute long "hey look what I got" showoff videos.
You are spot on how covert influence takes place. I didn't even know there was an 890 out. I'd heard about the 990 yrs ago but ain't my thing. Had to sell my 950 yrs ago and looking like this is about the only thing can fill that niche
@@W-733_KWX indeed....guy did a great job going over radio....people that complain that's not in depth enough, buy one and put up a comprehensive video!
I have owned my 890 for 6 months. They way you talked about the feel of the knobs and buttons was spot on.
I have a Kenwood TS890S, it is a complete radio and a perfection of reception, I am very HAPPY with the purchase, a DX making machine, 73
Great review. Own both 7610 and 890. Both are great radios. Love both!! Quality 890 wins hands down. 890 is a tank. Performance is equal at my QTH. NB and NR on 7610 is better. Audio on RX and TX on 890 is superior. There are many EQ settings to custom tune your preferences. CW is great on 890 with encoding and decoding. You can practice sending and playback code for practice. 7610 has better waterfall and customize settings are superior. 7610 voice memory is better. Either radio is a great choice as is the FTDX101D or MP. If budget is a concern the 7300 is also an amazing choice.
Thank you for this "From the heart" review. Thank you for taking the time and effort in making this video. Well done. the 890 is a great radio and I do hope you will have years of real enjoyment out of it.
Albert
EI7II.
Thanks for your comments, still using it and still loving it.
Thanks for your presentation! Ham for a little over 5 years now, started with a complete Kenny line for the 830S. Then Yaesu DX-3000-D which has been my work horse as net controller 4 nights a week for a number of years. HOWEVER, I felt the need for a Christmas present to self... JUST ORDERED a Kenny 890-S! Will be here in a few days from this writing. Can't wait! Talking to fellow hams in our radio club that own the 890-S and 990-S were very helpful in my decision and purchase. Good times 🙂
Good deal, you won’t be disappointed with the TS-890s. To this day I still use, almost daily with zero problems. Enjoy, and happy holidays.
@@DJGeorgetheoriginal Thanks so much for the well wishes and best of holidays to you and yours! I can't wait 'till I can get 'er hooked up and start a 'get to know you' session before my NCS duties next Thursday evening. I am told it will be a quick learn, as many of the front panel controls are similar and logically positioned to that of the Yaesu. But a BIG touch screen will be very nice 🙂 !
Absolutely Great Video! I enjoyed it very much. I have had my TS-890S for almost two years and enjoy using it very much. Thanks 👍 and 73, Denny WB9MSM
I have an 890 on the way and came across your video to learn more. All radios have different strengths and weakness. You did a good job of describing what is important to you (look and feel) and why the 890 fit that for you.
This is my first Kenwood purchase in my long ham career. Kenwood was king in the 80’s, seemed to disappear for 25 years glad to see they are back.
Veery good review. I have the 590SG, and the quality you speak of is in that rig too.
I have owned this radio for a year and it is the best radio I have ever had and I've owned a lot. In cw and ssb there is no finer. 73 KA8P
I bought mine just 6 months ago. I am very happy that I did.
I enjoyed your review. I was on the fence between the 7610 and the 890S. The Kenwood will be the one for me. Merry Christmas
Hi: your comments at 3:42 about the feel of the knobs & controls on the Kenwood 890 reminded me of the old Kenwood T599/R599 twins. The main tuning knobs would spin so freely and were unique to those radios. I STILL own a set of the twins. When I have non hams in my radio room their eyes always seem to get drawn to the Kenwood twins. BTW nice video !
Still love my TS-940 that I bought used in 1998. The tuning is great on it!
But may go for an upgrade and this 890 looks awesome!
Great review.
Finally I bought a TS-890 because of this video.
I wanted the radio that people are deeply loving as fine product.
Actually now I'm loving using TS-890 everyday.
Excellent video... nice that you often repeated that it was your opinion.
I will buy an 890S,as like you I have done a lot of research.
If they had updated the 990 to these specs, I would have bought it as I often find 200w enough without turning on the linear.
Really interesting . You are obviously like me , you appreciate quality and engineering . I'm tempted by the 890S having been very impressed by the TS480-sat that I used for mobile and still have in storage whilst other radios have come and gone . The 890s is a big conventional radio and looks to be at the top of its game I'm beginning to think about either this radio or maybe the K4D but it's early days, so i do appreciate your measured, no-nonsense , razzmatazz free, impression. Good to watch and learn, thanks Richard G3UGF
Hi, thanks for your comments. I can tell you I’m still using and enjoying the radio. After using a few years I still stand by my original comments, built quality and ease of use are second to none.
Good equipment review, keep them coming.
thank you for sharing with us
TS-890S has been an AWESOME radio for me!
Nice video. I agree with you about the quality. One of the things about the IC-7610 I dislike most is the sloppy/cheap-feeling knobs. They work fine and all, but they just don't feel like precision engineered parts.
im sold to 890. thank you for the video sir.
Nice review. I’m considering the 890 for its CW capabilities. I have listened to lots of reviews as well and most radios being sold today are all really nice. So what separates them is the attention to detail and I am one who appreciates quality and craftsmanship. Engineers that go the extra mile for small things like the knobs tell me they care about their products. I believe Kenwood is my choice as well. Again. Nice honest review. 73 KG5SNU.
Great review. I have owned both Yaesu and Icom, but the 890s will be my next radio.
Great video ... back in the amateur radio saddle and am currently without an HF rig ... this radio has my utmost attention!
Sir, thank you for taking the time to present your thoughtful review. Features that seem important to you would probably be important to me also. 73...WA7VVV
Hi Enjoy the sincerity with which you perform the review. Very good work. Very useful for me that I live away from the US and when expensive equipment fails, we must consider transferring spare parts. When we buy relatively high-end equipment, we have to think about it because there is no service here. We have to repair those of us who are lucky enough to know how. I'd rather not do it HI. Thank you for such a useful review 73 ... CX5FK
don't worry Kenwood rarely broke,i have vintage TS950SDX and it working like first day,,,Kenwoods are built like tanks ,tx ,rx audio is best there is....
I'm new to amateur radio, hopefully taking my tech/general test later this month, just wanted to say this was a great, informative review. I was looking at a dual receiver radio(in this price range) but I think I would prefer the Kenwood 890.
This was one of the better reviews I've found.
Thanks.
Nice video. Appreciate the opinions from your own personal perspective. I found it helpful.
Good review brother, keep up the good work, kb0uzz 73s
Thanks for this video sir.
Same here...got one arriving tomorrow. It was a tough decision not going with the 7610, because everything else I have is Icom. But it just looks better built and a better all around transceiver. I just like the way it is laid out, and I am still apprehensive about the displays on the 7610s. Do I need it? No, but I am trying to put everything in place so that when I retire in a year or two, I will have it all sorted out. I will work on upgrading my amp next year to something that is more modern.
Great review! Thoughtful and unbiased. Thank you for doing this. I went from a Flex 6400 (great performer but basically a computer with knobs)..to a Yaesu FTDX101D (which is also a great performer but ergonomically a mess, at least to me). Looking seriously at the 890. No second receiver but does anyone REALLY need that?
exactly my thinking after owning both those same radios Im getting an 890!!!
Just purchased the 890 today. Anxiously waiting for it. I also took about a year contemplating between different brands and levels of radios and I also chose the 890 for simplicity and its not a sdr radio,
As for finishing take the covers off and take a look inside. A really rough looking aluminum heat sink and a cheap vfo encoder. My perspective…
You are very mistaken, I’ve taken the covers off, quality throughout and double shielded. No need for the my perspective at the end, this is not a professional review, it’s just MY Perspective.
Grazie delle tue impressioni, anche io sono indeciso tra IC7610 e il TS890s
Excellent review and commentary. Thank you, and enjoy your TS-890S! 73 Chris ZS1DX
Thank you for sharing your opinion - 73 de HB9GNK and KB9GNK
Thank you for the review.
Could not agree more well done..
Love mine.
The 890 is a FB cw rig. The qsk is near silent and no relay! The ssb audio is classic Kenwood and the best of the box radios to me. I’ve had mine a year and realized I need to take a closer look at it and I’m about order the optional Cw filter. It’s a shame that Yaesu forgot how to build a radio with good qsk - meaning no relays or I’d prob already have a 101 or a dx10. The NR on my FT5K is the best there is but I’d still take the 890 if I had to pick one- easy choice.
Very helpful, thanks!
Thinking to buy one and replace my ta590sg or have it work together with 890s
Thanks for the comment. If you buy one you won’t regret it. I still have mine and use it almost daily, no problems at all.
Should I buy one on Ebay(from Japan)? they are cheaper than here in the US. Why do they sell them cheaper?
Hi, I’m no sure about all the differences, but the frequency coverage and power out on some bands might be different. Regardless I would caution anyone about buying an expensive radio from EBay and especially out of the country.
Thing is testing is only as good as your knowledge of the radios being tested. Would be hard to master all three that quick. But kenwood is obviously a another great design. I bought a yaesu ft1200 and was not impressed with it and then replaced with an icom 7300 and that was quite a difference in sensitivity for me. sold
if you transmit on fm with the waterfall span at 100khz, do you see a harmonic down 75khz?
What do you recommend for an apartment in a noisy environment, the Kenwood TS -590SG or the new Yaesu FTDX10. Thank you.
I’m not a fan of one particular brand, radios are like cars, same brand different models, some good some bad. Having said that the FTDX10 is newer technology vs the TS-590SG, and from what I have read, overall better performance and features. Just my opinion since I don’t own neither. Hope this helps, maybe someone else will give their thoughts.
some one told me to buy an icom 7300 and save $3,000. Says that as a new ham, I'll never use all the features the Kenwood offers. Any thoughts?
Hi, thanks for the comment. If budget is a concern the 7300 is hard to beat. Just remember if you are going to upgrade is this something you want. I’ve learned overtime, is sometimes worth saving a little more longer to get something your not going to outgrow in just a few months. You can’t go wrong with the 7300 or the FTDX10. Just my opinion of course. Thanks you.
Appreciate the video but it would have been great if it was a close up of the radio while you used it and pointed out what you liked and went through the settings, display options etc, there is very little video out there like that about this rig apart from one guy who seems to be mostly doing digital modes. please take this as constructive criticism and not as an insult but most people watching want to see the radio in use and not a still shot of a person talking with the radio in the background for nearly 20 minutes.
For whatever reason the more established/popular hams on youtube who have experience explaining a radio's capabilities and features (while showing them in action) will not review this radio, if I was more paranoid I'd say there was shadyness going on as you can find these "influencers" mostly getting super in depth with Icom rigs, maybe doing quick disinterested glances at Yaesu rigs (seriously, you'd think there would be a ton out there about the 101D) and saying nothing of Kenwood at all, perhaps Kenwood has a crap PR firm that doesn't understand how niche things are marketed in 2019 (it involves dropping money in the pockets of people who do youtube as a job).
@Carrot Cruncher He could have explained that while also showing it in operation as audio is independent from video, which could be anything besides a single shot of a talking head with the radio in the far background. 9 months ago when I posted the comment, there were few in depth videos of the functionality and user interface (the sort of thing where every option and setting is discussed and demonstrated). I'm not sure if things have changed now, but I doubt there will ever be "hundreds" of truly comprehensive videos about such an expensive and niche radio. Most videos I could find were 5 minute long "hey look what I got" showoff videos.
You are spot on how covert influence takes place. I didn't even know there was an 890 out. I'd heard about the 990 yrs ago but ain't my thing. Had to sell my 950 yrs ago and looking like this is about the only thing can fill that niche
Best viewed at **
Idiot
@@lizzyfan1986 the worst among idiots ;)
@@W-733_KWX indeed....guy did a great job going over radio....people that complain that's not in depth enough, buy one and put up a comprehensive video!
I see all the videos you produced amount to a big fat zero