It was the case, I think it might have even been Chip Margoli who said that. Now that Dennis Mauchenbacher (sp) has taken over and with the 450 at least having a modicum of speech capability, maybe things are changing for the better. I'd love to performance of the FT1000MP if it were accessible. Steve, K8SP Lansing, Mi ----- Original Message ----- From: "Eric Clegg" <[log in to unmask]> To: <[log in to unmask]> Sent: Sunday, August 26, 2007 5:29 PM Subject: Re: Getting on HF I can't imagine someone in a high position actually making a statement like that but that's probably not the first time I'm sure. Of the big Japanese companies I think I'd buy Kenwood first. I don't care much for Icom gear either. Eric KU3I