Jim,

I have not owned a TS480 so I can't say that it is that much better, but 
I can say this.  The variable band pass filter on both receive and 
transmit is very good, the signal to noise ratio is one of the best I've 
ever experienced.  And if you get one of the new 590S made since Jan of 
2014, the ALC mod will have already been made.  The only thing that you 
might want to do is to add the SO3 TCXO crystal oscilator option.  It is 
only necessary if you do a lot of 6 meter ssb or cw work.

Bob, K8LR, [log in to unmask]

On 10/10/2014 2:15 PM, Jim Gammon wrote:
> Bob, do you think it's worth the bother to sell my TS480 and
> upgrade to a TS590? The 480 is in perfect condition and I really
> have very few complaints with it.  I have no plans to do digital
> stuff and I'm not a contester which is why I didn't buy the 590
> when first getting back into HF around 3 years ago.  I'd have to
> learn a whole new radio, but it's kind of tempting if the 590 is
> that much better than the 480.  73, Jim
>
>   ----- Original Message -----
> From: Bob Tinney <[log in to unmask]
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Date sent: Fri, 10 Oct 2014 08:04:11 -0400
> Subject: Re: ts590
>
> Hi Jim,
>
> My understanding is that Kenwood is coming out with an updated
> TS590SG
> next year.  It will have improved digital modes and a much higher
> price.   From traffic on the TS590 list, guys are guessing the
> the price
> will be around $2000.  Kenwood is also planning a software update
> for
> present 590 owners.  This software update will give some of the
> features
> available on the SG model.  One of the new features of the
> software
> update is that the VSG1 will announce when the drive mode has
> been
> turned on.  Current TS590s are selling for around $1249.00.
>
> Bob, K8LR, [log in to unmask]
>
> On 10/9/2014 11:41 PM, Jim Gammon wrote:
>   I called our local HRO last week and the manager there told me
> he
>   was not aware of a "new" TS590, just some firmware updates.  Not
>   owning one I have no idea other than that what to ask about a
> new
>   radio.  Maybe someone going to Pacificon out here on the west
>   coast will find out some new information.  Jim WA6EKS
>
>     ----- Original Message -----
>   From: Richard Fiorello <[log in to unmask]
>   To: [log in to unmask]
>   Date sent: Thu, 9 Oct 2014 21:57:10 -0400
>   Subject: ts590
>
>   Hi;
>   Has anyone received any info as to what will be new and exciting
>   in the
>   ts590gs compared with the current ts-590?  Also, although the
>   manual is
>   available, I wonder if anyone has put together any sort of
>   tutorial for
>   the 590.  Someone did one for the ts480 which was basically a
> set
>   of mp3
>   files that you can download from the handihams site.  It made
>   getting
>   started with the radio infinitely less difficult.
>   Also, just have to ask, any screen reader users tried the remote
>   handiham base units?  The skype part of the problem should be
>   manageable
>   but no idea how or if the control software works.  I'd have to
>   play with
>   Skype a bit first but who knows what the future holds.
>
>   --
>   richard