I just got off the phone with R&L Electronics concerning my defective
TS-590s. We are discussing two options:

 

1.       Send my defective transceiver back and have it repaired or replaced
under the warranty or

 

2.       Send it back and have it replaced with a new TS-590SG with my
paying the difference of between $250 and $300.

 

Do any of you have any experience with the two models; that is, do any of
you have any knowledge of whether the TS-590SG is worth the $250 or $300
difference I would have to pay to get the newest model? 

 

The issue came up when R&L told me that they didn't have any TS-590's in
stock to send me if my current one had to be replaced. However, they have 3 

TS-590SG models in stock, which they could ship out as soon as they received
mine. They also said that since they didn't have any TS-590s units that they
would most likely just turn around and re-ship my defective radio to Kenwood
for repair, and if that were the case, they would have me just send mine
back directly to Kenwood to begin with. So, something that seems so simple
turns out to be a bit complicated. 

 

The real question is .

 

Is the newest TS-590SG worth the difference I would have to pay if I were to
have R&L simply ship me out the newest model rather than waiting to have
mine repaired???

 

I'm leaning toward just having my TS-590 repaired and sent back to me since
I already have another TS-590s and I am extremely familiar with that model,
rather than having two different models that have slightly different
controls and menu selections. Though I don't feel strongly either way. Any
recommendations???

 

Ron, K8HSY

 

 

Dr. Ronald E. Milliman

Retired Professor of Marketing