A Quality Classic, Rating: 5 Of 5; Still Impressive After All These Years, Rating: 5 Of 5; One Of The Very Best, Rating: 5 Of 5; Will Never Say 'Goodbye', Rating: 5 Of 5 - Kenwood TS-830 Survival Manual

10.1.8 A quality classic, Rating: 5 of 5

(from K4PDM, 2001)
This is one of those rigs that I really wanted when they made them, but never managed to own
one. I was lucky enough to pick one up at a hamfest about 3 weeks ago, and I'm extremely
happy. It would be difficult to really recommend it to the new ham (they generally wouldn't like
the tube finals,) so maybe that should decrease the rating. But I saw so many for sale at Dayton,
in such good shape for such good prices, that I think the 5 rating makes sense. Excellent
transmit audio (just about any mike will sound good) that you will have no trouble tailoring to
your likes, good receiver (not great, but no dog,) and smooth sounding receive audio. Well built,
and most of the parts are still available. If you value good transmit audio and dependability,
don't mind tuning the final, and aren't too picky about receiver intercept point and the like, you'll
love this classic.

10.1.9 Still Impressive after all these years, Rating: 5 of 5

(from VE7ACZ, 2001)
My first transceiver was the 830 that I still have. Got it used in very good condition,
($425CDN). Replaced the finals and it drives the TL-922 better than my 940! Very strong
output, good speech processing. I use it with a Turner HL6 microphone. When the other radio's
have needed repair, the 830 ALWAYS WORKS. Great receive, good transmit audio. Can't beat
hollow state technology. It's a keeper!
10.1.10

One of the very best, Rating: 5 of 5

(from W0PPK, 2001)
They don't make them like they use to anymore! Old reliable. Excellent quality both RX & TX.
Once you use it you fall in love... Recently got it from a lifetime friend who bought it new back
in 1982 and use it for a few months only. Looks and works just like came out of the factory box
with the original finals. Will be in my shack for a long time.
10.1.11

Will never say 'goodbye', Rating: 5 of 5

(from WA7RCT, 2001)
I bought my 830 in 1985 brand new and have never had one minute of trouble with it. I did
replace the driver tube after about 10 years, but consider this to be normal maintenance. I just
bought a used TS-950SDX, mainly for some conveniences and newer technology, but the 830
still sits by ready and waiting whenever I need to feel loved! I love this radio and will never put
it back in the box or sell it. I rate it a 10 on a scale of 5.
10.1.12

Nice, Rating: 4 of 5

(from KA4KOE, 2001)
Well, I always wanted a top of the line rig... and after a ten year hiatus, I finally have one now
(even if top of the line was 17 years ago). The rig looks brand new. Initial impressions? Well,
the rig is built like a tank, with just enough controls on the RX end to make it a good one. My
one and ONLY complaint is that the tone control does not seem to have a lot of effect on
received audio. Friends have told me that this is a common situation. I look forward to many
contacts on the bands with this nice rig. I don't need all the bells and whistles available today....
dipping the plate at least gives me something to do besides spin the knob and turn the thing on.
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