Yaesu FT-710 AESS VS Yaesu FT-991A
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Today, we’re pitting two popular Yaesu radios head-to-head: the Yaesu FT-710 AESS and the Yaesu FT-991A. If you’re in the market for a new rig or just love radio tech, stick around because this is gonna be good!
Design and Build Quality
Let’s kick things off with design and build quality. The FT-710 AESS is a compact powerhouse. It’s lightweight and has a sleek look, making it perfect for both home and field operations. One thing I love is how quiet the fan is—you can barely hear it, and it doesn’t get warm even after hours of use. That’s a big plus if you’re like me and hate noisy equipment.
On the flip side, the FT-991A is also compact but feels a bit more robust. It’s built like a tank, which is great for durability but adds a bit more weight. If you’re planning to take your rig on the go, the FT-710 might be the more portable option.
Display and Interface
Both radios come with a color touch panel display. The FT-710 sports a high-resolution 4.3-inch screen that’s super intuitive. The spectrum scope is real-time and offers a 3D spectrum stream, which is pretty cool. However, some users have mentioned that the scope can be a bit ‘spiky’ and lacks averaging, making it less smooth compared to something like the Icom 7610.
Meanwhile, the FT-991A features a 3.5-inch full-color TFT touch panel. While it’s slightly smaller, it does the job. The spectrum display isn’t as high-res as the FT-710’s, and I feel it could be better. Also, the menu system can be a bit clunky, making it a tad harder to navigate through settings.
Receiver Performance
Now, let’s talk about what’s under the hood—the receiver performance. The FT-710 AESS utilizes advanced SDR technology, borrowing features from Yaesu’s higher-end models like the FTDX101 and FTDX10 series. Users have praised its outstanding receiver sensitivity and selectivity. It’s excellent at pulling in weak signals, even in crowded bands. The digital noise reduction is top-notch, and the filtering options are stellar.
However, the audio parameters need some tweaking out of the box, and the stock microphone might sound a bit ‘wooly.’ But once you adjust the settings or swap the mic, the audio quality is superb.
On the other hand, the FT-991A also offers solid receiver performance but doesn’t quite match up to the FT-710. It’s good for general use and has a triple-conversion superheterodyne circuit, but some users have reported issues with overloaded bands and less effective filtering compared to the FT-710.
Transmitter Quality
When it comes to transmitting, both radios offer 100W output on HF bands. The FT-710 has received praise for its clean and solid power output. Users report excellent audio reports right out of the box, especially after tweaking the settings or using a better microphone.
The FT-991A also performs well in terms of power output. However, some users have experienced issues with blown finals, particularly in the non-‘A’ version. It’s something to be cautious about if you’re considering this model.
Additional Features
Let’s dive into some extra features. The FT-710 comes with an Acoustic Enhanced Speaker System (AESS) and the SP-40 external speaker, providing high-fidelity audio output. While some users find the AESS a bit gimmicky, others appreciate the improved sound quality. It also has an external display connection terminal (DVI-D), which is great if you want a bigger screen.
However, a downside is that the FT-710 lacks VHF/UHF capabilities. If you’re looking to operate on those bands, this might be a deal-breaker.
The FT-991A shines in this area by offering a true ‘shack-in-a-box’ experience. It covers HF, VHF, and UHF bands, including C4FM digital capability. If you’re into 2-meter or 70cm operations, the FT-991A has you covered. However, some users aren’t impressed with the C4FM quality, describing it as sounding like a ‘bad MP3 player.
Ease of Use
Ease of use is crucial, especially when you’re in the middle of a QSO or contest. The FT-710 is lauded for its intuitive interface and easy-to-navigate menus. Even SDR newcomers find it user-friendly. The controls are logical, and you can get up and running without even opening the manual—which is saying something!
Conversely, the FT-991A has a steeper learning curve. The menu system is complex, and programming without third-party software can be a headache. The touch screen is less responsive, and adjusting settings on the fly isn’t as straightforward.
Price Point
Budget is always a factor. The FT-710 comes in around $900 to $1000, which is quite reasonable given its advanced features and performance. Many users feel it’s a great value for the money, offering high-end performance at a mid-range price.
The FT-991A is priced similarly, but considering some of its drawbacks—like the less impressive receiver and potential issues with finals—you might question if it’s worth the price, especially when there are other options available.
The Verdict!
So, which radio comes out on top? If you’re looking for a high-performance HF/50MHz rig with advanced SDR capabilities, the Yaesu FT-710 AESS is a fantastic choice. Its receiver performance is outstanding, and it’s user-friendly, making it suitable for both newbies and seasoned operators.
However, if you need VHF/UHF capabilities and want a true ‘shack-in-a-box,’ the FT-991A could be the way to go—just be aware of its quirks and potential issues.
In my opinion, the FT-710 offers better value and performance for HF operations, but the FT-991A’s multi-band functionality can’t be ignored if that’s what you need.
That’s it for today’s showdown! Let me know in the comments which radio you’d pick and why. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell so you won’t miss any future videos. Until next time, 73!