R-5000

The Kenwood R5000 is a receiver that implements a triple frequency conversion configuration for the 0.1~30 MHz band and all the operating modes, the device can through the installation of an optional module also cover a portion of the VHF. The front end expresses a good dynamic behavior with an IP3 of +15 dBm while a series of octave preselection filters minimize second order distortions. The Kenwood R-5000 integrates all the features required for HF listening, among them: double VFO, PBS (pass band shift) to move the intermediate frequency window of ±0.9 KHz for CW/RTTY/SSB modes, double noise-blanker with distinct blanking times and with intervention level adjustment, audio notch filter between 500~2600 Hz with minimum attenuation of 25 dB for SSB/RTTY/AM - this filter becomes band pass (APF) for CW mode, AGC time constant selectable between slow or fast, continuous gain adjustment in IF, squelch, RF attenuator in 10 dB steps, dual clock for different time zones, on/off timer. The tuning setting can be performed by a rotary command, by keyboard input, or by remote PC management. Optional VS-1 speech synthesizer for frequency announcement. There are 100 memory locations divided into groups of 10 to associate the antenna input (low or high impedance) over frequency and mode. Search options between channels in memory and between frequency limits, for the latter are used the locations 8 and 9 as extremes of the band. Mute connection to match the R-5000 to a transceiver. Dimmer to adjust the display brightness.

R-5000 IF filters :

In the Kenwood R-5000 there are four positions (N, M1, M2, W) for the installation of filters at the level of the 2nd intermediate frequency. Some filters are standard and others optional, the characteristics of compatible devices are as shown in the table.

In addition to the automatic mode, which associates each filter to a given demodulation mode, the user with the exception of the FM can select the selectivity by acting on the special rotary switch (Auto, N, M1, M2, W positions) on the front panel as shown in the tables.

[*] When the YK-88A-1 crystal filter is installed in the "W" position selectivity will not be changed, but the shape factor will be improved.

R-5000 performance and practical notes :

This Kenwood receiver has reached a wide diffusion due to the good characteristics and the combination of functions it has, in the period that saw its introduction was the competitor that excelled head to head with another valuable apparatus, the Icom IC-R71E. For years, fans of broadcast and utility receptions on HF have divided their preferences between these two models. Specifically, the Kenwood R5000 has among its strengths a good dynamic range free from intermodulation and excellent selectivity for the SSB and AM modes, thanks also to the optional IF filters that can be installed and characterized by a form factor lower than 2:1 thus placing itself at the forefront of the construction technology. On the other hand, the excessive desensitization of the front end for the medium wave band is not satisfactory, in fact the adequate sensitivity on HF of 1.8~30 MHz places constraints when using the apparatus on lower frequencies. A receiver therefore unsuitable for the MW-DX. On the operational side, the IF-shift function, however useful, does not allow the decisive intervention that would be desirable.

R-5000 price

We have collected for your convenience the Kenwood R5000 sale price (Euro) and its trend over time. Useful to guarantee a cheaper purchase of this radio and to put it for sale in the second-hand market. Of course offers, accessories, warranty terms and conditions can lead to different figures.

Price	Date	Condition
EUR 600.00	2021-oct	Second Hand With VHF module VC-20 and DCK-2 kit installed
EUR 549.00	2018-nov	Second Hand With VHF module VC-20 installed
EUR 457.00 (399GBP)	2018-nov	Second Hand Good condition, with VHF module installed. Comes with power lead
EUR 286.90 (250GBP)	2018-nov	Second Hand
EUR 365.90 (429USD)	2018-nov	Second Hand Boxed. Complete with two optional IF filters and manual
EUR 247.00 (386AUD)	2018-nov	Second Hand Average condition. There are no visible broken parts