ss3900 or ss6900v tough choice

Hi all new to the group im looking to make a purchase and not sure what’s best out of the 3900-6900v it will be for mobile to star in my motor home. An eventuality use in the home. I’m running a sil hi power4000 antenna for now. Any advice would be appreciated i have also a Astatic power mic to run with I currently have blown the dust of my York 863. Much appreciated Tac1

Hi Neil,

Firstly, welcome to Charlie Tango and I hope the forum serves you well.


The problem with defining 'best' as a qualifying factor for a choice of radio is that it's a very broad subject and will very much depend on someone's personal opinion. 

Some dislike modern manufactured radios preferring so called 'classics' even arguing unusual points such as the use of leaded solder in older radios compared to modern lead-free connections. (Go figure?) Others go by 'looks' so may prefer the 'classic' fascia on the 3900 compared to the modern 6900 with some even pointing out the colour of the lights as a factor. Yet more will simply play a kind of specification 'top-trumps' comparing frequency range, power output, etc. in their quest for the 'best' radio.

It really does open a whole can of worms when trying to define what is the 'best', (and probably will.  )


My best advice would be to simply go with your gut and choose the radio you just like. 

If it later transpires that you don't quite like it then you have to take some self responsibility and decide why you changed your mind.

Otherwise enjoy your choice and hopefully it'll grow on you.


The most important aspect of any radio activity is the person holding the mic.


All the best,
Victor

I have a ss3900 and the dx5000 which is the sister to the 6900 and while i prefer the looks of the 3900 the 6900 is far better imho....
My 3900 has always drifted and the notched course tune hinders use until warm and the extra features on the 6900 gives it the edge.
Good luck with whatever you choose...

Sam

I would agree with Sam

The SS3900 has the nice classic look, but as far as I'm aware cannot be programmed for the zeros. For example, 27.390 (someone please correct me if I'm wrong)

The SS6900 is a modern looking radio and can be programmed for both the fives and zeros, 27.390 & 27.395. This will make it a better radio for working the pirate, freeband, out of band (whatever name you want to call it) frequencies.

I use a Anytone AT-6666 also badged as a CRT SS9900 and have found it to be good for what I want it to do.

73

Ray

You may like to consider the new CRT SS7900V which is an awesome radio!

In the end I’ve gone with a ss6900v seams to have great reviews i have a Astatic road devil and a normal Astatic noise cancellation mic what should i use for best results thanks all

I went for a 9900 over a 6900 over size for mobile use.
I actually preferred the old school style 6900.
The 9900 has been fantastic up to now.
I've since bought a ranger 2950, had an old manor kestrel 40 fm tuned, and I dabble in PMR with a CRT space U and Baofeng UV5R 's.

My mrs always says to me "you can never have one of anything".
And she's right. I will undoubtedly buy more radios

If the 3900 is an early Dirland, made in Taiwan type I would choose it over a 6900 any day of the week.

The 6900 does have plenty of features and they work well enough but they just feel cheap and horrible.

The newer 3900's are poorly built and drift excessively due to cheaper components. That applies to the blue display CRT, and Blue/red display Ranger variants.