Many of the newer rigs are capable of decent audio quality right of the box if a good microphone is used, and some even have variable audio frequency response that can be shaped to the tastes of the operator.

To me, that means simply transmitting SSB with about the same frequency response and audio quality as a good AM signal, as opposed to that pinched, scratchy, space-shuttle quality, over-processed, 300-2500 Hz audio that is accepted as normal with traditional slopbucket, the kind of audio that I find irritating much like the sound of someone running their fingernail across a blackboard. If nothing else, his brother will wind up with a great sounding slopbucket rig!Д¬lick to expand.Nothing wrong with ESSB if it's done right. If it doesn't work, well, there may be time and money to go grab the next rung and help him with that if he asks for it. Let's help him achieve what he can with what's there, with gentle pointers if necessary, and we'll celebrate his success or commiserate his failure. The present gear is on Fleep's workbench already. I also believe that in these forums, it is not constructive to tell someone that they should just 'go get a Valiant with a D104, and while yer at it.' To those people I say, 'Sure! You gonna get me one and the desk space to put it on?' I regularly get comments of 'excellent audio quality without being over the top' with my hybrid in slopbucket and am looking forward to the day when I can get my AM stack going with similar results. IMO, there is no need for boom sizzle on a voice comm channel, but that isn't why we want to use a decent processor.ДЄ properly employed preamp/compressor/EQ/De-Esser can make a decent plastic radio jump to life and provide the right amount of articulation, edge, modulation, and bandwidth control without sounding harsh and forced. I personally can't stand ESSB or the equivalent on AM.

IMO, a 528 type processor can be used wisely and provide a clearer path then the built in processing of a store bought radio. But, those who do understand communications channels optimization can get good sound out of just about anything.

Icom 7300 essb audio