On my ic7100 both HF and VHF/UHF sockets are clipped, not soldered... I had always assumed it was to provide for some flex between the connector bolted to the chassis and the connection on the board to allow for thermal creap that a soldered connection wouldn't allow... I don't know why one of yours would be soldered and not the other!
Maybe they thought the SO-239 center sleeve might get loose over time? I thought about soldering the VHF N socket, but decided against in case of warranty work.
Now that I think about it, the center pin of the N connector is not really engaged until the outer sleeve is threaded on. No so with the PL259/SO239. You can put leverage on the SO239 center sleeve by just inserting the PL259 center pin half way or so. Interesting.
I just tried to find my pics from the last time I had the 7100 open to make sure I'm remembering correctly, but no joy, I'll have to remember next time I'm in there 😂 Both my ANT ports are the SO239's that it came with but I've thought about making the N connector change too, at least for UHF!
To me, amphenol or other quality brand is worth it. The 9700 is a great radio. I have one. I tried cheap connectors, they lose contact or even raise VSWR. Connectors can be specified as 50, 75, or non specific. There is a physical difference. My Tektronix TTR506 can measure the difference. The meter on the 9700 may or may not. But if performance matters, spend $14, and know what you are getting.
