I've had the Icom IC-R75 for several years now. I just picked up the Icom IC-R71A off of eBay a few days ago. The magic smoke came out on the 2nd nite. I have it at a friend's shop now being repaired. I really like what I heard before it blew. The R-8500 is probably out of my price range for now. 73 Paul AA1SU