Choosing among ham radio transceivers comes down to a practical fork: do you want a restoration project, or a radio with a more clearly described feature set? The Kenwood TS-820S and Icom IC-706 sit on opposite sides of that decision. The right pick depends on whether you are comfortable with an explicitly untested, as-is unit or want a feature-led setup to shape your choice.
Quick verdict
The Kenwood is the fit for a restoration or parts project; the Icom is the fit for a shopper seeking a feature-led radio. The Kenwood is listed at USD 145 and the Icom at USD 490, a USD 345 difference. That spread is large enough to make intended use the first question, but it does not establish that the Icom will perform better. Choose based on the kind of purchase you want, not price alone.
Compact comparison
| Product | Listed price | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Kenwood TS-820S | USD 145 | For parts or not working |
| Icom IC-706 | USD 490 | Used |
Where each model wins
- Kenwood TS-820S: It wins for a restoration-centered purchase. The explicit parts-or-restoration framing makes the intended path easy to identify.
- Icom IC-706: It wins for the HF/VHF-oriented use case. That role appears directly in the product title, giving shoppers a specific starting point.
Product notes
Kenwood TS-820S
The Kenwood TS-820S makes sense for a hands-on restoration plan because the description explicitly frames it as a parts-or-restoration item and includes the original AC power cable. That gives a repair-minded shopper a concrete reason to choose it without implying that the radio is ready for ordinary use. The limitation is central to the purchase: it powers up, but nothing beyond that has been tested, and the digital display does not come on. The condition is also marked "For parts or not working." Pick the Kenwood when the work itself is part of the appeal; its untested status is a poor fit for anyone who needs a characterized transceiver from the outset.
Icom IC-706 HF/VHF Transceiver
The Icom IC-706 gives a shopper a clear feature-led reason to choose: the title includes a microphone, and the description identifies an LCD screen. Those are tangible setup details for someone who wants an included accessory and display to shape the decision. The limitation is its stated used condition, which keeps condition part of the choice rather than a footnote. The HF/VHF designation is another concrete fit signal, but it should not be treated as proof of operating performance. Choose the Icom when the microphone and LCD screen matter more than taking on restoration work; the Kenwood is the more direct match for that project-oriented path.
Final choice by use case
- For restoration or parts work, choose the Kenwood TS-820S. The original AC power cable gives the project a concrete starting detail, while the non-working display is a clear caveat.
- For a screen-and-microphone setup, choose the Icom IC-706. Those features are explicit selection reasons when a restoration project is not the goal.
- For shoppers comparing the two descriptions directly, treat the conditions as decisive. Kenwood is marked for parts or not working, while Icom is marked used; neither label should be overlooked when matching a radio to the intended project.
