Aaron Coolidge wrote in news:cm4ceq$d31
:

I just flew a '77 Arrow with a 430 and a KX170B. The reception on the
170B was FAR superior to that on the 430. I think that the old-timers
that designed the 170/175 radios really had a handle on how to take care
of low signal strength inputs, while the 430 designers copied the TI
databook for a "118 to 135 MHz aircraft transmitter/receiver".

Beyond that, the antennas can make a big difference in how a receiver
performs.

Very true, but still the difference is real. My '77 Arrow has a KX170B and
a GX-60 (now also Garmin). The KX170B is good for another hundred miles
over the GX-60. In my case it's definitely not the antenna, but the
squelch. Many times ATC will not come in, or will come in very broken.
Pull the squelch and they are loud and clear. Switch to the KX-170B and it
works beautifully.

I questioned UPSAT if the GX-60 squelch could be adjusted and was told a
blunt "NO, it's fixed. Go away."

jmk