Icom IC-7300 VS IC-7300MKII
Published by Dino Tersigni on October 29, 2025
The Passing of the Torch: ICOM IC-7300 vs. the Highly Anticipated IC-7300MK2. Is the Upgrade You've Been Waiting for Real?
Hello radio amateurs, this is the Hamradioshop team speaking!
We know it well: the ICOM IC-7300 is not just a transceiver, it's the radio that revolutionized our hobby. The direct sampling SDR made accessible to everyone, with that spectacular display. For years, it has been our trusted companion, the benchmark against which all others have been measured. But as we know, technology never sleeps.
The time has come to take a look at the evolution that ICOM has pulled out of its hat: the brand new (and improved) IC-7300MK2. It promises to take all the strengths of its predecessor and elevate them to a level... well, a contest level! Let's examine the differences that truly matter, so you can choose the right King for your station.
IC-7300: The Classic That Never Fades
Let's start with the warrior we all love. Why is the IC-7300 still a winning choice?
Pure SDR for Everyone: A direct sampling SDR transceiver covering HF, 50, and 70 MHz with 100 W of power. A robust and versatile platform.
Touchscreen and Spectrum: That 4.3" color display with real-time spectrum and waterfall was a game changer. Seeing the band has never been so easy.
Signal Clarity: Thanks to its integrated DSP, you have it all: noise reduction, surgical notch filter, impeccable AGC, and equalizer.
Ready to Use: Integrated automatic antenna tuner to get you operating quickly on almost any antenna.
Reliability: A solid RMDR of approximately 97 dB and a vast community of users. You know you're buying a guaranteed product.
IC-7300MK2: The Future is Already Here! The New Features That Make a Difference
If the 7300 was exceptional, the MK2 is designed for the demanding operator, the DX enthusiast, and the remote operator. Get ready, because the improvements are substantial and targeted:
1. The Perfect Listening Experience (Full Power RMDR!)
Let's be clear: the most important upgrade is in the heart of the reception. The MK2 boasts an RMDR of approximately 105 dB, a jump of a full +12 dB! This is not just a number: it means almost perfect intermodulation protection and the ability to hear that weak DX at 10 meters, even when you have a strong signal from a neighboring station just a few kHz away. Less phase noise, more DX in the log!
2. Total Control Station
HDMI Output: You can finally connect an external monitor and enjoy the spectrum and waterfall on a giant screen. **Say goodbye to tired eyes!**
Integrated CW Decoder: Autonomous decoding without the need to turn on the PC for every CW QSO.
3. Top Connectivity and Efficiency
Advanced USB Type-C: Finally, a modern standard and, pay attention, with dual virtual ports. Perfect for those who do FT8 or simultaneous logging without getting frustrated with drivers.
Remote Operation Without a PC: The integrated LAN port opens the doors to definitive *remote operating*! You will no longer need a dedicated PC server at your station to use RS-BA1.
Dedicated RX Port: For those who are obsessive about listening (external filters, receive-only antennas), there is now a separate RX antenna input/output. A luxury for listening.
And as icing on the cake? A 23% reduction in power consumption in RX standby! Less heat, greater efficiency, and durability.
Technical Data Table (Numbers Matter!)
| Feature | IC-7300 | IC-7300MK2 | *The MK2 Advantage* |
|---|---|---|---|
| RMDR | approx. 97 dB | approx. 105 dB | +7 dB Performance |
| Phase Noise | Standard | –139 dBc/Hz @ 1 kHz | Cleaner Listening |
| External Display | No | Yes (HDMI) | Giant Control |
| RX Current Draw | approx. 0.9 A | approx. 0.7 A | –23% Consumption |
| CW Decoder | No | Yes (integrated) | Standalone Convenience |
| RX Antenna Jack | No | Yes | Specialized Antennas |
| USB Connectivity | USB Type-B | USB Type-C, Dual Ports | Easy Digital Setup |
| Network Function | No | Yes (LAN Remote) | Remote QSO |
| Extra Bands (EU) | HF, 70 MHz | HF, 70 MHz, + 5 MHz | 5 MHz (60 meters) Supported |
Our Conclusion (And Personalized Advice)
The ICOM IC-7300 is and remains an excellent radio, the ideal (and often ultimate) starting point for every radio amateur, from beginner to expert. It's reliable, easy to use, and feature-rich.
The IC-7300MK2 is not just a *restyling*: it's an evolutionary upgrade focused on high-level reception performance and user convenience in the modern shack.
Who is the MK2 for?
- The DXer and Contest Operator: Anyone who needs the best possible RMDR to operate in crowded band conditions.
- The Remote Operator: The LAN port that doesn't require a PC server is a true revolution for remote stations.
- The Modern Digital Operator: USB-C with dual virtual ports simplifies life for those doing FT8 and logging.
If your 7300 works wonderfully, you don't have to feel obligated, but if you're looking for a **clear step forward** in terms of receiver performance and connectivity, the MK2 is the choice that will propel you into the future of HF.
Check out the full specifications on our website and get ready to hear the difference!
See you on the air, 73 from the entire Hamradioshop team!
8 comments
@Massimo Travison, il problema è comune, specie se si è in una posizione dove i segnali delle broadcast sono forti. Il tutto si risolve con il filtro JG-LPF74-EC Filtro passa basso 0-74MHz coassiale 100W, che abbiamo fatto progettare noi appositamente per questo apparato, ma utile anche per altri apparati SDR, che trovi a questo link:
https://hamradioshop.it/products/jg-lpf74-ec-filtro-passa-basso-0-74mhz-coassiale-100w-ideale-per-ricetrasmettitori-sdr?pos=3&psq=passa+basso&ss=e&v=1.0
@ Gian Paol Agagliati, se il tuo 7300 ha una ventola rumorosa probabilmente è perchè difettosa non perchè sia una caratteristica di questo apparato. Sicuramente la sostituzione eliminerà il problema.
@ Gian Paol Agagliati, i 12 db calcolati erano un errore di digitazione durante la stesura del testo. Non abbiamo nessuna motivazione per sminuire uno degli apparati che più abbiamo apprezzato in questi anni e sempre consigliato ai nostri clienti oltre che ad essere stato l’apparato che ha segnato la svolta verso una nuova generazione e filosofia di progettazione degli apparati radioamatoriali.
73’
Io capisco che per far risaltare una nuova versione bisogna sminuire la vecchia, ma perché dite che c’è stato un miglioramenti di DODICI dB nel valore di RMDR: il 7300 ha un valore tipico dichiarato di 100 dB, non 97, e quindi il valore per arrivare all’MK2 di 105 è stato migliorati di CINQUE dB, non 12 dB…
sembra confermata la presenza del cw apf… tanta roba