Icom IC-751A
Key Specifications
- Bands
- 160m–10m (HF including WARC)
- Power
- 100W SSB/CW/FM/RTTY, 10–50W AM
- Frequency Range
- Rx 0.1–30.0 MHz, Tx 1.8–30.0 MHz
- Receiver
- Quadruple-conversion superheterodyne
- MSRP (USD)
- $600–1,200 (vintage market)
- Type
- vintage hf
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The Icom IC-751A is a late-1980s HF transceiver whose receiver performance still competes respectably against modern entry-level rigs decades after production ended. Released as an evolution of the IC-751, the 751A refined Icom's synthesized all-mode architecture with dual digital VFOs, general-coverage receive, and the sensitive front-end design that cemented Icom's reputation among serious HF operators. Today it trades as both a daily driver and collector piece — often at prices rivaling used Icom IC-7300 purchases.
Overview
Icom engineered the IC-751A as a full-featured base-station transceiver covering 160 through 10 meters, including WARC bands. Its quadruple-conversion superheterodyne receiver delivers the sensitivity and selectivity that made Icom vintage gear famous. General-coverage receive spans 100 kHz to 30 MHz for broadcast listening and band surveys before transmit operations.
Transmit side, the IC-751A outputs up to 100 watts on SSB, CW, FM, and RTTY, with 10 to 50 watts on AM. All RF stages are solid-state. The two-color fluorescent display, 32 memory channels, and 10/100 Hz tuning steps reflect Icom's transition toward synthesized precision. Passband tuning, notch filtering, RIT/XIT, all-mode squelch, built-in electronic keyer, break-in CW, and CI-V computer control round out a premium late-1980s feature set. Optional accessories included the AT-500 antenna tuner and narrow CW filters.
Compared to Kenwood's TS-830S, the IC-751A emphasizes receiver sensitivity and frequency agility over Kenwood's transmit audio warmth. Against modern flagships like the Yaesu FTDX101D, it lacks spectrum displays and SDR dynamic range — but rewards operators who value tactile controls and competitive analog-era receive performance.
Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Frequency coverage (Rx) | 0.1–30.0 MHz (general coverage) |
| Frequency coverage (Tx) | 1.8–2.0, 3.45–4.1, 6.95–7.5, 9.95–10.5, 13.95–14.5, 17.95–18.5, 20.95–21.5, 24.45–25.1, 27.95–30.0 MHz |
| Modes | SSB (USB/LSB), CW, AM, FM, RTTY |
| Output power | 10–100W (SSB/CW/FM/RTTY), 10–50W (AM) |
| Receiver architecture | Quadruple-conversion superheterodyne |
| IF frequencies | 70.4515 MHz, 9.0 MHz, 455 kHz (mode-dependent) |
| Frequency stability | Less than ±350 Hz (0–50°C) |
| Memory channels | 32 |
| Display | Two-color fluorescent digital frequency display |
| Antenna tuner | Optional AT-500 (external) |
| Power supply | 13.8 V DC ±15% (20A max transmit) |
| Current drain | Rx 1.5–1.8A, Tx max 20A |
| Dimensions | 306 × 115 × 355 mm (12.0 × 4.5 × 14.0 in) |
| Weight | 8.5 kg (18.7 lb) |
Operating Notes
Warm up the IC-751A before critical frequency work — stability improves after several minutes. The RAM board uses a lithium battery for memory retention; when it fails, channels corrupt and the radio may refuse to power on until the battery is replaced per documented service procedures. Treat this as routine vintage maintenance.
Passband tuning and the standard FL-32A 500 Hz CW filter suit narrow-band operating well. For digital modes, connect a sound card interface to rear-panel audio and keying — FT8, PSK, and RTTY work once levels are calibrated. The optional AT-500 handles mismatched wire antennas; many operators pair the 751A with external tuners instead.
Transmit audio is clean and typical of Icom's era — adequate for nets and DX, if less celebrated than Kenwood phone quality. A professionally recapped and aligned IC-751A remains a credible daily HF transceiver, explaining sustained demand in our vintage Japanese radio values guide.
Who It's For
The IC-751A suits General and Extra class operators wanting vintage Icom receiver performance with full all-mode capability. It appeals to restoration enthusiasts, collectors, and experienced hams comparing analog operation against modern SDR interfaces.
It is less ideal for zero-maintenance plug-and-play buyers, operators needing spectrum visualization, or tight budgets where an IC-725 suffices. First-time vintage buyers should read restoring vintage Icom and Kenwood before committing. Weigh vintage against a used Icom IC-7300 — the 751A wins on analog character; the IC-7300 wins on features and maintenance simplicity. See also collecting vintage Japanese radios and Yaesu vs Icom vs Kenwood.
Related Reading
- Kenwood TS-830S — Kenwood's analog-era HF classic with legendary transmit audio
- Yaesu FT-101 — the early-1970s solid-state transition that preceded Icom's vintage peak
- Icom IC-7300 — modern Icom HF benchmark for vintage comparison
- Restoring vintage Icom and Kenwood — recap, alignment, and common failure modes
- Vintage Japanese radio values in 2026 — current market pricing for IC-751A and peers
- Icom brand page — full Icom coverage on Japan Radio Guide
Japan's electronics industry shaped global amateur radio for decades — a heritage that extends beyond transceivers into broader cultural exports covered at e2japan.com.