OK gents here's the whole story:
- I have been using a hacked GT3b with good results, except in 1/10th scale where it seemed wrong and disconnected, don't know why for sure but I think it was before messing with the servo update rate. Ergonomically I like it pretty much and with the VR mod and psx fw it feels like strapping an 454ci engine in a Mini. Enter an used M8 v3 with Spektrum Pro DSM module, a glove like fit. Really getting along with the menu and all performance wise but heavy Tx. Also bought a Hitec CRX which also like everything in it except being FM.
So now that the GT3b is going to another home I've been debating what to do with the M8 and the CRX, ergo's are pretty much even but I felt the CRX more balanced/lighter.
DSM spektrum receivers are somewhat expensive/rare, if there is some way to run DSM2/R rx with the M8 please, please say how.

In my opinion you'd be much better placed to make a bigger step and upgrade to something like a Sanwa MT4s or M11x or even the M12 if budget allows. You'll feel more 'connected' than ever compared to what you currently run.

Thank you sir. Unfortunately anything sanwa is out of my budget because of the expensive rx, I own 4 cars and while I can get sanwa stuff it's really expensive, the MT4s is upwards of 320€ and a rx-381 is 80€, Futaba 4PK is expensive because of the rx...
I was afraid selling all my radios would be the better option because I made them fit me well and I use them to the fullest but I've been thinking more about it. Eyeing the Flysky IT-4 (price performance ratio seems correct) and the Graupner X8-N (rx are half of sanwa price, feature rich Tx, my LHS has graupner stuff).

I was in a similar boat several months ago coming back from a 15yr break. All I had were FM radio gear from pre 2000

Ended up swapping all to Spektrum (DX4S) for offroad, Futaba (4PKS-R) for onroad. Yes, the Futaba receivers are expensive. I suppose you could check up on Chinese receivers that work with Futaba radio's..but imo, that defeats the purpose.

Go with Spektrum. They are cheap to get and work well. I had terrible luck with Horizon Hobbies on a warranty replacement request, but a lot of folks seem to have good luck.

All of Spectrums new stuff has seemed to have gotten significantly better and most people i sell spectrum products too do not have problems. (Most)

Yes, I also like the fact that Spektrum's menu's are easy to navigate and just overall easy to program. I especially like the factory 4WDS porfiles while running my crawler. So far I have yet to encounter a glitch.

My kid runs a DX4C with a SR201 (2ch basic receiver) on his truck. Works well.

They are all pretty easy to use once you get used to them.

Yes, my 4PKS-R is easy to use IF I remember how everything worked, or if I pull out the owner's manual to read and remind myself.

I don't remember the last time I had to look at my owner's manual on my Spektrum radio to do something I wanted.

Thanks for the help gents
Indeed, a 4PK with the cheap orangerx receivers could be a nice one to me.

Maybe new Hitec radio along with 2ch sub-40$ RXes gonna fit your budget?

Besides the DSM module in the M8 I have a DX3E, don't like it because the big steering wheel and throttle feel and gave me issues browning out.

Valid option, the tx is 10€ more expensive than the MT4S but the rx are half the price of the MT4 ones. Head to head against the X8-N the X8 is cheaper, has more features and the rx are the same price, that's why I'm more interest in the X8-N oh also can get it from LHS.

Thanks for your help, will look at the Graupner or MT4.