Radio's are something you keep for a Very Long time *If your Treat your Gear with Care. So look at it as an Investment. A 300$ Radio Now Wont seem like such a Big deal a Couple year's down the Road. If Rx Prices seem High, well that's part of the 2.4 swap over. were not back in the 90's Running AM/FM Crystals so lets be thankful of that.