The only real bummer is the fact the R8600 (as well as all other Icom radio's) is the fact it does not cover the popular DMR digital mode. The R8600s do a fantastic job for all my monitoring from NDB's up to the V\UHF ranges which were my initial interest. Since purchasing the first R8600, my use of the older models has dropped off considerably with the R9000 being the exception. It's used more for sitting on a frequency of interest seeing if it comes alive. I never did get the R9500 but do still use my R9000 near daily here. As you may be aware, the R9000 and its newer brother, the R9500 were both considered some of the best as well but they sure put a dent in your wallet.

All good receivers in there day and all are still very useful to this day. As others have pointed out, the measured performance of this receiver is world class across the board.