Icom
Icom SP-38 External Speaker
Best audio upgrade for dedicated amateur radio operators.
Enhance your Icom radio's audio with the SP-38 External Speaker. Designed to perfectly complement models like the IC-7300 and IC-9700, this bookshelf-style speaker delivers clear and crisp sound reproduction for all your communications. It handles a rated input power of 5W, with a maximum capacity of 7W, and features an 8 Ohm impedance. The SP-38 includes a 5.9ft audio cable for convenient setup and weighs approximately 2.54 lbs, making it a practical addition to your communication setup.
$182.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
284
/ 1072
#284 in Communication Radio Accessories
Price vs Category Average
+83%
Above average
Rated input power
5
/ W
Who it's for
- Contesters and DXers prone to long-session listening fatigue
- Operators struggling to hear weak or noisy signals
- Icom radio owners seeking a seamless, matched setup
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious hobbyists preferring third-party alternatives
- Advanced users requiring built-in DSP or audio filtering
- Operators working within limited or cramped desk spaces
Performance breakdown
Audio Clarity
Delivers crisp, intelligible voice reproduction essential for long-duration amateur radio operation.
System Integration
Perfectly matched aesthetic and acoustic profile for IC-7300 and IC-9700 transceivers.
Build Durability
Sturdy plastic construction provides a reliable, lightweight housing for desktop environments.
Setup Simplicity
Plug-and-play 3.5mm connectivity makes installation effortless for any radio operator.
Power Handling
Handles 5W nominal input with ease, providing ample volume for quiet shacks.
Ergonomic Design
Compact bookshelf footprint optimizes desk space while angling sound toward the operator.
Key Specs
Rated input power
5W
Maximum input power
7W
Impedance
8Ω
Weight
Approximately 2.54lb
Audio cable length
Approximately 5.9ft
Connectivity
Auxiliary
Model Number
SP-38
Mounting Type
Desktop Stand
Features
- High-quality audio for clear communication
- Optimized for IC-7300/IC-9700 transceivers
- Includes 5.9ft audio cable
- Bookshelf speaker design
- Crisp sound reproduction
- Durable plastic construction
What customers say
Users overwhelmingly praise the Icom SP-38 speaker for its exceptional audio clarity, which significantly improves listening, especially with weak signals or in noisy settings. Its design is perfectly matched to Icom transceivers, offering a solid and durable build quality that aligns with premium radio standards. The speaker excels at filtering distracting low frequencies, reducing operator fatigue during extended use. The main drawback cited is the premium price point. While performance is acknowledged as superior and highly effective for maximizing audio potential, many feel the cost is excessive for an accessory speaker when compared to capable aftermarket options. Overall, it is viewed as a necessary investment for dedicated Icom enthusiasts seeking professional grade results.
Know before you buy
The SP-38 is specifically designed to complement the Icom IC-7300 and IC-9700 transceivers. Its acoustic profile and physical design are optimized to match these specific models.
No, the SP-38 is a passive speaker. It draws its power directly from the audio output of your radio through the included 3.5mm cable.
The SP-38 features a larger cabinet and a dedicated speaker driver, which provides a fuller, clearer sound profile than the smaller internal speakers found in most transceivers. This helps reduce listener fatigue during long operating sessions.
Yes, as long as your radio has a 3.5mm external speaker jack and supports an 8 Ohm impedance, the SP-38 will function. However, it is physically and sonically tuned specifically for Icom's desktop transceivers.
The SP-38 comes with a fixed 5.9ft audio cable. If you need a longer reach, you can easily extend it using a standard 3.5mm male-to-female extension cable.
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