The radio should offer:

Dual or triple conversion with no less than excellent front-end
selectivity.

Full coverage from at least 100 kHz to 30000 kHz AM (no gaps), 76-108
MHz FM, and possibly simple air band reception (118-137 Mhz).

4 or 6 rechargeable-NiMH "D"-cell operation with MANUAL switch on back
to choose AC or Battery operation (so that AC Adapter need not be
unplugged when on battery power).

Synchronous-selectable sideband reception is a MUST. Should be designed
at least as well as that on the Grundig Satellit 800. Full passband
tuning would be even better. Lock must be held as well as on AR7030
model and must automatically turn off when tuning and then re-lock when
station is selected.

A good notch filter (with at least 50 dB  depth) with range of 0.1 - 5
kHz.

At least 3 IF filters (bandwidths) (preferably 4) of 2.2 kHz, 4 kHz, 6
kHz (and possibly 1 kHz for data/CW); operation of these filters should
be cascaded so that inexpensive ceramic filters will give much better
performance than usual. (6 filter bandwidths would be ideal.) All shape
factors should be less than 1:2.

All parameters should be fully adjustable independently in all modes of
reception (except FM and the digital modes).

At least 200 memories. Tuning via knob (no "chugging" or muting),
"slew" buttons (5 kHz on SW, 9/10 kHz on MW, 9 kHz on LW, and 100 Mhz
on FM). Signal-scan automatic tuning. Memory scanning. Automatic memory
sorting. Automatic station setup (as on Sangean models) for AM and FM
memories.

Remote control operation possible with a CORDED detachable remote
control (at least 6 feet in length or adaptable to an extension cord if
user desires).

Dial illumination via LEDs, perhaps color-switchable (Red, Blue,
Green).

Dial light scheme similar to Grundig Satellit 800. (Always on or always
off with AC power, on for 15 seconds with any button push when using
battery power, or always off with batteries, as desired by user.)

Line outputs for external speaker(s) and stereo system. Excellent sound
quality is a must. Independent tone controls (Treble and Bass) should
be incorporated. Internal mono speaker of high quality is preferable to
mediocre stereo speakers.

At least two external antenna inputs for AM/SW (high and low impedence)
as well as an FM antenna input.

Built-in antennas should be: a LONG (possibly detachable) whip (PLUS a
shorter whip possibly optionally offered for travel); a LONG (at least
130 mm) internal ferrite antenna for MW and LW. External antennas to
override internal ones.

IBOC reception (AM & FM) for the US. Canadian DAB. (Possibly European
DAB.) Self-contained DRM (or a 12 kHz IF output to connect to a
DRM-equipped computer).

Clocks should be RADIO-CONTROLLED (and operated independently from
radio and powered via 2 AA or AAA batteries). Two times zones should be
available, one of which should be UTC. Local time should be adjustable
for daylight-savings time (via radio control) if required; UTC should
NOT be affected by DST change. One of the clocks (including seconds)
should ALWAYS be visible, radio on or off.

No LEDs (except for dial illumination and possibly button
illumination). Properly calibrated digital bar graph S-meter of at
least 12 segments.

A high-quality plastic cabinet or, preferably, a light-weight metal
(aluminum or magnesium) cabinet.

ALL internal components to be of TOP-QUALITY (formerly known as
MIL-spec).

Excellent sensitivity; a 3 or 4 step attenuator (or adjustable RF-gain
control) should be incorporated.

All other specifications to be of Drake R8B/AOR AR7030 caliber,
especially blocking, ultimate rejection, image rejection, and, most
important, dynamic range. Excellent sensitivity (a 3 or 4 step
attenuator would be of help).

A carrying case (nylon or leather) should be optionally offered; this
should be able to carry AC adapter, batteries, and any other options,
as well as fully protecting the radio.

Servicing is important. All service information should be made
available on line.

Guy Atkins has made some important suggestions; his suggestions should
be incorporated also.

A tall order? Yes. A "perfect" radio? Almost. There has never been
anything like it! What should this radio sell for? I would pay $1000 or
more for such a radio; could it be manufactured in China for $700?
Since this is to be your top-of-the-line radio, it should be designed
and made as perfectly as possible.

You make it, I'll buy it!

Joe