[AMRadio] B&W 5100

[Todd, KA1KAQ]

On Mon, Jul 1, 2013 at 1:25 AM, Dave Harmon <k6xyz at sbcglobal.net> wrote:

> I have a 5100B that is unmodified....still has the couplate and no mods
> other than the usual cap replacement.
> The rig has barely 100W output so anything you do to add any bass or reduce
> the treble will make it even harder to make a contact.
>

Good point, but if the set isn't capable of passing the frequencies it
won't matter anyhow. I don't have a schematic for the 5100, but a lot of
those sets limited the audio passed through as a result of coupling cap
values and so on. If that's the case with the 5100, all the processing in
the world won't help until the restrictive components are changed to
different values.


> I use a standard un-amplified D-104 and get good audio reports.
> The rig is being used as it was designed and the audio is effective at this
> power level.


That would be my choice as well, a good ol' crystal D-104 mated up with a
proper input resistor (5 Meg or more in most cases) usually does the best
job sans processing. They sound good and have the necessary punch for a low
powered rig. You can still find them easily at hamfests for $20-$50, though
making sure you get a good cartridge is the tricky part.

~ Todd,  KA1KAQ/4