[ARC5] Inspired hack job

[David Stinson]

I cannot say why a BC-453 performs so well on LF
compared to some other sets; 
Mike is certainly right about the technical details.  
But I understand the assertion that 
the 453 et al. is "better".
In my experiance, the 453 is better "listening" than many
because the signals I receive are "cleaner."
When receiving LF signals, noise floor and IF bandpass 
shape are more important than is sensitivity; 
learned that first-hand during my years
DXing on the 160-190 "Lowfer" band.  
Perhaps the fewer stages contribute less noise?
Maybe it's the tuning ratio and/or IF design.... 
Maybe it's just my own personal prejudices 
coloring what I hear.
I dunno.

But if I'm listening to LF between my 348 and 
my 453, the 348 has a higher noise floor and 
less-pleasing audio.  
The audio from a stock 453 is "silkly smooth."
I pull-out more and cleaner signals with the 453
and they just sound better to my ear.
If you have both in good working order,
try tuning freq-for-freq with the same antenna
and you'll see what I mean.
I've heard smatterings of European LF broadcasters
on one of my 453s.  I've never heard that on a 348.
The only way I know to make sense of that technically
is noise floor.

73 Dave S.