[Elecraft] 817 audio better than K2?

[ZarubaJr@aol.com]

Having both the K2 and the 817 on my operating desk, I found there are some 
things I like the 817 for, and most things I LOVE the K2 for. The only audio 
quality difference I noticed (aside from overall volume - advantage 817) is 
the tonal quality of the 817 audio seems to be warmer (more midrange?). 
Overall receive performance goes to the K2 every time. If I have a taste for 
CW operation that day, I don't even bother turning on the 817, it's not in 
the same league. In fact, when it comes to CW performance, of the three HF 
rigs I use regularly, the list looks like this: K2, DSW-40, 817.

I must admit though, when I take a rig out to the field, it's usually the 
817. Why? Because if something happens to it (knocked off a table, gets wet, 
or stolen), I would be less emotionally wrought than if those things were to 
happen to the K2 or the DSW-20. I seem to develop an emotional attachment to 
radios that I have built. If fact, I sold my second K2 to fund the purchase 
of the 817, and I still haven't gotten over it! It was a mistake, but 
unfortunately, in sliding down the equity scale, I can't sell the 817 
(purchased used) and get another K2 (unbuilt, but with all the trimmings). My 
agreement with my XYL - I can buy and sell rigs however I want, but if I want 
to add equipment, that requires review and consent. She has a pretty good 
head for finances, otherwise my kids would have no shoes, clothes, or food, 
and I would have a shack bursting over with gear and an aluminium forest in 
my back yard.

The bottom line: 817 disposable, K2 priceless.

73,

John AA2BN

K2 #1568
SWL DSW-40 (unnumbered, but much loved)
FT-817 #yeah, whatever.