[Elecraft] Prospective K2 buyers: rig comparisons

[tlogan7@cox.net]

Hi folks -
Many times when I read the reflector emails I think about what a prospective
K2 buyer might be perceiving from the various exchanges. A lot of technical
info flies by and it could really rattle the average guy who wants to to
build a rig, but knows little more than how to solder (like me). So for
those shoppers I want to throw out some quick thoughts.

1 - You will see discussions, like today, about rig comparisons. I have had
my K2 (and now K2/100) side by side with a TenTec Omni C, an Omni V.9, and
my Icom 756PRO. IMHO these are all great radios and they are not all aimed
at exactly the same audience. In all honesty I never did find a signal that
one radio could hear and another could not. However, there are very distinct
differences in noise level and what I would call the "type" of sound. A 756
will definitely sound different than a K2. For normal operations and
non-laboratory types I would suggest that these differences will boil down
to individual preferences. Using the word "quiet" can be misleading when
talking about radios because it means different things to different folks. I
think though, that most operaters would describe the K2 as easily the most
quiet radio in the sense the term is used by most of us. I love operating my
756PRO and I think it is pretty outstanding and I no longer own a
TenTec......but if I could have only one rig it would be the K2. It is an
absolutely pleasing radio to operate and listen to. That's not lab specs -
it's just a solder jockey's impression from sitting in his shack and having
fun.

2 - Sometimes I hear folks comment about the cost of a K2. If you are
shopping for a K2, I would like to suggest that the first QSO you have with
it will be priceless and you will wonder why you ever struggled with the
question of buying a K2 or not. There is something absolutely amazing about
connecting that whole box of parts together and seeing a radio come alive.
It is a thrill. And don't forget - when people do rig comparisons, they are
doing it with top of the line cw rigs like the TenTec Omni's. The little K2
is being compared with the cream of the crop and generally always comes out
on top whether the comparison is "gut feel" or by lab specs.

3 - During and after your build you will start to realize that this
reflector is priceless too. The guys and gals that are on hear include some
EXTREMELY knowledgable people. And you should note that the designers, Wayne
and Eric, are monitoring it all the time and very frequently throw in
adivice or clarify various questions raised.

4 - A lot of the questions raised are just because people are curious and
like to fine tune a Rolls Royce. I suspect most builders solder that last
connection, fire the rig up, and operate happily ever after. But then some
start to realize that the K2 can be a constant learning tool if you have the
desire. You can tweak and play and ask questions to your hearts content -
not because there is a problem - but because it is fascinating.

I hope my 2 cents worth helps a few shoppers out there....especially if it's
your first rig!

73/Tim NZ7C