[Elecraft] Comparing the K2 to other RIGs

[James R. Duffey]

In my experience, the now long discontinued TS-850 with 400 Hz CW filters in
both IFs has a receiver comparable to the K-2 and should serve as a good
comparision rig. At the price of used TS-850s, $700 or so, they are good
value. Unfortunately, the ARRL testers did not perform the 5 kHz close in
strong signal testing in those days. In my opinion, the two receivers are
comparable and after I listened to the two, my interest in the K-2 solely as
a step up in receive capability waned considerably.

Good audio DSPs can be had rather cheaply these days, the Timewave-59+ and
NIR-12 are going for $100 to $125 used. They provide most, if not all the
functionality that one needs. The advantages of implementing the DSP in the
last - low frequency IF does not seem to me to be worth the price of a new
rig. I understand the advantages of having filtering in the AGC loop, but
implementing it in the last IF brings up all sorts of issues with what
happens to the strong signals in previously filtering.

Just my $0.02 worth. - Dr. Megacycle KK6MC/5
-- 
James R. Duffey KK6MC/5
Cedar Crest, NM   DM65