[Elecraft] Re: K2 for Contesting/Dxing

[W5EI@cs.com]

Hi Rich

I have had both the K2 and the TS2000 in my shack for a while.  The K2 does indeed have a superior receiver.  While I can't fault the TS2000 for sensitivity, the K2 is much easier to listen to for extended periods of time.  The IF DSP filtering on the Kenwood is OK, but the receiver is quite a bit noisier than that of the K2.  Look up the ARRL test info on both rigs.  The K2 is much  better under crowded band conditions.  My contest type work has been pretty much limited to Field Day, but the K2 will accompany me to the FD site this year, not the TS2000. Consider also buiding the KPA100 amp and the KAT100 tuner (which way outclasses the "line flatting" tuner of the 2000).  I also like the noise blanker of the K2 better than the one on the Kenwood.  The TS2000 is fine for my infrequent SSB ragchews and VHF/UHF FM.

Good luck and 73,

Don McNallen
K2/100 #2478