[Elecraft] Re: KX1 vs. FT-817

[Steve Knapp]

"We recommend earbuds or other sensitive headphones, but it can also be 
used with a small speaker as long as you use a stereo plug."

Just to note, not all earbuds are equal. I went to buy a pair just for the KX1.
So I went to Walmart and found a pair for $1! How could I go wrong? Not looking
for HiFi here, just had to work! Figured it was perfect....No need to reply, I
know I'm a fool.

Audio output on the KX1 seemed poor, I was testing/debugging and couldn't
figure it out. After a couple hours of pain of having these things in my ears I
switched to a $20 pair of Koss headphones. All was MUCH better. AF gain at
9-oclock, not 4, audio quality was much better too! 

I've also got a set of ER4Ps and another pair of custom moulded earplug
speakers. Need to try those too. But I'll probably find a pair of earbuds
somewhere around the house for the field.

http://www.headphone.com/products/headphones/clip-on/koss-ksc-75.php
http://www.headphone.com/products/headphones/sealed-and-noise-canceling/etymotic-er-4p.php
http://www.earinc.com/p2-music-competition.php

"The KX1 also comes with a narrow crystal filter -- optional on the FT-817."

And it's variable bandwidth!

Plus, based on my limited experience (KX1 has only been built for ~1wk), I
think the UI of the KX1 is much easier to use than my FT817.

--
Steve Knapp