[Elecraft] Loss in Variable Crystal filter

[Charlie Kahwagi]

Hello all,
            I have returned to using my K2 seriously, and I am curious if anyone else finds the following on their K2:

When I switch from filter OP 1 on SSB  to a narrower filter (i.e  through the variable B/W filter on the main board)  I get approx 10 dB loss of signal strength.

Does this sound right?    The S meter reads less,  the AF out with AGC off is less and  I am curious if the 5 pole variable bw crystal filter, should be that  much lossier then the fixed 7 pole filter on the SSB board.

I know there maybe MANY reasons,  poor crystals, impedance matching issues ( I do have the NB installed) etc.....but has anyone else seen this much variation and is there something in particular that I should look at to improve it?

I cannot say that the S+N/N ratio is degraded,  but it is annoying that it is such a difference.   I feel I am losing out on gain, when I am listening in very low B/Ws in CW.

73
VK3NX
Charlie