[Elecraft] Re: Headphone output from the K2

[zl1aih at ihug.co.nz]

Hi Steve, You wrote: 
>I have been using a FlexRadio SDR-1000 rig mostly because of the great DSP. 
One of the advantages is the external Firewire sound card which is able to boost 
audio into the headphones. I even found a cheap set of KOSS UR29 headphones 
have more output than my Heil's. The headphone output on the PRO II causes the 
headphone audio to distort before its loud enough for me.>

My 0.02c worth:
At ZM1A we use several transceivers - IC-746PRO, IC-780, Kenwood TS-850 and 
two Elecraft K2s in serious Multi-Single/Multi-Two Cw contesting.   With three or 
four regular operators, (one of whom has moderate hearing loss) each with their 
own transceiver preferences, we 'discovered' that not all headphones are created 
equal.   We have two Heil, one Sony and two 'el cheapo' (NZ$29.95) headphones.

At both operating positions we have dual headphone sockets available.
When the Heils are used on the K2s they are either severely mismatched or lack 
sensitivity.   The other 'phones are very loud indeed on the K2s - the Heils are fine 
on the other rigs.   

During contests we have reserved the Heils for use by shack visitors.   Also, 
because they rest on the external ear, they admit too much external noise - the 
cheap 'phones enclose the ears, reducing the inter-operator banter (shouted insults 
and cheers etc.) to a quiet roar, barely audible above the ambient blower/fan noise.

However, the op with moderate hearing loss uses an "Audio Enhancer" (in QST a 
couple of years ago) with the Sony 'phones which works very well for him in that he 
doesn't hear the shouted insults, cheers or blower/fan noise at all.
I have tried his "Audio Enhancer" unit and can thoroughly recommend it - there is a 
PC board available in the US.

73, Ken ZL1AIH
K2s 767, 3725
Fists #9094