[Elecraft] K3 Audio (WAS K3 eHam review after 2+ years)

[E. Tichansky]

Unfortunately, there IS a problem w/ CW audio in the K3, at least with 
both here (see concurrently running thread: K3 Audio Low Pass Filter).  
The sidetones generated around the 12 kHz DAC leak-through (+/- sidetone 
frq., ie. 500Hz)are clearly audible for me and rather annoying, enough 
so that I had to insert inline low pass audio filters on each radio to 
knock it down to make CW operation tolerable.  I was in correspondence 
about the issue back in Oct/Nov of last year w/ Elecraft.

Regardless of the "60 db down" and other levels people have measured on 
those sidetones, I can hear it, even with as low a volume setting of 
around 9-10 o'clock.  Apparently there are others that can as well.  The 
majority of folks who own a K3, presumably yourself included, have a 
reduction or loss of hearing at high frequencies.  From that 
perspective, the audio is great!  However, not hearing it doesn't 
necessarily mean there isn't an underlying problem present, and those 
that wish to fix it aren't doing so out of "desire to tinker and change 
things."

As for SSB/AM, I couldn't comment at length on the audio quality, as I 
just don't operate or listen up the bands much.  But from limited 
operation, I'd concur that the audio was fine.

73
Eric NO3M

Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:
> I'm quite happy with the K3's audio as originally designed. 
>
> Other Hams who have heard my K3 and, non Hams too, think it's great. Tuning
> in an AM signal and switching between SSB and AM demod has an inaudible
> difference in the sound (using the same effective bandwidth). 
>
> As a long-time brass pounder, I am very happy with the audio for CW too. 
>
> That said, I understand and support other fellows' desire to tinker and
> change things. I do the same with those things that interest me. But that
> should never be interpreted as meaning the K3 has any sort of "audio
> problem" in the original design.
>
> Of course, future designs from Elecraft and others will offer features or
> specifications that exceed the K3's specifications today, just at some of
> the great rigs of years ago can't match the spec.s of a K2 or K3. 
>
> But that does not make those rigs any less a joy to use for a great many
> Hams. 
>
> 73,
>
> Ron AC7AC
>