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

[Brett Howard]

A fix for this issue is in the works and I think you'll be quite happy
with it!

~Brett

On Sat, 2009-07-04 at 22:45 -0400, E. Tichansky wrote:
> 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
> >   
> 
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