[Elecraft] K3 vs. Icom IC-7600

[Paul Christensen]

> Two weeks ago, in my friend's shack I compared K3,IC7700,IC7800(by ear
> ONLY), since there are no major contest in that day, so I can't say
> anything about "dynamic range " or something like that.
> IMHO, ic7700's DSP is best, 7800 DSP also better than K3. [A/B compare
> NR NB and DSP filter function].

I also own all three ('7700/'7800/K3) and I've been comparing the three rigs 
for the past year.  Not one of them really stands out against the other when 
comparing the NR function in SSB, nor CW modes.  In my experience, the two 
radios with the best NR function are the Kenwood TS-480 (CW) and the Ten Tec 
Omni Six (SSB).

On the TS-480, Kenwood developed a DSP CW peaking filter in the NR2 position 
that actually seems to extract CW out from under the noise.  Engaging that 
function has often made the difference between copy and no-copy.  I cannot 
say the same for any other radio.  Likewise, the Omni Six NR function 
somehow manages to peak the SSB audio passband when engaged and never did I 
hear an audio attenuating effect as I do with the '7700 and '7800 -- even 
under weak signal conditions.  The two Icoms seem particularly vulnerable to 
attenuation as the NR function is increased and I find their NR function to 
be nearly useless unless signal strength is strong.

Paul, W9AC