[Elecraft] K3 S-Meter and Noise

[Jim Harris]

Hi All,

I've had my new K3 up and running for about a week after replacing the DSP board during assembly due to the 5vdc rail being shorted to ground.  The S-meter shows about S-2/3 noise and there is about an equal level of noise from the speaker.  I have an IC-756ProIII sitting beside it and it shows S-0 with minimum noise from the speaker.  Of course, I'm using the same mode and have set the filters in both to the same width.  I have played with the preamp and attenuator in both and the K3 always shows a higher noise level with accompanying S-meter reading.  

My K2 is extremely quiet and does just great on the many portable trips I take.  I may well be missing something on the K3 in all the myriad menu settings of the K3 but don't have a clue at this point as to how to proceed.  I sure don't want to think this $2000 radio has such a noise problem and I'm going to have to live it.  Does anyone have any information that may help?  I would be most appreciative.

Thank you, have a good day and 73.

Jim, W0EM