[Elecraft] K3 Which headphones for stereo cw work?

[Don Wilhelm]

Sam,

I am not certain why you looking only at Heil.  Their products are 
somewhat overpriced IMHO.
I suggest you go to a place that deals in consumer audio - Best Buy, 
Circuit City, or even Target stores (Sam Ashe too) and look at what they 
have.  The popularity of iPods and other such devices have made decent 
headphones readily available and at a variety of prices ranging from 
inexpensive to very high dollar.
Find a set of headphones that fit your ears and feel like they will be 
comfortable after wearing them for a while.
If they sound good listening to music, they will sound good on the K3 
too.  If you want to customize the response of the K3, that is what the 
RX EQ is for - use it instead of spending a great price for so-called 
"communications" headphones.

The wireless models free you from the attached cord problem and give you 
freedom of movement, but before deciding on one of those, check the 
store's return policy - you will want to return them if you have 
problems with RF pickup in your shack.

73,
Don W3FPR

Sam Morgan wrote:
> I know there has been a recent thread about headphones,
> but this time I would like to focus on just the receive aspect,
> as I need to buy a set of 'cans' for use 90% use with cw.
>
>
> What I am really confused by is the K3's stereo rx capabilities,
> with *ONLY* the main receiver.
> (Looks like the headphones cost a 1/3 as much, as the 2nd receiver will)
>
> Does the Heil Proset allow for the stereo (separate channels)?
> It doesn't specifically say so.....
> but the Heil Proset Plus does mention stereo
>
> Here is the Heil Proset:
> http://www.heilsound.com/amateur/products/proset/index.htm
>
> "Besides sealing out noise passively, the Pro Set now includes Heil Sound's 
> exclusive phase reversal technology, which allows the user to "move" the 
> incoming signal by engaging the phase-reversal switch; this creates a unique 
> spatial widening sound that can, in some situations, significantly improve copy 
> in a tough DX pile-up."
>
> "The earphone speakers in the Pro Set Series are 200too-Ohm devices, with a -3 
> dB point at 8000 Hz. This combination reduces a lot of the hiss found in 
> receiver audio stages. These speakers exhibit medium sensitivity, but they are 
> easily driven by most rigs if you turn the AF Gain control up to about 2 o'clock."
>
> ==
>
> Here is the Heil ProsetPlus:
> http://www.heilsound.com/amateur/products/prosetplus/index.htm
>
> "The Pro Set Plus is wired in a stereo configuration, making them easy to 
> integrate into your SO2R station, and ideal for rigs like the FT-1000D that have 
> a "Balance" control for Main and Sub receiver audio levels."
>
> "Also provided on the Pro Set Plus is Heil Sound's exclusive phase reversal 
> technology, which allows the user to "move" the incoming signal by engaging the 
> phase-reversal switch; this creates a unique spatial widening sound that can, in 
> some situations, significantly improve copy in a tough DX pile-up."
> ===
>
> I don't plan to operate voice, so I really don't need a mic attached,
> but it would seem those 2 headphones are among the best as far as long term 
> comfort and ability to do stereo and noise reduction.
>
> Are there any other headphones the group would recommended for cw and taking 
> advantage of the K3's stereo capabilities?
>
> I guess if I have to have a mike included I'll just have to deal with it. ;-/
>
> TIA
>