[Elecraft] K3 v. TS-590

[Paul Christensen]

Just picked up a TS-590 to evaluate against the K3 and ADAT ADT-200A.  First 
impression is that build quality and panel layout is exceptional.  However, 
things that do not bother other ops, bother me a lot.  For example, plugging 
in headphones into the TS-590 results in audible hiss.  Activating 
noise-cancellation on my Sennheiser headphones (to quiet down room noise), 
results in even more hiss -- something that's not a problem with the K3.

QSK:  It doesn't exist with the TS-590.  Sure, it's called Fast-Break-In, 
but of all the Kenwoods I've tried (TS-950/850/870/2000/480/570), it's the 
slowest of the bunch.  Audio between keyed elements is lost at about 15 WPM. 
T/R switching is smooth, however.

Strange IF/Audio DSP relationship.  In SSB mode, as the DSP is opened up 
past 2.8K, the IF keeps opening, but the audio response stays relatively 
fixed.  In other words, by opening up DSP, the audio response stays 
relatively constant and only allows for more adjacent QRM.  I'll take the 
adjacent QRM, but please open up the audio commensurate with the IF.

I was going to add a Clifton Labs buffer amp to at least get a pan display 
into my SDR-IQ on the down-conversion bands.  If the '590 didn't have these 
fatal flaws, I would proceed. As it is, it's just not worth it to me. 
Sorry, Jack.  I promise a another sale in the future!  Your product deserves 
better.

Paul, W9AC