[Elecraft] [QRP-L] The Chinese KX3

[Gary Gregory]

*James,

You are engaging in an argument (constructive one that is) where there is
NO difinitive answer.

It's must always be about 'choice'..Heil headsets are to me expensive when
you import them to VK, CM-500's represents 'value for money' to many on
this list, some prefer the Heil models..it is all about choice.

Dare I say 'visual appeal' and 'I want the best' are also thoughts in folks
mind when they select their purchase, some look at 3rd party test results
as a buying guide, again, it's all about choice.

Wouxon, kenwood, Yaesu, Icom, Ten Tec, Elecraft and the list goes on, it
still comes back to individual choice and that is good for consumers. I
would hate to see a contraction of manufacturers as this would lead to a
less competitive market and then we the consumer would be in a less than
enviable situation.

Sure I love my Elecraft products, they all do what i want and more which
leaves me a very satisfied customer and Elecraft have a proven track record
on support.

Did I pay too much for the products I have purchased from Elecraft?...I
don't believe so.

Did I pay too much for products from 'other' radio manufacturers...i sure
did much to my continued angst.

20/20 hindsight can sometimes be a bummer....


73's
Gary
*
On 14 April 2012 08:49, James Rodenkirch <rodenkirch_llc at msn.com> wrote:

>
> Elecraft follows the Apple model - or vice versa...who knows!  Basic
> "product" is sorta "ok" from a costing perspective but one starts to
> "cringe" at $60.00 microphones and $170.00 20 watt antenna tuners and
> $170.00 iambic keys...just sorta seems high end pricing... I could go and
> price out external versions but that would detract from the Elecraft model
> - purchase the basic rig and toss in lots of extras that fit into the rig
> and keep you one of the "Elecraft faithful."
>
> Your statement, "Generally, the Chinese versions are reasonable value for
> money but the equation generally does include a much lower build quality
> and feature set and a much lower support level" is sorta intriguing....just
> what is a "lower build quality" and "feature set" and "lower support level"
> mean?
>
> Quote me some numbers and we can chat further....Jim R.
>
>
>
> From: thomas at horsten.com
> Date: Fri, 13 Apr 2012 23:02:25 +0100
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [QRP-L] The Chinese KX3
> To: rodenkirch_llc at msn.com
> CC: km4ik.ian at gmail.com; elecraft at mailman.qth.net; qrp-l at mailman.qth.net;
> john at ae5x.com
>
> Jim,
>
>
>
> What exactly is absurd about the add on costs that Elecraft charges, in
> your opinion ???
>
>
> That's the statement that sticks out to me as being absurd in your mail.
> You buy the accessories you want/need and add it up. The total KX3 price
> after doing that doesn't seem absurd to me. Not extremely cheap either, I'd
> agree, but most certainly not absurdly expensive.
>
>
> There are Chinese knock-offs of many product categories. Generally, the
> Chinese versions are reasonable value for money but the equation generally
> does include a much lower build quality and feature set and a much lower
> support level.
>
>
> To take the Wouxuns for example, they are great rigs for the price, but
> the more expensive ones from Yaewoodcom do have a definitive edge on
> quality and how well they are thought out. It's just questionable if they
> are worth paying so much extra for, and personally I'm happy with my
> Wouxun. But for something as primary to my ham operating as my main
> portable HF rig, I won't settle for such a compromise.
>
>
> 73, Thomas M0TRN
>
>
> On 13 April 2012 21:55, James Rodenkirch <rodenkirch_llc at msn.com> wrote:
>
> If - IF -  they can produce a similar product at a reduced cost, including
> the absurdity of the current add on costs that Elecraft charges, good for
> them!
>
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-- 
Gary
VK4FD - Motorhome Mobile
Elecraft Equipment
K3 #679, KPA-500 #018
Living the dream!!!