[Elecraft] [K3] Audio circuit distortion

[Jim Brown]

On 7/23/2013 12:15 PM, Don Putnick wrote:
> It didn't compete with the <0.3% distortion of the Icom 756 Pro III.

Single numbers like this are quite inadequate to describe distortion. 
There are MANY kinds, and many manifestations. THD is a particularly 
poor metric for non-linearity, because some orders of harmonics are FAR 
more audible (and unpleasant) than others, and also because it does not 
include intermodulation. For example, there's a popular audio signal 
processing tool that includes a knob called "warmth."  It ADDS 2nd 
harmonic distortion. In general, higher order harmonics are audible are 
MUCH lower levels because they are relatively un-musical.  Digital 
distortions are also quite audible,and at relatively low levels, again 
because they are not naturally part of speech or music.

I'm quite satisfied with the audio quality of the K3 once those early 
issues were corrected. I've got a nice stereo rig to listen to music, 
most of which is acoustic jazz. I completely agree with Wayne's design 
priorities.

73, Jim K9YC