[Elecraft] Receiver K2, K3, KX3

[Don Wilhelm]

There are many who prefer the analog design and performance of the K2.  
The MDS and BDR of the K3 (K3S) and KX3 are a bit better, but only 
marginally so.
Take the top 20 transceivers in the Sherwood listing and give them a 
critical look.  There will not be a lot of difference between them in 
practical operating terms.  Measurements are one thing, but actual 
operating is another.  Yes, there are pileup situations where a 1 or 2 
dB of difference may make a contact or no contact situation, but those 
are extreme situations not encountered by the typical operator.

The K3 (K3S) and the KX3 are near the top of the Sherwood list, and they 
will be better in extremely crowded band conditions - listening to a DX 
pileup for instance where you can 'saddle up' close to another station 
and not have him bother you (that is what the 2 kHz rating is all about).

As for the K3 vs. the KX3, the K3 provides more "buttons at your 
fingertips" than the KX3 and has a few extra "bells and whistled". My 
recommendation is that if you are serious into contesting and DXing, the 
K3 is the better choice.  If you want portable operation, the KX3 is the 
best choice, and the KX3 will provide a great showing in contesting and 
DXing as well.

Bottom line, the K2, K3, K3S and the KX3 are all contest grade 
transceivers - take your pick based on your preferences and you will not 
be disappointed.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 12/12/2015 8:50 PM, Ignacy wrote:
> KX3 is a pleasant rig if you don't need second ant, many memories accessed
> with few clicks, super tight receiver.... Indeed, KX3 seems more pleasant to
> listen to. However, if you care about the strength of SSB on transmit, K3
> beats KX3 by a few db due to a better speech processor. So you won't win SSB
> contests with KX3.
>
> K2 seems primitive compared to K3 and KX3 but seems to have a mystical
> property where weak signals are heard very well. It travelled with me across
> the world with lots of satisfaction, perhaps more than KX3. KX3 is half the
> size of K2, though.
>
>