[Elecraft] K3/100 vs KX3-KPA100

[Dauer, Edward]

I know this is largely a matter of opinion, but I welcome that of anyone
who is familiar with both the K3 series and the KX3 series:
 

I operate at two QTHs.  At one I run the K3 (with subRx etc) plus KPA500,
KAT-500, and P3.  That one is staying as-is.
 

At the other QTH I have been using a KX3, which has the advantage of
portability (mobiling) but I find the QRP limiting when I can¹t get to the
first QTH during a contest.  The choice
then is to add the KXPA100 with KXAT100 to the KX3, or to simply replace
the KX3 with another K3 (barefoot) at the 2nd QTH.
 

So far as prices go for kits similarly equipped (to the extent possible),
the barefoot K3/100 with P3, no sub-Rx, internal ATU, KXV3A and just
enough filters for CW only, would be about $3,480, plus cables and other
goodies.
 

A KX3 with optional filter, ATU, PX3, and a KPA100 with the 100W tuner,
plus pwr supply, comes to about $2,760, also plus other accessories.
 

That¹s about a $700 difference, for the KX3 system vs the K3/100 system.
(Even though I already own the KX3 system, I find this cost-to-cost a
useful comparison.)
 

So, if a CW-only, DX-and-contest oriented Op wanted a 100W transceiver /
panadapter  system from Elecraft for a 2nd QTH, what does the extra $700
buy?  What factors to take into account in making the choice?  One other
complication - now retired, I may try to do some holiday style DX
operating in easily-accessed tropical climes.  Is a K3 plus DC supply (2
pcs) much more of a traveling burden than a KX3 / KXPA100 plus power
supply (3 pcs)?
 


Thanks,

 
Ted, KN1CBR