[Elecraft] K3S vs. K3

[Jim Brown]

On Sat,5/16/2015 6:33 AM, Mike Harris wrote:
> Sherwood has previously commented unfavourably on the audio quality of 
> the LINE OUT signal.  This has lead to the general acceptance that the 
> LINE OUT level should be limited to 8-10. 

This is pretty ancient history, and is the result of a digital guy 
trying to design an audio output stage. The error was in 1) using an 
unshielded telecom transformer and 2) adding 600 ohms in series between 
the output device and that transformer. In the world of audio, that's 
well known to cause distortion. 3) 600 ohm inputs and outputs have not 
been used in pro audio for more than 40 years, another goof.

I noticed the problem as soon as I got my first K3, measured it, and 
showed it around. I don't know if that was before or after Rob found it.

If I'm not mistaken, the resistors were removed a LONG time ago, which, 
when placed as they were, caused the distortion.

73, Jim K9YC