[Elecraft] K3S audio board for K3 upgrade?

[Edward R Cole]

two more cents - are we rich, yet?

Couple more comments on K3 audio quality and etc.

The MOT metal mobile speakers were designed for FM mobile and did 
sound good.  I don't have any so have not tried marrying one to a 
K3.  SSB sounds different than FM, especially full quieted FM. 
Installed a lot of Micors, Mitrek, Syntors, etc.

I did note the difference in sound when I went from the old FT-847 to 
the K3.  Did take a little time to adjust to "its" sound.
I have made a couple adjustments in the AGC attack with subtle 
changes in the sound.  But boy did it hear better on HF!

The full spectrum response of the SONY MDR-V600 stereo headset is nicest.

I often run bw down to as low as 2.1 KHz on SSB  (2.8-KHz filter) and 
that reduces white noise level.  SNR is directly proportional to 
bw.  So that improves the SNR.  Of course in a crowded band it also 
reduces QRM.  HF QRM is not so bad here as it must be in civilized 
areas.  Year's ago I ran off the grid on batteries and had S0 noise 
floor on 75m phone using a TS-180S and dipole.  I could really hear 
the weak one's.  Now its more likely S5 noise floor (different radio 
- different s-meter - on the grid!).

Not sure upgrading my K3 audio board would make enough difference for 
me.  Any guess on cost and difficulty of installation?  I have yet to 
install my new synth boards - too busy building 2m amplifiers.  It 
will be interesting to see what difference that will make.

I think audio quality is too personal to provide universal 
solution.  In the old day's choosing a stereo or speakers, I would go 
to an up-scale shop in Hollywood or Beverly Hills to chose the 
equipment as they had lavish sound rooms - then head back to West LA 
discount stores to buy one.  I found JBL were the best to my ears.



73, Ed - KL7UW, AL7EB (1982), KN8MWA (1958)
http://www.kl7uw.com
     "Kits made by KL7UW"
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