[Elecraft] Product Idea - 25 Watt PA for the K3

[w7aqk]

I think this issue of distortion when driving amps at near their limit was 
highlighted early on by a change Elecraft made on the K3.  Initially the K3 
could be dialed up to 110 watts.  However, IMD got pretty rough at that 
level.  So, Elecraft dropped the maximum down to just 100 watts, and the 
difference was quite noticeable.  I tend to run my K3 (when operating 
barefoot) at only about 90 watts hoping I'm doing even better.

I can, and have, run my KPA500 just using a KX3 or KX2 to drive it. 
However, that means cranking the little rigs up near maximum to get much out 
of the bigger amp.  I suspect that is a problem as to IMD.  If I put a 
KXPA100 in between, I also suspect I am much better off in that department. 
So, if I want to play with the little rigs and the big amp, I put the 
KXPA100 in the mix.  As best as I can tell, everything stays pretty 
"linear".  The little rigs only need a few watts to drive the KXPA100, and 
the KXPA100 only needs about 25 watts to drive the KPA500.  Convoluted 
perhaps, but kind of fun to play with.  It does minimize what I have 
directly in front of me on the desk.  I love my K3, but there are 
times/situations when I don't need everything it gives me.

Dave W7AQK