[Elecraft] Augment KX3 or buy K3?

[Jim Brown]

On Tue,3/7/2017 1:13 PM, George Thornton wrote:
> I would say that if you are considering contesting, then the K3s is the way to go.  IF all you want is casual use, the KX3 with amplifier is plenty of radio.

I generally agree with that advice. But there are other things that a K3 
can provide that the KX3 cannot, like a real second RX with a separate 
input to do diversity RX. Switching from a digital mode to SSB or CW is 
far easier with the K3. The question you have to ask is "what sort of 
operating do I want to do?" The KX3 is clearly the choice for a ham who 
does general operating, portable operating, mobile operating, and 
operating from home. You want the 100W amp when you're mobile, and maybe 
at home.

Also, don't consider ONLY the K3S -- a used K3 that comes up for sale 
here is a great option. I've chosen to hang on to my early s/n K3s and 
have simply added the new synth and the new transceiver board that gives 
me the two-stage preamp. That's at least 90% of the difference between a 
K3 and K3S, and at a significantly lower cost.

73, Jim K9YC