[Elecraft] Specs KIO3-B internal sound card

[Jim Brown]

On 9/19/2017 3:55 PM, Udo Langenohl - DK5YA wrote:
> compared to high quality external devices SNR and THD+N is rather 
> poor. And so is the dynamic range and the max. sampling rate of just 
> 48KHz. 

Don't fall into the trap of "specsmanship" and thinking you need cutting 
edge audio products for ham radio, which is a FAR less demanding 
application. WSJT-X operates at 48 kHz 16-bit, no matter how exotic your 
sound card, the ~90 dB dynamic rangeand 5 kHz audio BW are more than 
sufficient for the audio I/O for the digital modes used in ham radio. I 
can't comment on audio distortion -- I haven't bothered to add a KIO3B 
to my vintage K3s. IMO, THD+N doesn't matter, THD and IM do.

Greater sampling ratesand a few more bits ARE useful for the I/Q signals 
needed to drive spectrum displays, but the K3S does not provide I/Q data 
via the USB port.

Great engineering is buying only what is needed for good performance, 
not paying for stuff you don't need.

73, Jim K9YC