[Elecraft] KX3 Roofing Filter Question

[stan levandowski]

I am going to order another KX3 this week. Probably tomorrow.  The last 
one I ordered in 2012 did not have the roofing filter option and I do 
not THINK I missed it.

I use ONLY CW and I do NOT contest.  I like to CASUALLY chase DX and I 
play in low stress sprints like NAQCC but mostly I just like to RAG 
CHEW.


My antenna is an EFHW installed as a "half square" in trees at 30 feet 
(MyAntennas 4010).


I have reviewed the Elecraft site notes, and done a fair amount of 
Googling and I now am more confused than ever.  It seems that the real 
value lies in dealing with strong signals, crowded bands and ferocious 
contesting conditions.


My bottom line question is this:  If I DO NOT get the roofing filter 
option will my KX3 receiver be LESS SENSITIVE?  The Sherwood report 
shows a pre-amp off sensitivity of .9 uv which improves to a very 
impressive .09 with the preamp on.  Is this somehow related to the 
roofing filter?


I am especially concerned because I remember doing an A/B comparison on 
a weak signal between my previous KX3 and my 55 year old Drake 2B and 
the 2B beat the crap out of the factory built KX3.  I can't help 
wondering if the roofing filter I didn't buy in 2012 had something to do 
with this.


I sure could use a real simple answer:  buy it or don't buy it?  CW 
sensitivity is my ultimate goal because if I can't hear 'em I can't work 
'em.


Thanks and 73,
Stan WB2LQF