[Elecraft] Compare: K3 to Collins S-line receiver

[Martin Sole]

I run an early, but updated K3, and also an S3 line, among others. 
Without wanting to comment on the likely reasons I will say that in some 
situations, typically non-intensive, good signal level conditions, the 
75S3B here with a 312B4 console and that big 6x4 speaker does have a 
certain magical sound quality, even with the 2.1 mechanical filter. The 
rigs are on separate desks and not operated at the same time. I think I 
could be tempted to pull the S3 receiver and run it with the K3 side by 
side and see how it plays.

Although I have 1.5kHz and 500Hz filters in the S3 it's not such a 
hotshot CW receiver, especially not having the correct bfo offset 
crystal which means using the variable bfo. The S3 notch filter is 
nothing special I feel and of course it lacks all the other great 
benefits that the K3 has. The 2 things I really like on the S3 are the 
sound and the tuning rate, I've never been able to replicate either with 
the K3. Putting the 312B4 speaker on the K3 might be a good start though.

Martin, HS0ZED


On 04/06/2018 19:49, Henry Pollock - K4TMC wrote:
> Yes, I would like to here what others can add to this thread.  One of my
> past hobbies was high-end tube audio electronics, and in numerous set-ups,
> they sounded superior to solid-state equipment.
>
> So, my additional question would be...is the microprocessor
> noise/distortion affecting the RF signal or just the AF signal, or both?
>
> 73,
> Henry - K4TMC
>
>
> On Sun, Jun 3, 2018 at 7:46 PM, Ron Genovesi <n3eta at coastside.net> wrote:
>
>> I’m interested. Keep the thread going here
>>
>> Ron Genovesi
>> Sent from My  iPad
>>
>>> On Jun 3, 2018, at 7:22 AM, Kjeld Holm <kh at kh-translation.dk> wrote:
>>>
>>> Dear Bill,
>>>
>>> Parts of the answer can be found at
>>> http://www.sherweng.com/table.html
>>> search for Collins and you will get some 3 - 5 hits.
>>>
>>> Vy 73 de OZ1CCM, Kjeld
>>>
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net
>>> [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Bill
>>> Sent: 3. juni 2018 15:17
>>> To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
>>> Subject: [Elecraft] Compare: K3 to Collins S-line receiver
>>>
>>> Discounting the digital capabilities such as memories, DSP, etc. and
>>> only considering actual signal reception: I have had S-lines in the past
>>> (dark dim past), so certainly am familier with them. However, as a point
>>> of curiosity, how does the S-line compare to the K3 (only interested in
>>> SSB). Basically, I am interested in how a top of the line analog
>>> receiver does compares to a K3(S)? The question comes from a QSO
>>> regarding the microprocessor noise of modern rigs covering and/or
>>> distorting received signals. Offline response might be good for this, as
>>> I am sure not many would be interested in the subject.
>>>
>>> Thanks, Bill W2BLC K-Line
>>>
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