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

[Joe Subich, W4TV]

On 2018-06-04 10:43 AM, Joseph Trombino, Jr wrote:
> I gotta admit that the tube audio was much more pleasant to listen
> to as compared to the solid state rigs.

The tube receivers had audio output stages capable of several (> 10)
watts output - typically run in class A or AB.  Modern solid state
receivers are generally more limited in output (the K3 output amp
is rated for 3.1 Watts into a 4 Ohm load).

When the solid state amp is run anywhere near the power output of the
tube amplifier the THD+N rises dramatically.  For example, the K3
audio amplifier is already 1% TND+N at just 1 Watt into an 8 Ohm
load!

Put a quality 25 W (per channel) amplifier and pair of 8" diameter
speakers on the K3 and I suspect one would be hard put to distinguish
between the S-line receiver and K3 receiver in terms of tonal quality
and distortion.  The K3 would certainly have fewer RF/IF distortion
products.

73,

    ... Joe, W4TV