[Elecraft] K4

[George Thornton]

I have a fully provisioned K3 with some of the K3s upgrades.  I have the P3 with transmit sensor and SVGA additions.  A few years ago I had it serviced and everything is working nicely.  By now I am comfortable with operation and I have figured out how to tune things up for maximum performance.  I even have a Rose Kopp K3 bag embroidered with my call sign.

The biggest criticism I have heard of the K3 has to do with the quality of the audio.  The K3 rig is a bit shrill and harsh compared to some other rigs I have heard.  I have a nice pair of Sounds Sweet speakers (alas no longer made) that solves that issue for me.

I have looked at the K4 materials on line and I understand the multiple advances this rig will offer.  If I went for it I would go for the full HD version.  I want the maximum possible advantage in a contest situation.

But to spend 5 grand plus I would need to see some improvement in performance to justify the substantial additional expense.  That includes receiver performance as well as advances in DSP and noise reductio

I am going to hold off on ordering until I see some test reports and evaluations.  I will probably order next year after the kit option becomes available.