[Elecraft] K4D Receiver Question

[Roy Morris, Jr.]

I find my receiver is very noisy.  I know this time of the year receiver noise can be very high.  I have to use all 21 db of reduction from the PRE/ATTN button and around 30 db reduction on the MRF encoder to get the radio quiet enough to hear hear signals adequately on the 75, 40 and 20 meter bands on my G5RV antenna.  I can significantly decrease the noise with the NR set to a high level, but the signal is also degraded and reduced.  The receiver auto attenuation is ON in the menu.  All AGC settings are set to factory default. I am using the current R30 firmware, and all transmit and receive parameters check out OK.  I would like to know if it is normal to have to use the MRF/SRF encoder to get the noise down on the receivers. All of the pics I have seen show the MRF/SRF set to zero (default). My K4D is equipped with the KAT4, KPA4 and 2 KSP4 speakers.  This is a wonderful radio, and I want to operate it correctly.  I get good reports on my signal.  I have been told the CESSB increases my audio by 8db and the bandpass skirts are sharp and clean.Thanks for your thoughts on how I am operating this great radio.  Roy Morris  W4WFB