[Heathkit] Knight T-60/Hallicrafters HT-40?

[Robert Nickels]

Bob54quam at cs.com wrote:
> Bob,
>
> I have both, and much prefer the HT-40.  The HT-40 has a higher power 
> output,(50 watts vs  35 watts) and has been very dependable for me.  The overall 
> quality seems better on the HT-40.
>
>   
I'll second that, and admit that I'm biased as the HT-40 was my novice 
transmitter back in the 60s and I made quite a few contacts on AM.    
Like the DX-35/40/60 and other controlled carrier AM rigs, the carrier 
level drops between syllables or words, which gives them a different 
sound in comparison with  high level modulation.  It's possible to 
adjust the time constant, i.e. the time delay before the carrier returns 
to it's low resting level, and this could account for the perceived 
difference in audio quality between the T-60 and HT-40.   I also think 
the HT-40 has smoother keying and better overall construction.

I've heard a fellow running his T-60 into a linear amplifier, producing 
several hundred watts PEP and it sounds very good.  He may have 
optimized the audio stages but that's no different than with a plate 
modulated rig. 

73 Bob W9RAN