I have both a K1 and a K2, David. Since you already have a KX1, the K1 is only going to be another answer to the same question. They are different, but their missions overlap. The K1 is a station rig that is at home in the field. The KX1 is a field rig that works at home. I don't see any real reason to have both.
I'd go for a "bare" K2. Bare, in that you don't have to get features you don't care about, like SSB. But you will still have the same outstanding receiver that all K2 owners enjoy, and the same clean CW signal. You will also enjoy operating convenience you won't have with the KX1/K1 which is not their purpose. And if your interests change, as is inevitable in this hobby, you can stick with the K2 and expand it with factory options. BTW, I don't think the K1 is more sensitive than the K2, but copying CW on it is somehow more pleasant for me and I don't know why. I've even tried them both on the same speaker, so it isn't that. At home, I prefer the K1 for casual ragchewing when signals are good and the bands aren't crowded, but most of the time I use the K2 because of the operating convenience. I also like the variable rate tuning that the K1 doesn't have. Eric KE6US -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of David Toepfer Sent: Sunday, July 17, 2005 2:04 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] K1 vs K2 opinions On the surface it seems a silly question. I am considering finally purchasing one of the above, but the decision actually seems to be a struggle. So I guess I'll ask for some voices of experiences. *** What I do not need: I do not need something that will operate anything other than CW, so I don't need the ability to send SSB or the IF bandwidth to receive SSB (I love the simple variable bandwidth of my KX1). I do not need something that will operate on bands I can't get for a K1 (80-15 is fine, and I have the info on how to do 160 if I wish). I do not need power beyond what I can get from a K1 (5W is fine). I do not need computer control or direct frequency entry. *** What I have heard: I have heard some state that they actually feel that the LC VFO in the K1 is quieter and nicer than the PLL VFO in the K2. I have likewise heard some say that they feel the K1 is more sensative than the K2 (thought I do not recall why, save just personal impression). *** What I am looking for: Opinions? David, K3TUE _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com