I believe when you consider the engineering reputation of Elecraft and economies of scale for the manufacture of the SP3 several expectations arise: 1. This is likely a very well-engineered component that's not easily replaced by a similar sized speaker. 2. Performance of the speaker exceeds similarly priced speakers (and definitely less expensive ones to a degree). 3. There is NOT likely a premium baked in to the price for the Elecraft name due to the economies of scale (low quantity manufacture generally means higher costs, thus higher price). Translation - the price isn't just for the name.
At the end of the day consider the labor costs plus parts are likely fairly high if they are US manufactured. The US consumer is the sole reason most US manufacturing has gone overseas (especially China). Buy cheap, get cheap. So it comes down to a question of quality vs "good enough" vs "price" I can only speak for myself in saying that it means something to have a matching set rather than a hodgepodge. I do compromise and use what I have to be able to get the job done UNTIL I've saved enough for the next piece. Personally the SP3 is last on my list because most if not all of my operating will be with headphones. The point here is that it's on my list :) Jerry Moore AE4PB, K3S SN# Arrives Wed. -----Original Message----- From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Bob McGraw - K4TAX Sent: Sunday, September 13, 2015 3:28 PM To: Wayne Burdick; Elecraft Reflector Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft SP3 External Speaker details New products are always welcome. I look forward to "hearing them" at maybe one of the next ham fests. I like the fact the SP3 uses an oval speaker. I've never figured out exactly why, but I find ovals typically do sound better than rounds, but maybe it seems to be only in my findings. As a comment, I prefer non-amplified speakers as this avoids the potential RFI issues when used with the radio. The model that I mentioned and use has a slight tilt to the bottom which aligns the front with the K3S with its front elevated by the stand. I also find the audio system in the K3S to be really nice, specially the 2 channel effect using the AFX feature along with a stereo speaker configuration. This give a nice wide spatial effect to which I find very pleasing. Thanks Wayne and company for doing a fine job with the K3S and its new features. 73 Bob, K4TAX K3S s/n 10,163 On 9/13/2015 2:09 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote: > Hi all, > > The K3 or K3S will work with a wide range of speakers, including the ones Bob (K4TAX) mentioned. > > Here are some possible reasons for using an SP3: > > - matches the K-Line perfectly, including a rugged fold-up tilt stand > - full stereo A/B source selection, supporting dual-rig and > dual-speaker configurations (or both) > - plenty of room inside the cabinet for built-ins that might improve > station integration > > Of course these factors don't apply to everyone. But the good news is > that we will no longer have to say "maybe next year" every time > someone asks us to add a matching speaker to the product line :) > > 73, > Wayne > N6KR > > > Bob McGraw - K4TAX <rmcg...@blomand.net> wrote: > >> I use a pair of "off the shelf" brand speakers which have 2" x 4" ovals in a nice efficient solid enclosure that is 5" deep.... > > > > > ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to je...@carolinaheli.com ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
