[Elecraft] Anyone compare K2 RX with a classic rig?
Hi folks, Lately, I've been on the hunt for a 2nd receiver just for fun. I'm looking for Drake R-4B. During this time, I've been wondering if I'll want to put a full B-Line on the air or will just have an R-4B as a backup RX. The answer to that depends largely on how the R-4B (or A if that's what I end up with) sounds performs compared to the K2. I continue to be impressed with the K2 receiver. I'm wondering how it compares to the R-4* receivers or any other non-DSP boat anchor classic receiver from years gone by. I've already compared it to an Omni V and IC-735 and the K2 was better than either. We won't even talk about how much better the K2's RX is than the Century 21 or Century 22 :-) I had a very mint TS-830s but not at the same time as the K2 so I didn't get a chance to compare them. K2 vs. Drake R-4B; there are several things we know going in. K2 uses xtal filtering in the IF. R-4(A,B) use LC. K2 is single conversion, R-4* is triple. This suggests to me that the K2 will have better rejection of off freq signals and a better S/N ratio. Actual results are TBD. I'm sure at least one of you has a classic Drake or Collins rig that you've had a chance to compare to the K2. What say ye? - Keith KD1E - - K2 5411 - ___ 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
Re: [Elecraft] Anyone compare K2 RX with a classic rig?
Hi folks, Lately, I've been on the hunt for a 2nd receiver just for fun. I'm looking for Drake R-4B. During this time, I've been wondering if I'll want to put a full B-Line on the air or will just have an R-4B as a backup RX. The answer to that depends largely on how the R-4B (or A if that's what I end up with) sounds performs compared to the K2. I continue to be impressed with the K2 receiver. I'm wondering how it compares to the R-4* receivers or any other non-DSP boat anchor classic receiver from years gone by. I've already compared it to an Omni V and IC-735 and the K2 was better than either. We won't even talk about how much better the K2's RX is than the Century 21 or Century 22 :-) I had a very mint TS-830s but not at the same time as the K2 so I didn't get a chance to compare them. K2 vs. Drake R-4B; there are several things we know going in. K2 uses xtal filtering in the IF. R-4(A,B) use LC. K2 is single conversion, R-4* is triple. This suggests to me that the K2 will have better rejection of off freq signals and a better S/N ratio. Actual results are TBD. I'm sure at least one of you has a classic Drake or Collins rig that you've had a chance to compare to the K2. What say ye? - Keith KD1E - - K2 5411 - = Keith - I had an R4C and liked it alot. However, it can't compare with the K2 for receiver dynamics. Unless it has the Sherwood Engr. front end mods. More important to me is the QSK with the K2. The R4C used vox for keying. In my opinion, the greatest advantage to modern rigs is the QSK keying. Its like turning the lights on in a dark room. And as far as dynamic range goes, not only does the K2 have all the boat anchors beat, but I think the K1 does also. Recently, QST reviewed an old Collins and found an IMD dynamic range in the low 70's. The K1 is about 20 db better. However, you will enjoy using the Drake. Besides an ergo layout and real knobs, it has proper passband tuning (at the expense of several stages of conversion) and an analog S meter. I may be thinking of of a K3 here. 73 Rick Dettinger K7MW ___ 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] Anyone compare K2 RX with a classic rig?
I have an R-4A which is about the same as the R-4B in most respects. I would say that the performance is very good, but not as good as the K2 in several areas. (I also had the original R-4, and it is also about the same in performance. The differences between the R-4, A, and B are the number of tubes vs. transistors, and the location of the AF gain control). The L/C filters are not as good as the xtal filter in a crowded band. For rag-chewing, they are fine. But in a contest with a lot of very strong signals around, the R-4 doesn't hold up well. It may be due to the skirt selectivity of the L/C being wider than the xtal filters. The older R-4 has some detectable hum in it. This is very noticeable with very sensitive headphones. I use an external passive audio filter which helps quite a bit. But there is always a little there. (I may also need to replace all of the electrolytics in my particular receiver). Then there is the size, the heat generated, the power consumed, the need for an external speaker, the eventual maintenance required, etc. I use the R-4A with the T-4X transmitter, and the combination is a joy to use for CW rag chewing. The R-4 has great AVC action, and so full QSK is possible with an external t/r switch. The sound of the CW coming from the T-4X is very nice. Together they make a nice combination, even though there are 23 tubes total glowing on the dark when they are both on. The old twins are stable, and they sure look good sitting on the desk. The first rig that I turn on when I come into the shack is the K2. If I need more power, I use a Kenwood TS-930S. If I am going to rag chew for a while, I use the Drake twins. It is nice to have the different rigs, and they all have their good points, but if I had to keep only one, it would be the K2. 73, John W2XS ___ 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
