CW audio compared between Ten-Tec Eagle and Elecraft KX3

This brief video demonstrates CW audio reception A/B comparison using an Elecraft KX3 and a Ten-Tec Eagle on the same antenna and using different audio filter options on each radio.
Both radios have pre-amps off and DSP bandwidth starting at 500 Hz. The KX3 has the crystal filter option installed. The Eagle has 3 IF filters (300 Hz, 600 Hz, 2400 Hz).
The signal was relatively weak with QSB. There was quite a bit of atmospheric noise on the 40m band when this was captured, about an S3 - S4 noise level.
hamradioqrp.com

[@janaaj1an889]

Thought the KX3 sounded better, but there are so many filtering and enhancing options that it could take you months to figure out how to enhance signals optimally under different conditions!

[@Blarog53]

Thank you for the fine real world comparison.

[@perojunak6949]

KX3 and Century 21 are the two I enjoy operating the most. That said, the KX3 internal speaker is garbage but with headphones on AND the delay effect turned on it is nothing short of awesome.

[@HamRadioQRP]

I've struggled with the audio from the KX3. I've tried different parametric settings, the delay effect, the stereo effect. There's a noise spike from the KX3 that I detail in my blog and a number of responders there had the same comments. Today when I use the KX3 I either use very high-impedance headphones (which helps) or run it through a cheap powered speaker that has a frequency response that mostly cancels the noise spike. Don't listen to CW on a Ten-Tec radio or you will be forever spoiled by the beautiful audio :) www.hamradioqrp.com/2017/01/my-tentec-eagle-sounds-better-than-my.html

[@perojunak6949]

@@HamRadioQRP No noise spikes on my KX3 at all that I can detect. I actually use a pair of ear buds that work super. BTW, my KX3 is serial number 014. I bought it from a guy who claimed to be the second owner with the first being one of the Elecraft engineers. I believe it because it is absolutely flawless in appearance and electrically. Sometimes you get lucky I guess. Also, you are so right about the audio on the Century 21. Nothing measures up to it.

[@petrok1rp254]

Hello. Which kind of xtal filter is installed in KX3 please?

[@st8kout961]

When you look at the specs at Sherwood receiver testing lab, the KX3 is only 5th from the top. The Eagle is 16th. While I want the new IC-7300 with all the bells and whistles I keep leaning towards the KX3. After the dust settles and the newness wears off, what matters is just how well your receiver performs on weak signals. I just wish I could afford a K3S with all the goodies and be done with it.

[@st8kout961]

I ended up going with an Icom IC-7300 instead of the KX3. It was just too good of a deal to pass up and I have no regrets. It's pretty darn good grabbing weak signals even though my dipole is only 10' high (freakin HOA stealth mode).

[@st8kout961]

Yeah, there's a couple of tall trees but they on my neighbor's property behind me. I could possibly throw a line up there and they would never know, but they are not exactly the friendly type. (I've waved at them but they don't wave back, so I'm not too comfortable with that idea.) I've looked into a vertical but was told they don't work well with our Vegas soil.

[@petrok1rp254]

Does not matter if KX3 is 5th and Eagle 16th as it is sorted by IMD3 dynamic range which has not any impact in this test...

[@bengoeslive]

Hi Richard, i am completely new in this. I am actually still in prep to get my license but i wanted to ask - what is the difference between the KX3 and other HAM radio's and is there anything in the likes of an KX3 - is this type of radio called something special?

[@bengoeslive]

Hi Richard, Thank you so much for all the information! I dont have a ID yet but will be ZA something =) 73, Ben

[@katzajamas934]

Wonder why you did not adjust PBT on the Eagle. Pitch seemed rather low for the setting in the video. Also, which CW filters are installed in each receiver. Seriously, I do not see much effort made with either receiver.

[@petrok1rp254]

KX3 sounds definitely better but we do not know if config is same or at least similar...

[@petrok1rp254]

Hello. Which kind of xtal filter is installed in KX3 please?

[@HamRadioQRP]

Hi Petr my kx3 has the optional roofing filters but the CW filter is part of it's DSP rather than a xtal filter IIRC