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Compare the K3 and the Icom IC-7300

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Bill-3

Compare the K3 and the Icom IC-7300

I have been thinking of purchasing a 7300 as a backup to my K3
(non-updated) and am wondering if anyone has done a real side-by-side
comparison of the two radios??

Of course I could purchase a new K3S and keep the K3 as the backup.
However, for my daily use of ham radio, I am not sure that would be the
best approach for me.

I normally only operate on 40 and 75 meters on nets and rag chew. My
station (speakers, antennas, etc.) is designed for armchair copy
reception. To that end, the K3 does an excellent job.

So, if you have experience using both radios, I would sure like to hear
from you. You may either post here, or contact me directly at
w2blc.nycap.rr.com.

Thanks,

Bill W2BLC K-Line
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Jim Brown-10

Re: Compare the K3 and the Icom IC-7300

On Mon,2/27/2017 9:39 AM, Bill wrote:
> I have been thinking of purchasing a 7300 as a backup to my K3
> (non-updated) and am wondering if anyone has done a real side-by-side
> comparison of the two radios??

ARRL reviews most new rigs, but I don't see one for the 7300.

http://www.arrl.org/reviews-listed-by-manufacturer

For the way you operate, If I were looking for a lower cost backup for a
K3, I'd look at something like the TS590SG. A friend who's a great
operator owns one and likes it, and ARRL lab test data for it is quite
good considering its price.

73, Jim K9YC

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Ron Wilcox

Re: Compare the K3 and the Icom IC-7300

Bill,
If you are interested I have a Kenwood 590 S with a digimaster for sale as
I have recently purchased K3S and KX2 and do not have a need for more
radios. I do not want to do sales on the forum, so if interested contact me
directly. Have had great results with 590S and 590SG, but there are other
good rigs out there these days as well

Today is a good day to have a Great Day!
73 Ron Wilcox KF7ZN

On Mon, Feb 27, 2017 at 11:04 AM, Jim Brown <[hidden email]>
wrote:

> On Mon,2/27/2017 9:39 AM, Bill wrote:
>
>> I have been thinking of purchasing a 7300 as a backup to my K3
>> (non-updated) and am wondering if anyone has done a real side-by-side
>> comparison of the two radios??
>>
>
> ARRL reviews most new rigs, but I don't see one for the 7300.
>
> http://www.arrl.org/reviews-listed-by-manufacturer
>
> For the way you operate, If I were looking for a lower cost backup for a
> K3, I'd look at something like the TS590SG. A friend who's a great operator
> owns one and likes it, and ARRL lab test data for it is quite good
> considering its price.
>
> 73, Jim K9YC
>
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George Thornton

Re: Compare the K3 and the Icom IC-7300

In reply to this post by Jim Brown-10

The current Sherwood Engineering receiver test data list includes all of these radios.

In the latest figures, the K3 (old synthesizer) rates above both the 7300 and TS590G. The 7300 is down 5 in the list from the K2 and the 7300 is two above the TS590G.

If you just installed the upgraded synthesizer you would improve your K3 by five spots. In fact, only the full K3S and Flexradio 6700 are currently better.

However, for casual rag chewing I would think any of these transceivers would be just fine. It would be a matter of personal preference. I know several people who are very happy with the TS590G.

These are all quality rigs.

From: Elecraft [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Jim Brown
Sent: Monday, February 27, 2017 10:04 AM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Compare the K3 and the Icom IC-7300

On Mon,2/27/2017 9:39 AM, Bill wrote:
> I have been thinking of purchasing a 7300 as a backup to my K3
> (non-updated) and am wondering if anyone has done a real side-by-side
> comparison of the two radios??

ARRL reviews most new rigs, but I don't see one for the 7300.

http://www.arrl.org/reviews-listed-by-manufacturer

For the way you operate, If I were looking for a lower cost backup for a
K3, I'd look at something like the TS590SG. A friend who's a great
operator owns one and likes it, and ARRL lab test data for it is quite
good considering its price.

73, Jim K9YC

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Jim Brown-10

Re: Compare the K3 and the Icom IC-7300

In reply to this post by Jim Brown-10

On Mon,2/27/2017 10:04 AM, Jim Brown wrote:
> ARRL reviews most new rigs, but I don't see one for the 7300.
>
> http://www.arrl.org/reviews-listed-by-manufacturer

Apparently the list is out of date -- KK7P emailed me that the 7300 was
reviewed in August 2016 QST.

73, Jim K9YC

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Grant Youngman-2

Re: Compare the K3 and the Icom IC-7300

In reply to this post by George Thornton

Keep in mind that the Sherwood rankings are based on 3rd Order Dynamic Range at 2 Khz spacing — not on any other factor, and not on some general measure of a radio’s “goodness”. While it isn’t necessarily unimportant even for casual rag chewing, it may not be the most important consideration.

>
>
> The current Sherwood Engineering receiver test data list includes all of these radios.
>
> In the latest figures, the K3 (old synthesizer) rates above both the 7300 and TS590G. The 7300 is down 5 in the list from the K2 and the 7300 is two above the TS590G.
>
> If you just installed the upgraded synthesizer you would improve your K3 by five spots.

Grant NQ5T
K3 #2091, KX3 #8342

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John Dolan

Re: Compare the K3 and the Icom IC-7300

In reply to this post by Bill-3

I have had both the IC-7300 and the K3S here in the shack as well as the
TS-590SG. The IC-7300 has it's little nice features but I didnt find it
better than the TS-590SG for rag chewing and general use. I have an IC-7600
and I found that the IC-7300 didnt really have as good sounding a
receiver. For my $$$ I would purchase the Kenwood TS-590SG for a backup to
my K3S if I didnt already have an IC-7600.

Just my opinion, YMMV.

73, John WB4YAL

*Many of life's problems can be solved by simply deciding what we can do
without. -John Dolan *

On Mon, Feb 27, 2017 at 12:39 PM, Bill <[hidden email]> wrote:

> I have been thinking of purchasing a 7300 as a backup to my K3
> (non-updated) and am wondering if anyone has done a real side-by-side
> comparison of the two radios??
>
> Of course I could purchase a new K3S and keep the K3 as the backup.
> However, for my daily use of ham radio, I am not sure that would be the
> best approach for me.
>
> I normally only operate on 40 and 75 meters on nets and rag chew. My
> station (speakers, antennas, etc.) is designed for armchair copy reception.
> To that end, the K3 does an excellent job.
>
> So, if you have experience using both radios, I would sure like to hear
> from you. You may either post here, or contact me directly at
> w2blc.nycap.rr.com.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Bill W2BLC K-Line
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
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>
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>

Phil Wheeler-2

Re: Compare the K3 and the Icom IC-7300

In reply to this post by Jim Brown-10

I find it here
http://www.arrl.org/reviews-listed-by-manufacturer#I

Phil W7OX

On 2/27/17 10:37 AM, Jim Brown wrote:

> On Mon,2/27/2017 10:04 AM, Jim Brown wrote:
>> ARRL reviews most new rigs, but I don't see one
>> for the 7300.
>>
>> http://www.arrl.org/reviews-listed-by-manufacturer
>
>
> Apparently the list is out of date -- KK7P
> emailed me that the 7300 was reviewed in August
> 2016 QST.
>
> 73, Jim K9YC

Phil Hystad-3

Re: Compare the K3 and the Icom IC-7300

I spent some time with the Icom ic-7300 last fall at the HRO in Portland Oregon (actually, Tigard). I was impressed with the layout, features available on front panel, touch screen and overall size. It was smaller than I thought it would be (from a former Pro III owner) and even though a touch screen is no where near the top of any wish list of mine, it seemed to work well and offer the most obvious features via touch.

For awhile there I was thinking why not — why not add this cute little SDR to my collection. Then I realized that it would mostly collect dust or some other radio would collect more dust and besides, I would probably rather spend the money on some more woodworking equipment.

But, if you need a good backup radio, this one is priced right and probably would not be a mistake.

73, phil, K7PEH

> On Feb 27, 2017, at 11:23 AM, Phil Wheeler <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> I find it here http://www.arrl.org/reviews-listed-by-manufacturer#I
>
> Phil W7OX
>
> On 2/27/17 10:37 AM, Jim Brown wrote:
>> On Mon,2/27/2017 10:04 AM, Jim Brown wrote:
>>> ARRL reviews most new rigs, but I don't see one for the 7300.
>>>
>>> http://www.arrl.org/reviews-listed-by-manufacturer
>>
>>
>> Apparently the list is out of date -- KK7P emailed me that the 7300 was reviewed in August 2016 QST.
>>
>> 73, Jim K9YC
>
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Charlie T, K3ICH

Re: Compare the K3 and the Icom IC-7300

In reply to this post by Jim Brown-10

Well, my operation is similar to yours in that I don't do contests and work
DX only if I happen to stumble onto it.

That said, I think the IC-7300 would be more "fun".
I own both and while the K3S will probably out-perform the Icom, the '7300
has more bells and whistles.
I'm not the one to ask for actual performance comparison but I AM a bell &
whistles type and appreciate the fun stuff the Icom will provide.

For starters, a color display spectrum AND waterfall which is miles ahead of
ANY built-in scope display I've ever seen with the possible exception of the
one in the IC-7851.
My opinion is that it is as good as the P3 although not quite as versatile.
However, I rarely look at the P3 itself since I drive an old 15" computer
monitor for that.

73, Charlie k3ICH

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briancom

Re: Compare the K3 and the Icom IC-7300

In reply to this post by Bill-3

It was said, the only replacement for a DC-3 was another DC-3.
The same can said for the K3.

I played with a local's 7300 trying to get it hooked up to the computer
et al. It only has a USB port. No band data output. Make sure your
logging program supports the 7300, if you do computer logging.

It did put out 100 watts OK. Adjusting power was a pain. If you have an
amplifier that needs different drive levels on different bands, this is
a possible issue.

It is small. I hope you have good strong glasses and tiny fingers. If
you like menus, you'll love the 7300. You will need an external speaker.

Not impressed with the spectrum display. Too tiny.

The price (used running $1000-1200) is a real plus.

All the above represents a first impression and there may be ways to
work around the issues encountered.

73 de Brian/K3KO

On 2/27/2017 17:39 PM, Bill wrote:

> I have been thinking of purchasing a 7300 as a backup to my K3
> (non-updated) and am wondering if anyone has done a real side-by-side
> comparison of the two radios??
>
> Of course I could purchase a new K3S and keep the K3 as the backup.
> However, for my daily use of ham radio, I am not sure that would be the
> best approach for me.
>
> I normally only operate on 40 and 75 meters on nets and rag chew. My
> station (speakers, antennas, etc.) is designed for armchair copy
> reception. To that end, the K3 does an excellent job.
>
> So, if you have experience using both radios, I would sure like to hear
> from you. You may either post here, or contact me directly at
> w2blc.nycap.rr.com.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Bill W2BLC K-Line
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
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>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
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Mike VE3YF

Re: Compare the K3 and the Icom IC-7300

In reply to this post by Bill-3

Bill:

Why don't you just get a bare bones used K3. Since it will be a backup
rig why go and spend the extra $$ for a new rig. By having a second K3,
you won't have to learn a new rig etc.
--

*73 De Mike*
*VE3YF

_/http://www.ve3yf.com/_*

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Bill-3

Re: Compare the K3 and the Icom IC-7300

In reply to this post by briancom

I received a load of interesting and solid replies regarding my query
about the IC-7300. Many were quite technical and some were excellent
from a daily use perspective. However, without a doubt, the
non-technical advice regarding a backup rig was the best I received.

" ......... put the money in a savings account and add $50 to cover next
day shipping for the off chance your rig dies." It was also suggested
that a second rig is an expensive paperweight (because modern rigs are
very reliable). "Paperweight" is applicable in my case, as I am only
able to operate a single rig at a time - I do not do multi-QSO well.

Hence, I have decided on an envelope in the desk labeled "for K3S."
Better to do that, than to keep a spare on the shelf gathering dust.
Further, there is no steep learning curve going from a K3 to a K3S.

Thanks to all that replied - I learned a lot.

Best 73,

Bill W2BLC
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Doug Turnbull

Re: Compare the K3 and the Icom IC-7300

Bill,
I could learn from this wisdom. Socrates is amongst us. Some of the
information though was good especially for someone just getting a start.
There are some pretty nice radios out there for low budget not to mention a
used bare bones K3.

73 Doug EI2CN

-----Original Message-----
From: Elecraft [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Bill
Sent: 28 February 2017 12:01
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Compare the K3 and the Icom IC-7300

I received a load of interesting and solid replies regarding my query
about the IC-7300. Many were quite technical and some were excellent
from a daily use perspective. However, without a doubt, the
non-technical advice regarding a backup rig was the best I received.

" ......... put the money in a savings account and add $50 to cover next
day shipping for the off chance your rig dies." It was also suggested
that a second rig is an expensive paperweight (because modern rigs are
very reliable). "Paperweight" is applicable in my case, as I am only
able to operate a single rig at a time - I do not do multi-QSO well.

Hence, I have decided on an envelope in the desk labeled "for K3S."
Better to do that, than to keep a spare on the shelf gathering dust.
Further, there is no steep learning curve going from a K3 to a K3S.

Thanks to all that replied - I learned a lot.

Best 73,

Bill W2BLC
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Charlie T, K3ICH

Re: Compare the K3 and the Icom IC-7300

In reply to this post by Mike VE3YF

One good reason is because a "pre-owned" IC-1300 can be found for about a
half or a third of what a similar K3 will cost.
Charlie k3ICH

Bill:
Why don't you just get a bare bones used K3. Since it will be a backup rig
why go and spend the extra $$ for a new rig. By having a second K3, you
won't have to learn a new rig etc.
*73 De Mike*
*VE3YF

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WILLIE BABER

Re: Compare the K3 and the Icom IC-7300

In reply to this post by Bill-3

What do you want to do with the radio?...for contesting K3/K3s is as good as it gets, so far. And how was this done? By improving an already good radio. I think it is most cool to be able to bring k3 up to K3s performance for about $420 (synthesizer and preamp boards) and not buy a k3s.

K3s ranks second in the Sherwood table--which is based on dynamic range. However, in a "controlled comparison" between K3s and Flex 6700 (same with the Ic 7300), I suspect K3s would rank number one. Set all radios to a given and the same MDS and then measure the dynamic range.

Not that dynamic range is the only criterion of a good radio nor the only reason to buy any radio...just saying that this is the criterion used in the Sherwood table of comparison. And a good criterion if you intend to use the radio in a contest.

73, Will, wj9b

CWops #1085
CWA Advisor levels II and III
http://cwops.org/

--------------------------------------------
On Tue, 2/28/17, Charlie T, K3ICH <[hidden email]> wrote:

Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Compare the K3 and the Icom IC-7300
To: [hidden email]
Date: Tuesday, February 28, 2017, 6:31 AM

One good reason is
because a "pre-owned" IC-1300 can be found for
about a
half or a third of what a similar K3
will cost.
Charlie k3ICH

Bill:
Why don't you just
get a bare bones used K3. Since it will be a backup rig
why go and spend the extra $$ for a new rig. By
having a second K3, you
won't have to
learn a new rig etc.
*73 De Mike*
*VE3YF

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