http://elecraft.85.s1.nabble.com/Comparison-K3-and-SDR-5000A-tp454268p454288.html
> AB8O:
> >I would like to hear from my fellow Elecraft fans regarding general
> impressions of the K3 versus the SDR 5000A, software defined radio.
>
> Good question John...unlikely it can be answered
> completely until after the K3 ships. I've also been following
> the 5000, and here are some strictly *academic* thoughts based
> on published info:
>
>
> RX Performance (2 kHz spacing, 500 Hz filter):
>
> Metric K3 5000 Advantage Sources
>
> IMDDR3 94 96 neutral Eric/Sherwood
> BDR 138 123 K3 Eric/Sherwood
>
> Note: Sherwood published data for 5 kHz only but the 5000
> should have identical IMD/BDR performance at 2 kHz.
>
> Phase Noise:
>
> Rig 1kHz 2 10 20 50 100 1M
> K3 -110 -119 -136 -140 -143 -144 -150
> 5000 -123(flat)*
> *(Sherwood) "Phase noise does not fall off at 6 dB per octave as expected.
> Flex believes the present phase noise limitations are caused by A/D
> clock jitter". ("Clock jitter" is another word for phase noise).
>
> Advantage K3. It has lower integrated phase noise
> over the entire spectrum. The 5000's relatively higher
> phase noise will likely be an issue, especially for
> VHF users.
>
>
> Form Factor:
>
> This is a religious issue with some. Knobs versus
> no knobs. "Real Radios Don't Need Knobs" (Flex's slogan).
> I suppose the K3's corollary slogan is "Real Radios Don't
> Need Computers". :-)
>
>
> Cost (for the 5000 it depends on whether you already have
> a fairly high-performance computer dedicated to your shack.
> I'm going to compare the 5000C which includes the computer
> and will assume $200 for an LCD display):
>
> 5000C $5098 (no ATU, $200 display plus a $99 knob option)
> K3 $2825 (assembled K3/100, KXV3, KRX3, 2X 500 Hz filters)
>
> Of course the K3 does not include a bandscope, but the KXV3
> provides the wide bandwidth buffered IF output to do this.
> Eventually Elecraft, Clifton Labs or someone will provide
> this. The solution could be as simple as a SoftRock40 on
> the 8.215 MHz output to something much more exotic. Let's
> assume $400 for something like a Clifton Labs Z91 plus
> another $600 for an adequate computer and display, resulting
> in an additional $1000 for interface hardware, computer and
> display. I'm assuming free software based either on Rocky
> or PowerSDR. This results in:
>
> 5000C $5098
> K3+ $3825
>
> Advantage: K3 which will have basic RX performance
> exceeding the 5000 (see above) and a parallel SDR bandscope.
> Assuming someone like HB9DRV integrates this with his Ham
> Radio Deluxe program, I believe the K3 will maintain a
> significant price advantage over the 5000C.
>
>
> Portability:
>
> Metric: K3 5000C
>
> Dimensions: 4X10X10" 8.72X17.67X14.67"
> Cubic inches: 400 2260
> Weight: 8 lbs. 13 lbs.
> Power: Similar...I'm tired of typing!
>
> Advantage: K3. I suspect it will very quickly become a
> gold standard for DXpeditions, not to mention contesting.
>
> Let's remember that neither of these rigs is
> a finished product and both will likely be upgraded via
> firmware/software as they evolve. Both have very good
> designers and very good mechanisms in place for customer
> feedback, so any weakness today may be solved tomorrow.
>
> I also think there's simply a different mindset
> appeal of both rigs. Some of us enjoy tinkering with
> computers, software, etc and those will love the 5000C.
> Some of us are more into ergonomics, operating, etc
> and those may like the K3 better (IMHO). Time will tell.
>
> 73, Bill W4ZV
>
>
>
>
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