On 8/12/2010 3:46 PM, Stuart Rohre wrote:
Joe,
You may want to read Rob Sherwood's web site on receiver and rig
testing, about excess audio response. He reports operators get tired
listening to any audio above the voice or SSB, needed frequencies.
In fact, you may want to put a band limiting filter in front of any hi
fi headphones to avoid operator fatigue if you do much DX operating.
I don't have to ready Sherwood (or Heil or K9YC)to know that.
Ack-tually, I'm kind of a two-bit audio expert myself, as former DIY
magazine editor and current high end tube audio manufacturer/consultant.
My ears might be going at age 50 but I am still kind picky about audio.
Anything outside the IF filter passband I don't want to hear, because it
is noise.
In my experience, using Beyerdynamics DT-990s or even full range cheapos
is asking for trouble. I really like the Sony MDR-7505 for
communications but they have to much HF response for comfort. Sometimes
I use them on a quiet band but not all the time.
My favored solution is restricted bandwidth but high quality headphones.
The Telephonics TDH-39 elements are about my favorite. Rated at less
than 1% distortion and a standard in the field of audiometry. $300 a set
retail to the trade. Very precise and comfortable to use long term.
Also I go through the rigs I use and get rid of as much IF/AF noise and
hiss as possible. My Omni V is almost super quiet, with just a tiny hint
of hiss with RF and AF cranked up.
If the Orion has little to no extra noise beyond what is coming though
the antenna connector, I want one (someday).
And on the question of "audio experts" I say if you've found something
you like, then go for it! After all, you are the one who has to listen
to it, not the "expert!!"
Nevertheless, I listen to what everybody has to say for the educational
experience.
Joe N5KAT
|