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kk4fpx
04-06-2012, 10:05 PM
Anyone know if there is a low priced communications speaker that improves sound quality? I know cleartone is advertised as having better sound than built in speakers.

KG4CGC
04-06-2012, 10:20 PM
Home or auto?
Look for odd speakers at Goodwill stores in the junk pile.
I found a KLH model 2410 center channel speaker for 6 bucks at one. Sounds great on the scanner, SWLing and general comms listening. For the HF rig, after trying several things, the BEST speaker was a Kenwood SP-31. Not cheap.

NA4BH
04-06-2012, 10:33 PM
Ed/Edward

I have an external speaker for you (very compact). Geeze, you aren't that far from me. See how you like it. I have one hooked up to my Yazoo 1000MP MKV and have enjoyed it for years.

If you like it's only $1,000,000
If you don't like it $2,000,000

:lol:


na4bh@arrl.net (or .com which one is it)?

W1GUH
04-07-2012, 03:39 AM
For the car? Plug into the aux input on the sound system, if there is one. For home, computer speakers. Works fine, unless your preference is for tinny "communications" audio. Can't get more inexpensive than that!

WØTKX
04-07-2012, 05:26 AM
Charles is right. I find decent used old school bookshelf speakers at the second hand store. Smallish ones work well. Disconnect the tweeter and put a resistor (1 or two watt) in it's place. A two way with a small woofer is great. I've used Bose 301's that way. Outstanding. Current favorite is a small Yamaha bookshelf speaker.

The 301's got new woofers and tweeters from Madisound, and are at my girlfriend's house. She was amazed at how much better her "compact stereo" sounds now.

N8YX
04-07-2012, 06:54 AM
The old Radio Shack Minimus series also make a great choice.

I have 6 SP-3s and 9 MS-7s in the shack at present. What I'm planning to do is to build a few multi-channel mixer/amps (similar to the now-discontinued NCS-3230) and feed 6 rigs into each...then drive a pair of the SP3s with each of them. I may end up swapping the stock Icom speaker for a 4" automotive version which has just a bit better bass response.

WØTKX
04-07-2012, 07:02 AM
Remember a communications speaker is not a "hi-fi" speaker. Many smaller woofers are an excellent choice. Check out this response curve, eh?

This 4" driver is under $20.00. :yes:

http://www.madisoundspeakerstore.com/images/products/M4N/m4n-sm.jpg



http://www.madisoundspeakerstore.com/approx-4-woofers/hi-vi-m4n-4-wide-range-woofer-copper-color-cone/

W1GUH
04-07-2012, 07:40 AM
Having used hi-fi speakers & amps (Had a Minimus on the 'S3a - was GREAT for AM!) for radio for at least 20 years now, to my ears, they beat the crap out of "communications" speakers. The high and low ends are basically not there in normal SSB, and for AM, the extra highs are sweet! Never, ever had a problem with excessive noise or hum, even with old BA's. And this option probably doesn't cost anything at all! In the car, the sound system will provide ample volume over road noise.

WØTKX
04-07-2012, 07:56 AM
Yea... but even on eSSB and AM, the highs don't have to be that high. Jazzy stuff on the vibraharp, sure.

Just an extra "bump" somewhere in the 6-10k range works for me, and cut it off after that. Of course I have an EQ on the RX and that helps a lot as well. I'm sure our ears are different, everybody's are. I've lost a little of my high frequency response. But at least the tinnitus I got from chemo is almost gone now. That really bugged the crap out of me.

W1GUH
04-07-2012, 08:06 AM
Yea... but even on eSSB and AM, the highs don't have to be that high.

Wish more people would take that to heart.

N8YX
04-07-2012, 08:15 AM
Wish more people would take that to heart.

But then it wouldn't sound broadcasty. Or bodacious. Or "flashy".

WØTKX
04-07-2012, 08:21 AM
Well yea... and it's pretty easy to figure out what is "natural".

http://www.nu9n.com/images/nu9n_natural_voice.gif

KJ3N
04-07-2012, 09:40 AM
Or "flashy".

Is Ren starting up again? ;)

KJ3N
04-07-2012, 09:42 AM
To answer the original question, I'd take a look at the MFJ-385B (http://www.mfjenterprises.com/Product.php?productid=MFJ-385B). It's actually not bad.

W1GUH
04-07-2012, 10:46 AM
But then it wouldn't sound broadcasty. Or bodacious. Or "flashy".

And stations wouldn't need the 15kc BW in their '390's!

kk4fpx
04-07-2012, 02:42 PM
Wow lots of replies.Looks like I have a few choices.I called a weather net the other nite and a better speaker might have helped me not have to repeat so many call signs.

NQ6U
04-07-2012, 02:45 PM
Wow lots of replies.

Here on the Island, it's Ask and Ye Shall Receive. Of course, a fair percentage of what you receive may not be what you were hoping for but at least you got something.

WØTKX
04-07-2012, 03:02 PM
Hopefully, the extras make you laugh. ;)

W1GUH
04-07-2012, 05:43 PM
Yea, you'll usually get a few suggestions to pick and choose from. Have fun!

K7SGJ
04-07-2012, 05:44 PM
Here on the Island, it's Ask and Ye Shall Receive. Of course, a fair percentage of what you receive may not be what you were hoping for but at least you got something.

That happened to me on my first bordello visit. scratch scratch

NQ6U
04-07-2012, 05:45 PM
That happened to me on my first bordello visit.

A shot of penicillin will clear that right up.

K7SGJ
04-07-2012, 06:02 PM
A shot of penicillin will clear that right up.

I found that out. It was a shot that got me in trouble in the first place, but it sure as hell wasn't penicillin.