Kenwood SP-23

[543_Dallas]

Everyone wants something different out of a speaker. Some think space shuttle audio is a good thing and might give some really good speakers a bad review. Poke a few holes in the speaker and give it back to them and you might get a better review.

I went down to best buy and listened to a few different models of mid range pc speakers. Plug them into the headphone jack and enjoy. If you like AM get a set with an adjustable subwoofer. Ham stuff is overpriced.

 

[L2]

This is the Kenwood KES-5 I can recommend. Got a new one from Ebay for $30 a while ago and a used one for even less.

 

[W4KVW]

I run every single radio I own thru a ClearSpeech DSP Base Module or their DSP speaker because it makes any receiver much better including my ICOM 7600.I don't want to operate SSB or AM ever without a ClearSpeech inline & you may run any speaker that you wish with the Module or external speaker.I have used the ICOM, Kenwood,& Yaesu external speakers with the filters built into them & they are OK but far behind what the DSP module or speaker gives you.

SIX-SHOOTER

 

[oldtymer]

My "most favorite" mobile speaker is an ICOM SP-10 (hasn't been made in awhile). It looks like many subpar clones you see on Ebay but sounds much better. I liked it so much I bought a 2nd one for a backup whenever the 1st one died. After 15+ years of Texas heat it recently died so I'm glad I have a backup.

The Kenwood KES-3 speaker is the same,currently being sold at HRO & other vendors

 

[6meter]

Part of what makes the matching external speakers disappointing is that your expectations naturally are as high as their price tag.

If you are patient you can find some really good prices on older external speakers at hamfests. I now have several really nice older speakers that have the switchable inputs for connecting two radios and the audio filters.

So the speakers don't exactly match - but with deals like a Kenwood SP-180 for $15 and Yaesu SP-8 for $20 I'm happy.

 

[Mudfoot]

I'd never pay the price for those matching speakers. To much other NECESSARY stuff to spend that $ on. The older Uniden Bearcats speakers are hard to beat. The sound is quite nice. The newer ones just don't sound as good. I scrouged up 4 of them.

 

[6meter]

I agree with Mudfoot's point that its all about using your money to build the best possible station. A pretty matching speaker for top dollar doesn't make sense if you have other more important pieces or part that will make more of an impact.

However if you are totally happy and content with your gear and have the cash then knock yourself out and buy two speakers!

That will help increase my odds of finding your fancy speaker at low dollars in a few years.

 

[Riverman]

If anyone would like to give the SP-23 a try, I have one I'm giving away!*



*with the purchase of the Kenwood TS-590SG I have listed for sale in the Swap Meet forum.

 

[Captain Kilowatt]

FWIW if you plan to assemble a complete station based around one model of radio it makes sense to purchase a matching speaker. Just my biased and humble opinion mind you. This is my TS-820 in a former layout. I can't seem to find my more current pictures. Then again I can't hardly find my operating desk at the moment either. LOL

 

[Mudfoot]

If anyone would like to give the SP-23 a try, I have one I'm giving away!*



*with the purchase of the Kenwood TS-590SG I have listed for sale in the Swap Meet forum.

I figured that was sold by now.

 

[Riverman]

I figured that was sold by now.

Not yet!

 

[Woody-202]

I'd never pay the price for those matching speakers. To much other NECESSARY stuff to spend that $ on. The older Uniden Bearcats speakers are hard to beat. The sound is quite nice. The newer ones just don't sound as good. I scrouged up 4 of them.

I've also had good luck with those older/beat up Motorola speakers you see on EBay or at a Hamfest.