My new West Mountain Radio COMspkr

[Moleculo]

A few months ago, I asked for opinions on an inexpensive yet quality powered speaker for usage on my station. One of the suggestions given to me was the West Mountain Radio COMspkr. While marketed as a "computer speaker", I'm happy to report that this $40 powered stereo speaker makes a fine station speaker.

I was surprised to find out how large these desktop speakers are. Here is a pic of the speaker showing its height and depth:

Each speaker is 8.5" tall by 5.75" deep, which is much bigger than I was expecting. Here is a pic with my hand to help gauge the size:

The reason i wanted a stereo, powered speaker was for two reasons: One, the Elecraft K3 is capable of simulating stereo output with the single receiver or deliver real stereo output if you have the additional subreceiver. Also, I'm not completely happy with the volume output of the K3 speaker output so I wanted a powered speaker to help add some volume. This speaker has no problem with adding volume; it can really crank out the sound!

The usual warning against using a powered speaker is because they tent to lend themselves to RFI products in the output. However, West Mountain Radio markets this speaker as one that is not susceptible to RFI. After putting legal limit out of my station on 75 meters, I can successfully report that I have not experienced any RFI with these speakers.

This speaker also has a bass control shown here called "Hi Cut":

I turned this all the way off and just let the RX equalizer in the rig tailor the received audio. I must say, that I'm very happy with this inexpensive speaker. The volume level is outstanding, the audio quality is good, and I don't have any RFI problems. What else can you ask for?

 

[me999]

Is that price for one or a pair ?

All amplified speakers I've purchased usually come in pairs..

Does it have a standard 3.5 mm audio plug ?

Where did you get yours ?

 

[WR0220]

Yes, they are sold as a pair for around $40. They have a standard 1/8" stereo plug but will also fit a 3.5mm jack. They can be purchased directly from West Mountain and are also availble through retailers like Universal Radio, HRO, etc.

Here's a link to West Mountain where you can view the specs:

West Mountain Radio - COMspkr Computer Speaker System

 

[me999]

Now that sounds like a great pair of speakers.. I have about 8 sets of different makes and models set up..Some amplified, some not.. But the RF gets annoying..These sound just like what I've been looking for..

Is it possible for any of you that own a set try them on standard 11 meter (with power) and see at what power level the begin to pick up RF squeal ?

Thanks for the reply

 

[N0NB]

Thanks for the review, Tim. I have a pair of Radio Shack Minimus 3.5 speakers I've had for years connected to my K3. Sometimes I find the volume control set to near 12 O'clock to achieve "arm chair" copy after backing off the RF Gain and using Noise Reduction and such. That has me concerned after reading that the K3's audio output chip is considered somewhat fragile.

 

[Moleculo]

Is it possible for any of you that own a set try them on standard 11 meter (with power) and see at what power level the begin to pick up RF squeal ?

I've run them with over a KW on 75 meters. They don't pick up any RFI, at least not for me. 75 meters is a lot more harsh of an RFI environment than 11 meters is. Now, if you turn on the monitor of your rig, you're going to get some feedback with any powered speaker.

I have a pair of Radio Shack Minimus 3.5 speakers I've had for years connected to my K3. Sometimes I find the volume control set to near 12 O'clock to achieve "arm chair" copy after backing off the RF Gain and using Noise Reduction and such. That has me concerned after reading that the K3's audio output chip is considered somewhat fragile.

Well, I didn't want to play trial end error trying to find a set of speakers that made the K3 happy. I figured I would just be done with the problem by getting some powered ones. It's turned out to be a good decision!

 

[TonyV225]

I would like to get a set of these. Tim did you order straight through the company?

 

[Peddler]

I would suspect being a powered speaker these would work with a MP3 player (ie IPod, Fuze etc) ... correct?

 

[me999]

I would suspect being a powered speaker these would work with a MP3 player (ie IPod, Fuze etc) ... correct?

Yes, anything with an 3.5 mm (1/8th in) auxillary jack.. I use them on my Blackberry Storm all the time to listen to Pandora, Slacker etc..

 

[Moleculo]

I would like to get a set of these. Tim did you order straight through the company?

Yep, ordered them direct from their website. They market them as computer speakers, but you can use them for anything you want.

 

[me999]

Yep, ordered them direct from their website. They market them as computer speakers, but you can use them for anything you want.

I have a 5 speaker setup that includes a separate sub woofer enclosure and it picks up RF bad even with clamp on ferrites.. That's why this post caught my eye. I like the fact it's in a wooden enclosure and not plastic..

 

[TonyV225]

Jim these Speakers will work with anything that you plug into them