From the standpoint of performance the K2 is excellent. Reviews are
available on the ARRL website of all popular rigs.

There are many current receiver sections that are not up to the overload
handling specs of the K2. The $1200 prices you may see are for a K2 will
include quite a few options. Over the years I have loaded my K2 with pretty
much everything available, save for the 100w amp. The $$ add up. You can
find basic K2s for sale from time to time. You could start there, and add
the options as you go. (If you have a desire to build it yourself.)

If you compare a kit to a mass produced rig (of comparable
performance/features) you will find that the mass produced rig will be less
expensive.

Set your budget $$. Decide what modes are most important to you. Read the
reviews, post question here and on the appropriate forums. When you have a
'short list' try and find hams within reasonable traveling distance for a
hands-on test. Then pick... take a deep breath... and purchase the rig of
your choice.

I own and have built K1, K2, KX1, plus some to the test equip type kits from
Elecraft... all of them are great! My first novice station was a homebrew
tx and regen rx out of the ARRL hand book. My first commercial rx was a
Hallicrafter's SX-45... that I spent years using and Modifying that
receiver. First commercial new rig was a Galaxy V mkII, that I would lug
around during my Army days, running phone patch for fellow GIs. Over the
years I've settled on Icom for the shack and Elecraft for QRP and a TenTec
amp for QRO.. You could find some excellent values purchasing an Icom 756
Pro I or II on the used market... uh... I mean, pre-owned. My point of view
is from a 98% CW op.

Good luck in your quest,
Emil
W9NM




"Jim Barnard" wrote in message
...
From time to time, I see an Elecraft K-2 come up for sale. I have thought
about buying one of these to try. However, they usually sell for better
than $1200. I looking over the specs, I wonder if this radio, which has
10-year old technology, performs any better than a Yaesu FT-757 or similar
vintage rig? Usually, vintage Yaesu, Kenwood or Icoms sell in the $300-500
price range.

Any thought and recommendations are appreciated.

Jim
W4BRX