Xiegu X5105 vs. Elecraft KX2: Which should you buy?

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73,
Thomas
K4SWL

[krystlih]

x5105 owner here, there are a couple things you can do to help with audio, I picked up a $10 bluetooth speaker from Walmart with an aux-in port, it improved the audio significantly I think some of the issues of the x5105 is that the pre-amp to the speaker gets overloaded and the speaker is a tiny little speaker. By adding the external speaker turning the internal volume up to only 50% and using the bluetooth speaker it's like a whole new radio in terms of sound/receiving quality. Something else that can be done (although requires a laptop/computer), is tap into the I/F out port on the side of the radio, you can connect this to a $25 RTL-SDR dongle and it sends the IF out around 70MHz, then use computer based RF decoding for even probably more accurate/better receiving quality. The KX2 is still the better radio no doubt, but for those out there trying to get the most value for the $ it's hard to beat the x5105.

[pixoariz]

I just pre-ordered the Xiegu X6100, which appears to be a somewhat evolved version of the 5105. I've been saving up for an IC-705, but the low price of the Xiegu means the fun can happen sooner! Thanks for the fine review and comparison.

[johnpeterson]

Fantastic review ! Thanks for posting . Now you have to bring the Lab 599 into the mix !

[Brendan]

I own the X5105 and you’re observations are spot on. The Harbor Freight analogy was perfect. I’m stealing it

[reidlanham]

Well I just picked up a nice used KX2 so I guess my choice is made! I'm super excited to get it next week.

[DonzLockz]

Great.comparison Thomas. I appreciate your honest pro's and con's and all the practical functions of the radio's. 👍🤠

[jada]

Another great video...thank you! I always look forward to your next videos. I also enjoy getting in your log. I was facing this same decision about a year and a half ago. A guy I met through Facebook, made me a great offer on the KX2, shack-in-a-box bundle. I jumped at the offer and have not been disappointed. The receiver is excellent and I consistently receive good signal reports. The internal tuner is great. When I'm working portable, I use two 25' pieces of wire for the antenna (a vertical and ground radial.) The tuner will match it from 10m-40m and I have reached all corners of the continental U.S., plus Alaska, Canada, Europe, and Puerto Rico. It's a great radio. But, having said that, I probably would have been happy with the X5105 too!. Thanks again... John (AF8E)

[thuff]

I would agree with your assessment. I started with a FT-817 long before X5105 was available and yes its a good radio not a great radio. The KX2 has become my favorite radio as well because its such a please to operate an its easy to take on a plane.

[jacksheehy]

Loved the Harbor Freight power pole crimper analogy! Can really relate. Tnx for the video, very informative.

[vitaflo]

I chose a KX2 for a few simple reasons: size, weight, ATU and 10w on internal battery. As a backpacker the KX2 is the perfect portable rig IMO, the amazing receiver is just the icing on the cake. My other fav QRP rig is my IC-703+, which again has an ATU and 10w but is a bit too large and heavy for longer excursions in the wilderness for me.

[geod]

As the proud owner of a dead G90, I'd go with the KX2.

[johnmurden]

Good info in a pleasant format. Nicely done. From the "wet" end of I26, 73 AK4LA

[ajisotadxing]

Two things that made me decide on kx2. 1.Easier Access to service and support. 2. Lithium ion battery technology on the kx2 vs lipo on the 5105.

[richarddonner]

I own the kx2 it is terrific. Very ergonomic too

[stevewheatstone]

Nice to see them side by side. KX2 is eye watering expensive (same in pounds as dollars), but I don't regret for a moment purchasing it. I love the fact you can use the KX2 as a walkie talkie. My friend has a X5105 which has given much pleasure. I totally agree if you can afford it buy the kx2. I also think I wouldn't risk travelling abroad with such an expensive radio. A Xeigu could fit the bill here for me too. 73 Steve MW0SAW

[donnakano]

When Eric designed the Elecraft radios, he took great pride in their high dynamic range capability. While not in the Collins S-Line range, they far surpass a typical solid state radio and will pretty much blow any SDR front end.

[JayNGO]

I have a flex 5000, icom 7300 and the kx2 in the shack. The kx2 is my favorite rig to use and more urban friendly than the other 2.

[tomcruiser]

I have the KX2 and the Xiegu 5105. The receiver on the KX2 is slightly less noisy than the x5105. But the X5105 has at least an equivalent ATU, illuminated keys plus 6 and 160m and is much more robust than the Elecraft in outdoor use. The battery will last for many hours of CW or FT8 continuous use. Its only downside is that the speaker in the case is too small. I usually use the Xiegu with an earphone at Sota, which bothers fewer climbers up there anyway.

[Lastaii]

So I’ve solved the problem of which to have by owning both 🤣 I’m a big fan of the Xeigu, but my word the receive filter is exhausting to listen to for more than half an hour. However, it’s an absolute life saver when it comes to trimming antennas in the wild -the live swr sweep is a fantastic function, and it boggles my mind that more expensive radios like the IC 705 don’t implement something similar. That said, when I go out for a POTA activation, it’s usually a KX2 in my backpack. Mainly because *10 watts*, but also it’s just nicer to work with, the experience of Elecrafts engineering team and beta testers just shines through.

[rvamark]

I love this review format. I can detect your feelings rather than just giving a cold specification review. I can review the specifications on paper. Now I am off to look at your KX2 vs. KX3 review. That was an easy choice for me since the KX2 did not exist when I bought my KX3, but I have thought I might someday buy a KX2 for field use and keep the KX3 for shack use. Still thinking about that. --Mark, KE6BB