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Reviews For: bhi DESKTOP

Category: Speakers for communications

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Review Summary For : bhi DESKTOP
Reviews: 6MSRP: 249
Description:
The bhi DESKTOP speaker is a microprocessor controlled amplified DSP noise cancelling base station speaker that removes noise and interference to improve the quality of speech in noisy radio and voice communications. It is suitable for use in base station applications where background noise and interference mean that you cannot clearly hear what is being said. The speaker will enable the user to listen and concentrate “stress-free”. Runs on 12 - 18 VDC. Gives up to 10 Watts audio (peak).
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.bhi-ltd.com/
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
1564
WB1CQW Rating: 2024-08-29
GREAT IMPROVEMENT IN AUDIO Time Owned: more than 12 months.
In the late 90s I used a GAP Hear It mini speaker to deal with QRN & QRM, which I found reasonably effective. This product, also made by BHI, is out of production. I have now upgraded to two BHI desktop speakers at two stations, and find they offer a big improvement in audio where there is noise. I found it necessary, however, to add BHI Ground Breaker filters between the speaker and the transceiver output to knock out any RF in interference when transmitting, especially when using an amplifier. While it's true that when the signal processing is level is rotated to high there are some waterfall-sounding "artifacts," these sounds disappear when the other station is actually speaking. Don't expect this speaker to accomplish miracles all by itself. By that I mean I also rely on a built-in noise filter (ie the Kenwood AIP feature) in my Kenwood TS-50, as well as on a Timewave ANC-4 Noise Canceller to work together to knock out noise. I use all three of these devices simultaneously, in equal proportion, in order to pull buried stations out of noise. Some commenters don't like the placement of the controls on the right side of the speaker. However, in my own setup I find this is perfect, since I place the speaker right next to my small transceiver and can readily adjust both DSP and volume controls in that position. As far as Customer Service is concerned, Graham, the owner of BHI, was very accommodating when I sent him an email about his poorly fitting 1/8" plastic male mini connector. He shipped me a speaker lead gratis with a better quality metal mini-plug.
M0ITX Rating: 2023-10-15
Excellent results,perfect for older radios Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
Bought a used MKII version at a local rally recently for a great price to try on my old,but much loved ts870.
My only problem with the ts870 is that the receiver generates quite a lot of internal noise,and the noise reduction sounds awful,so was curious to see if this speaker would help.
To be honest,i'm not easily impressed and was expecting the received audio to sound dull,lifeless and full of horrible artifacts,rather like the ts870 internal NR.
Wow,how very wrong i was ..it does a brilliant job removing rx hiss and interference,without destroying the audio quality.
Yes,it does remove a very small amount of treble,but hardly noticable,and the way it cleans up the overall sound,makes up for it many times over ..it's much more subtle than NR circuits in older rigs.
I'm now able to open up the filters on the 870 when listening to the audio guys wider transmissions,without increasing rx noise,which was so annoying in the past.
You only need to set the NR level to around 1-2,otherwise you will start to introduce artifacts and also lose fidelity. The ts870 isn't my main transceiver,but it was 20 yrs ago,when i actually had two,but sold them because of rx noise/hiss was annoying/fatiguing,so wish these speakers were available back then.
I very much doubt you need one of these if you have one of the better modern rigs,but if you want to breath new life into an old,much loved transceiver or receiver then i highly recommend trying one of these,because it's really transformed my listening experience.
Only minor negative is the design ..the volume,NR controls are on the side,when they should be on the front for easy access,and the overall shape just looks a bit awkward,but maybe it's just me !
OZ1DTF Rating: 2020-05-10
I do not use it any more Time Owned: more than 12 months.
After some time my satisfaction disappeared. In my case “value for the money” was better with a magnetic loop RX antenna and a DXE NCC-2 even though more money was needed.

It is annoying to see this product advertised as a “Quality 10Watt amplified DSP base station speaker”. Notice that the 10W is only achieved when you feed it with 18 VDC. Yes, you can see that when you read the specs. At the 13.8 VDC most of us use in the shack, the sound is much weaker than you automatically will expect.

I also agree regarding the comments from K9DD regarding ergonomics.

At present I use speakers from a Philips 5+1 set. No amplifier, no RFI and great sound.

K9DD Rating: 2019-09-23
Effective , but... Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I gave the BHI Desktop Speaker a 4, not because of performance issues but for design issues. I find it effective on noise reduction and sound quality but the placement of the controls is terrible. I can't find a place on my operating desk where it both fits and the controls are accessible. It would be near perfect if the controls were on the front instead of on the rear. It has to be in the open so you can reach around the unit to adjust the noise reduction. I turn the reduction off and on as needed and that is a pain as it is. Mine requires both hands to push the knob to turn the DSP on/off, one to push and one to hold the unit from moving while you push the knob.

de Jim - K9DD
AMLANC Rating: 2017-06-19
Not the greatest but ok Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Bought it quite recently after being fade up of trying to address noise in my neighborhood. It does eliminate the atmospheric static well. However it produces weird artifacts. Specially at higher volumes. Sounds like there is water running in the background:) Secondly when you are talking on the microphone and as soon as you key up there is a loud noise burst which then dies down as DSP engages but its extremely annoying and stays till you turn the volume way down defeating the point of buying an amplifier speaker.
M0TTL Rating: 2016-10-06
Best Speaker to date Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Picked one of these speakers up at the UK Ham fest in Newark... £160.00

Total pleasure to listen to.. have mine set turned on all the time and use the minimum setting unless the band gets a bit noisy and I turn it up a bit. Excellent audio in its own right even without the filters. Good purchase and will be keeping this one for sure.