MFJ-281 Clear Tone Speaker

[MacombMonitor]

For those of you considering an external speaker for your scanner, take a look at the MFJ-281 Clear Tone Communication Speaker.

Recently, after rearranging my computer/monitoring room, I sold all my Radio Shack external speakers, thinking they were no longer needed. Now, after changing things around again, I decided I needed to go back to using external speakers.

I decided to try the MFJ-281 because it was about $8.00 cheaper than Radio Shack. Initially I was a little disappointed in the sound quality, as they lacked the fidelity that the Radio Shack speakers had. However, after using them for awhile, something became apparent. Much cleaner, more defined voice, and nothing else! How do they do it? Simple, the speaker's (audio) frequency response is limited. It's only 600-4000Hz. They clip the lows, and the highs, which enhances the normal voice frequency range, while helping to eliminate everything else. These are not for everyone. Some may think it makes their scanner sound cheap, or tinny, like a small hand-held. In a way they do, but with clarity, and no distortion. The result is sound that will be understood, and cut though any background, or ambient noise. Ideal for a mobile installation too!

Take a look:
http://www.mfjenterprises.com/products.php?prodid=MFJ-281

I purchased three of these from Universal Radio. I had them in three days!
http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/speakers/3472.html

 

[N4UYV_Al]

great sounding speaker for your scanner on FM but not good for SSB on an Icom 706mkG in your mobile...I have 2 of them..

 

[kb2vxa]

"great sounding speaker for your scanner on FM but not good for SSB on an Icom 706mkG in your mobile...I have 2 of them.."

My Motorola speakers sound fine no matter which radio including the IC-706Mk2G. I forget who makes the Slim Line but my GE Mastr 2 has the same type and I have seen it unbranded as well. Frankly I stay away from Rat Shack, MFJ and like brands, they tend to sound like they're priced, cheap. The exception is that unbranded Slim Line, costs just under $10 new and about $2 at a hamfest.

Now here's a neat twist, I ran out of speakers when I got a new scanner so I decided to use an old cheap computer speaker I had kicking around. One contains a stereo amp not needed so I used the other without an amp. It sounded tinny and bassy (if that's possible, grin) so a couple of modifications were in order. I opened it and clipped one of the tweeter wires, then glued paper squares cut from a matchbook over the bass reflex ports. It sounds just fine now, I think I'll leave well enough alone since I don't need them on the computer.

 

[N4UYV_Al]

Right Warren, that's what I found using the MFJ speaker in question with the 706 was that it's too 'basey & tinny' at the same time (Though my hearing was goin' bad..lol) took the cover off & stuffed tissue behind the speaker but that only took out some bass...Got an old motorola speaker I use ta use for the public safety years ago, I'll dig that out & try that...Thanks