"mc" wrote in message
. ..
Are we simply looking at pessimistic vs. optimistic ratings?

Idunno. Evidence that tubes are better? ;-)

Sounds like the HP202B is the same old RC lamp-controlled oscillator, same
as the Heathkit you describe (and an Eico 377 that I have, that has a
terrible 20-200Hz band!), so there shouldn't be any fundamental difference
between them. Maybe the ratings are as you say.

Thing about the HK, I bet, is it may not be tuned to low distortion (however
you might do that), while the HP I would imagine came set from the factory.

Tim

--
Deep Fryer: a very philosophical monk.
Website: http://webpages.charter.net/dawill/tmoranwms