Posted: 4/7/2017 4:54:09 PM EDT
| I just got repaid a couple of thousand bucks on a loan I had written off years ago. I think I'll use the money on an amp but would like some recommendations from you Arfcom Hamsters on make/model. Also, does it make sense to pull the trigger now or what to see if there are any deals at Dayton? |
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That's a pretty broad question in regards to an amp. What is your primary rig? What modes do you usually run and what style of operating? If you love running RTTY contests the best amp would be a lot different than if you are just trying to bust DX pileups on SSB.
I'd have to say best bang for your buck overall is the AL-80B (Full disclosure: I just bought one so I'm probably biased). But if you want automatic band switching and no-tune operation obviously that's not the right amp for ya. I liked the AL-80B for the overall cost, 500w rating on 100% duty cycle modes, single tube with low replacement cost, and higher output than the 811. |
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That's a pretty broad question in regards to an amp. What is your primary rig? What modes do you usually run and what style of operating? If you love running RTTY contests the best amp would be a lot different than if you are just trying to bust DX pileups on SSB. I'd have to say best bang for your buck overall is the AL-80B (Full disclosure: I just bought one so I'm probably biased). But if you want automatic band switching and no-tune operation obviously that's not the right amp for ya. I liked the AL-80B for the overall cost, 500w rating on 100% duty cycle modes, single tube with low replacement cost, and higher output than the 811. |
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In terms of dollars/watt, you can't beat a tube amp.
In terms of being bulletproof, you can't beat a solid state amp. In terms of total convenience and speed of operation, you can't beat a solid state amp. Best dollars/watt solid state = ALS600. Best quality solid state = KPA500. Most interesting potential new development = Linear Amps UK Gemini HF (not shipping yet) |
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In terms of dollars/watt, you can't beat a tube amp. In terms of being bulletproof, you can't beat a solid state amp. In terms of total convenience and speed of operation, you can't beat a solid state amp. Best dollars/watt solid state = ALS600. Best quality solid state = KPA500. Most interesting potential new development = Linear Amps UK Gemini HF (not shipping yet) The ACOM 1000 looks great but is over my budget. |
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I just got repaid a couple of thousand bucks on a loan I had written off years ago. I think I'll use the money on an amp but would like some recommendations from you Arfcom Hamsters on make/model. Also, does it make sense to pull the trigger now or what to see if there are any deals at Dayton? No contest, wait to see what is new at Dayton. I don't know what your needs are but a KX2 seems like a pretty sure bet if you don't have something ultraportable. |
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I think Ameritron is made by MFJ and that worries me. The ACOM 1000 looks great but is over my budget. Acom 1000 is fool-proof and has all kinds of protection features and alarms (with alarm memory). It's also very quiet, unlike most tube and solid state amps. It has a tuning aid that makes tuning very easy and fast. The GU-74 tube is bullet-proof and very cheap. I tried driving my Acom1000 with my Elecraft KX3 and got about 215 Watts out with 10 Watts in. It puts out 1,200 Watts easily with around 60 Watts drive. I'm yet to hear the cooling fan running at full speed, even during high duty cycle TX when calling CQ or handling large pile-ups. |
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I've got a KX3 for travel, looking for an amp for home. |
| Personally, I love my Ameritron AL-80B. I can change bands and tune it in under 45 seconds (that includes my PalStar manual tuner) and it delivers 1000 watts about as inexpensively as possible. I bought mine used for used a grand and cannot be happier with the purchase. the 3-500zg tubes are reasonably inexpensive and very good tubes are readily available. I would love to own an Acom 1000 but it's very hard to justify the $2700 when the AL-80B works so well. |
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Cash in hand at any show will always get a discount. Gun show, or whatever cash is king. If you think you would like a amp Get a kpa500 and never buy again. Amazing amp that will do full remote.. Would love one, have a older 2kl 500w icom that keeps going..
Money in the pocket burns brain cells constantly... Prosise |
Wait until this weekend, and see what Elecraft has to offer. 
Elecraft at Visalia hamfest |
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Is that a 1000w amp??
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Is that a 1000w amp?? Quoted:
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