I am a bit open minded about what I choose with regard to equipment.
The Elecraft KPA1500 design is similar to pretty much any 2 device
LDMOS amplifier as there is really not much to change in the RF deck.
The SPE 1.5K-FA is deficient in this regard as it uses one device. But
it is one of many choices, and priced a lot cheaper.
Another option worth considering is the B26-PA, which is 2xLDMOS, and
around 2800 Euro, giving the same performance as the KPA1500 for less
money. True, it doesn't carry the Elecraft logo and what comes behind
it (brand reputation, service, etc) but it is a good option. I just
don't see myself spending $6000 on an LDMOS amp that can't do basic
SO2R on its own. I do see myself getting the PowerGenius XL which can
do SO2R and integrates nicely with my station. But if that was not
available, I'd probably get the B26-PA, as it provides incredible
value for the money.
I absolutely adore the KX2, KX3 and their other portable products, and
the K3/S was revolutionary when it was introduced to the market but I
think they missed the mark with the amp. Someone has to seriously
convince me what the KPA1500 brings to the table to warrant the $6000
price tag and frankly, the hype surrounding it. I just don't see it
yet. Sorry. I wish they had done more - SO2R at the minimum, with
possibly adaptive predistortion on the K3S (the amp has the feedback
loop, but not the K3S yet).
Beats me.
Ria, N2RJ
On Mon, Aug 28, 2017 at 8:03 PM, Jim Brown <k9yc@audiosystemsgroup.com> wrote:
> On 8/28/2017 11:15 AM, Ria Jairam wrote:
>>
>> JMO
>
>
> I buy equipment based on REAL specs that I can trust from mfrs I trust for
> support, quality, and reliability. I want my signal to be very clean. With
> the amps I own, the output signal is as clean as what I drive it with. SPE
> amps have the reputation of not being very clean, and in my experience, not
> very reliable.
>
> I buy the best quality I can afford. That's why I bought my Ten Tec and
> Alpha amps used. I did the same thing years ago, when looking for a rig
> after being off the air for a while. Rather than a cheap rig, I bought a
> good used TS850.
>
> I tried a used SPE 1K from a friend, who had had it repaired (at SPE) at
> least twice. It's performance was flaky (controls were flaky), and it fried
> the second time I tried to use it on 6M. Returned for repair, all the output
> devices and some drivers were blown. I'd call that not well protected.
>
> Most Elecraft owners have good things to say about Elecraft reliability,
> quality, and service. I've often recommended a used K3 to hams wanting to
> upgrade from a cheapie.
>
> 73, Jim
>
>
>
>
>
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