[Amps] Ameritron AL-80B - Alternative?

[Rod Elliott]

Hello!  I’m new to this reflector
 hope the pool of experience can help me 
with a question:

Five months ago I bought a new Ameritron AL-80B/X (/X=the export version: 
240-volts with 12 and 10m enabled). Unfortunately, so far, two 3-500Z’s 
(Amperex) have failed with grid-filament shorts.

I’ve read the archives and know that this is a common problem
 but is it a 
tube quality issue, or something about the amp
 perhaps a parasitic or 
filament current inrush problem? Either way  I’ve lost confidence in both 
Amperex 3-500Zs and the AL-80B. I want to dump the unit and get something 
more reliable.

I’d appreciate the list’s recommendations for a simple, RELIABLE 1 Kw pep 
HF amp that does not use 3-500Zs and retails for less than $US 2000. A 
low-duty cycle unit would be fine
 I mostly listen and pounce, and don’t do 
contests
 I just want it to be there when needed.

Any help much appreciated.

73
Rod Elliott VE3IRF