[Amps] Choosing a first amp

[Joe Isabella]

Hi Brad,
Since no one else has replied as of yet, I thought I'd drop my $.02...

There are deals to be had on SB-220s or Kenwood TL-992s.  Just be careful and know what you're
getting.  It's easy to get a really "good" deal only to find that you need to replace a bandswitch
and/or tubes.  There are also really good deals on Henry amps -- I wish I would have held out and
waited for a deal on a Henry.  For what I have in my TL-922, I could have gotten a much higher
power Henry.  Keep and eye out -- you might find a good deal.  I get about 1200-1400W out of my
amp (which really is plenty), but just to know that I could have had much more headroom for the
same $$$ gets to me a bit.  Also, consider the AL-572B amp -- it's another similarly powered amp
that can be found for decent money, but I'm kind of partial to grounded grid 3-500ZGs.  They're
actually cheaper that a matched quad of 572s and will put out much more power, if the supply is
robust enough.  They're also extremely tough tubes...

I nearly swept the ARRL Sweepstakes using the TL-922 into a lowband dipole on all bands without a
tuner.  I only missed Quebec!!!

Good Luck & 73!!
Joe,
N3JI

--- Brad Hedges <bhedges at nc.rr.com> wrote:
> Hello to all,
> 
> I have decided to get a linear, and since I can't afford an Alpha 87 I'm
> looking for used. What are some recommendations for a used tube-final amp,
> KW or better; doesn't need to be full legal limit, but would take one; that
> will work well, reliably, and easily with my new and don't-want-to-ruin-it
> FT-1000?
> 
> I am mostly thinking SB-220 or Ameritron 811H/80B, but other than referring
> to the eHam reviews, what advice can you folks give me? I am interested in
> DX and mid-level contesting. That is, not quite a complete weekend, but
> about 24 hours of a 48 hour contest, 1000+ QSO's type of contesting.
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> Brad
> K0BHC
> 
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> Amps at contesting.com
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