[Amps] What NOT to buy?

[bob finger]

Hi Clint:  Its a tough question to answer without more information about 
what you plan to do with the amp.  What bands do you want it to operate 
on?  What modes do you want it to operate on?  Are you a contest op? How 
much power do you want to run?  Do you have a 240VAC dedicated line to 
operate it from?  Do you want an autotune amp and if not how quickly can 
you tune it up?  (will be easier to eliminate some tubes based on your 
answer) How much desk/rack/floor space do you have available?  Is a 
separate HV PS important to you?  Do you need or want qsk? 

If the SB-220 met your needs, then there are quite a few really good 
amps available used/old/project types.  Each good one has some 
negative(s) as well.  For an equivalent to the SB-220 I would buy the 
best Drake L4B I could find and rework the antenna transfer relays to 
get rid of the high voltage switching requirement. Second choice would 
be a Henry 2KD-5,    I would stay away from the Kenwood TL-922.  Lots 
and lots of choices.  What are your requirements beyond teaching 
youreself about amps?  73 bob de w9ge

Clint Talmadge wrote:

>I joined this reflector because I am considering picking up a project Amplifier in the near future.  T
>  
>