[Amps] Alpha 9500 vs. Acom 2000A questions

[RLVZ at aol.com]

Hi Guys,
 
I plan to purchase a tube-type Auto-tune amp and am most  interested in an 
Alpha 9500 or an Acom 2000A.  I'd prefer  solid-state, but I want a 1.5kw 
continuous duty rating at a reasonable price so  that rules out solid-state 
amps for the time being.  ($10,500 is too  expensive)
 
I have several questions before  making the decision and  your thoughts 
would be greatly appreciated.  Before I proceed with the  questions, I'd like 
to share that I'm a serious CW & RTTY contester and am  looking for 
reliability and stability at 1.5kw output all weekend long.   Also, if I purchase the 
Acom 2000A I'll be sure to add the Optional Fan as  I've heard they 
overheat on heavy RTTY usage without one.  
 
Here's my questions:
 
1) Several hams report the 9500 isn't always reliable at  selecting the 
correct antenna during band changes.  Has that  issue been resolved?  
 
2) 2000A, when the transformer is removed, there are 3 small  fuses located 
on the center wall and near the  bottom chassis.  Two of them are 2-amp 
fuses and the other is a 100  ma. fuse.  Those fuses will be impossible to see, 
test, or replace without  removing the top cover and transformer.  (major 
time killer to remove  the transformer during a contest)  Have you ever had 
any of those 3  fuses blow?  
 
3) Will both amps hold up about the same with heavy use and in a salt  air 
environment?
 
4) Both manuals say the "brightness of the LED displays can be turned  
down".  I have extreme eye sensitivity to bright flashing  lights, can the LED 
display level be turned way down so the lights are  barely visable on both 
amps?
 
5) Which amp is easier to get serviced these days?  Are repair  costs about 
the same?  
 
6) Are the auto-tune features on  these amps reliable?  
 
If you prefer, you can send your comments to me off-list at: 
_K9OM at arrl.net_ (mailto:K9OM at arrl.net) 
 
Thank You & 73,
 
Dick- K9OM