[Amps] Alpha 9500 vs. Acom 2000A questions

[Gary K9GS]

Hi Dick,

Both the 9500 and the Acom are fine amps.  I would also give a very 
serious look at OM Power:

http://www.om-power.com/products/om4000hffcc

I'm not a RTTY guy but I have used the OM Power 2500 amp extensively in 
CW and SSB contest service.  Fantastic amp.


On 12/3/2016 1:44 PM, Dick via Amps wrote:
> 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
>   
>
>
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>

-- 
73,

Gary K9GS

Greater Milwaukee DX Association: http://www.gmdxa.org
Society of Midwest Contesters: http://www.w9smc.com
CW Ops #1032   http://www.cwops.org

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