[Amps] Alpha 9500 vs. Acom 2000A questions

[Paul Baldock]

My only wish list on the ACOM 2000A is that it had narrower auto tune 
segments. On 160M they are 25KHz wide, I would prefer 10KHz for my 
HiQ antenna. I believe the Alpha will auto tune if it wants to based 
on poor SWR, but the ACOM only auto tunes when you ask it to.

 >10 years and no blown fuses.

3 sets of new tubes. In each case one tube developed a cathode to 
grid short. Last time I bought a matched pair it was about $350, but 
I think more now.

Love the fact that the ACOM2000 has a remote head.

- Paul KW7Y



At 11:44 AM 12/3/2016, 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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