[Amps] Is an AMP worthwhile.

[Joe]

I have been for quite some time now fighting with this Frankenstein of 
an AMP trying to get it to work correctly.
It works making power and LOTS of it, But the Load Cap, is all funky. 
When measured with a VNA the amount of "C" varies as expected. And in 
the right amounts.

But in use, it does little to nothing at all.  fully meshed fully 
un-meshed almost no difference at all. at 1500 watts out the min and max 
"C" on the load cap changes the output maybe 50 watts  thats all. Crazy!

So taking a break on this AMP so i don't loose what hair I still have, 
by the way if you have any ideas what may be happening please let me know!

But I was thinking how much difference does an AMP actually make in a 
contest.

And thinking strictly mathwise what 10 to 15 db stronger. so only 2 to 3 
S units? seems not like a major deal.

BUT I took from 3830 the top ten from Multi single High and low power, 
in this past weekends contest

and single op high and low powers.

took out the so2r and others similar.

And the Multi single high power almost made twice as many contacts as 
the low power! WOW!

and in the single op High vs low. made also almost twice as many Q's

As one that has never contested with an amp,

does it really make it that much better!?

Don't forget about the amp if you have any ideas?

Joe WB9SBD / W9ET