I am considering buying an Ameritron amplifier. Price is not a differentiator for me, but overall quality, tube longevity, and ease of use are factors for me. I am considering the following amps: 1) AL811HX (4 x 811) 800 watts 2) AL811HDX (4 x 872) 800 watts 3) AL80BX (3-500Z) 1000 watts I like to hear feedback from people who have had experience with one or more these amplifiers. Tino, VE2GCE
That would be my choice. Check for loose screws on anything that you buy. Nothing a nut driver and soldering iron can not fix. Look when you install the tubes. Before the first smoke test. Enjoy.
AL-80B (the "X" only denotes it's an "export" version...it's still an AL-80B) is by far better than the other two models. However, it's also physically larger and heavier, if that makes a difference to you.
HELLO TINO, WB2WIK IS CORRECT TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS: but overall quality, tube longevity, and ease of use are factors for me. ALL OF THE AMPS THAT YOU MENTIONED ARE FB REGARDING QUALITY. AS FOR TUBE LONGEVITY, THAT WILL DEPEND HOW WELL YOU TAKE CARE OF THE AMP. IF YOU CONSTANTLY RUN IT AT FULL BLAST THEN YOU WILL SHORTEN THE LIFE OF THE TUBES. ALSO, THE ROOM AMBIENT TEMPERATURE WILL MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE AS TO HOW LONG THE TUBES WILL LAST. YOU MUST PROVIDE FOR AIR CONDITIONING DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS. BE SURE NOT TO PLACE THE AMPLIFIER IN A LOCATION WHERE IT IS ENTRAPPED. VERY IMPORTANT TO HAVE GOOD AIR FLOW AROUND THE AMP. OK......... IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR EASE OF USE, I RECOMMEND YOU STICK WITH A SOLID STATE AMPLIFIER. HAVE FUN WITH HAM RADIO. WHEN TIME ALLOWS LOOK UP THE FOLLOWING CALL SIGN W1RJZ WARREN AND BILL HAVE
From what I understood, the "X" versions are not available in the United States because of concern of illicit 11 meter operation, but the"X" versions are available in Canada. Ameritron does make 10/12 meter mod kits available for a very low price to convert non-"X" to "X" amps. I think the"X" factor explains why there is 4-6 week lead time when you order most Ameritron amplifiers into Canada.
Carmen, I do know W1RJZ, but I never knew he was a ham operator New members to the tribe are always welcomed. I knew he was in Massachusetts for the last few years, but I did not know he moved to Alabama.
I've owned/used the all. The AL 80 B is the best of the 3 choices. You don;t have to wait for the "X" model. Buy the regular one. The conversion for 10 meters is easy
^I sure agree. Distributors/dealers usually "stock" the AL-80B, so I wouldn't order one from the factory; going through a dealer will likely save money as they usually sell at a lower price than the factory, and the shipping may cost less as well.
IF an AL-80B is one of your choices, then the AL-80B IS the right choice. For any mid-sized (ie, less than Kilowatt ) TUBE amplifier, the solitary 3-500Z is by far the best choice, for durability, availability, EASE OF USE, and price. . Put it this way, if I had to sell all of my amplifiers except ONE, I would definitely keep the AL80B.
