811s are available. And, surprisingly, it looks like there are 572s coming out of China again. OTOH, if you don't mind paying more, the AL80b really is a better amp. The AL811H will get the job done, however.
The folks in Starkville are working. Like all companies, they've faced challenges, but they are at work and producing gear.
I think the Ameritron 811 and 811H, are the best selling amplifiers in the world. At this point my only concern would be the continued availability of tubes. It might be wise to have a spare set of new ones just in case.
I'm not overly worried about 811s being available...they are popular with audiophiles, so that alone should keep them in production. The problem is the quality of Chinese tubes. I mean they are OK, but no matter how you baby them, some will give up the ghost in a year or two. Yes, they are relatively cheap, but they don't give them away.
I used to have a AL-811 and now have an AL-80B. It would be worth the extra money to get the AL-80B. It is a much more pleasant amplifier to operate. The AL-80B has always been considered the best bang for the buck.
I wholeheartedly agree with purchasing from dealers who have them in stock, but you have it a little backwards. Buying direct from MFJ almost always costs more (sometimes a lot more) than buying from a major dealer, plus you usually get free shipping for items over 100.00, so it's a win, win, win situation.
