Paul and Gang
I don't think much can be learned about the quality of an amplifier by
listening to it over the air. Shucks, we could make the 10 gazillon
watt amplifier at Voice of America sound bad if we used a cheap
microphone.
When picking out an amplifier there are a few questions to answer
like:
1. How much power do I need to do the job I want?
2. Do I want knobs to twiddle or should the amp be "no-tune".
3. Will it's input match my rig's output?
4. Do I want QSK?
5. Does it require 240v and do I care?
6. Is fan noise a problem?
7. Do I want a solid state amp or one with a glow?
8. Will the chassis of the amp bend when I pick it up?
9. If it's a tube amp, will the variable capacitors arc?
10 If it's a tube amp, am I willing to pay $$$ for a new tube someday?
11. Will I need a chiropracter after carrying it?
12. Can my antenna system handle that much power?
13. Will that much power cause RFI or TVI?
14. Do I want instant service when I flip the amp's switch on? Or do I
need to wait for warm up then start tuning?
15. Is size important?
16. What about extra heat from tubes? Will I need to call an HVAC
company to cool the shack?
17. Does my rig produce enough power to drive a monster amplifier?
18. If QSK, is it done by a quiet reed relay or a clackinstein relay?
19. Does it have a buit in speaker? The Hercules II does!
20. Why do I really want this thing?
Note that none of these questions can be answered by listening to
someone's signal on the air. Looking at reviews in QST, you don't see
many comments about audio quality because amps don't typicall have
much to do with it. Big S meter readings and good sounding audio is
normally due to good voices, microphones, transmitters and antennas.
Amplifiers usually make the difference in a STRONG signal and a VERY
STRONG signal but sometimes they do pull you out of the mud.
I think the Hercules II fills the bill for most purposes unless you
just have to have 1500w output. But take warning, that much power is
likely to cause problems if you have close neighbors. I like the Herc
because when the going gets a little rough, I just reach over and
flick one switch. Presto, instant QRO to 500w and it's always been
enough to accomplish the mission.
Steve N4LQ
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