Hmmm... while I enjoy promoting Elecraft here... I think it priced its
amp well, and is not expensive compared to the competition. Comparable
gear from Tokyo High Power would cost $3600. Other Icom, Yaesu, and
other outfits cost even more. I disregard MFJ offerings. Heck, my
TenTec Centurion which I never run more than 600 watts cost me a pretty
$3400 - whereas a KPA-500 would cost a mere $2000 and be solid state,
auto setting, and very small running on 110v AC. Again, while I hate
giving air time to Elecraft here, I thought they hit a good price point,
actually. Or course, I don't have an old SB-200 to push aside ... so I
am in the market for a small, medium power, solid state amp that does
not cost too much.
I WISH TEN-TEC WOULD PRODUCE A SOLID STATE
AUTOMATIC FREQUENCY-SENSING 600-800 WATT
HF AMP THAT RUNS ON 110V AC, AND IS NO BIGGER
THAN THE RIG, AND I WOULD BUY ONE IMMEDIATELY.
If course, it is a very different beast from the Model 418.
--------------------------- K8JHR ------------------------------
On 8/16/2012 7:11 PM, Don Allen wrote:
I am sure Ten-Tec has done their "due diligence" in terms of market
research on the new amp.
No new solid-state amp is inexpensive, as proven by the Elecraft KPA500.
I've given a hard look at the KPA500 myself, but except for all its
design and operational amenities, I have a hard time justifying the cost
as a replacement for my SB-200,
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