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Message |
    
Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808
Post Number: 2323
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 05, 2004 - 1:44 pm: | 
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Ok Folk's I was asked to Post this Question by CEF002.
He is interested in hearing what Everyone think's and the Experience's of People with the Newer Tube Amplifier's & Transistor Amplifier's.
OK, People let's start posting.  |
Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808
Post Number: 2324
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 05, 2004 - 2:17 pm: |
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Ok, I will get thing's started.
I own and use the KLV1000 for a Base Amplifier.
http://www.copperelectronics.com/cgi-bin/checkitout/checkitout.cgi?catalogSTORE:CKIE:prodW90-00108+
I have been very Pleased and 100% Satisfied with the Outstanding Performance of this Amplifier on AM & SSB.
It has performed flawlessly for going on 17 month's now.
I run it with a dead key of 2 1/2 watts drive and have used it HEAVY during this period and the Tube's still look like new.
I also like the fact that when the time come's I can replace all 5 ~ EL519 Tubes for under $100.00 buck's and not go broke or run to the bank for a loan.
Technology has come a long way in the Design and Performance of the Newer Tube Amplifier's, and makes it more reasonable for the owner's when Tube Replacement time arrive's.
I have Owned many Tube Amplifier's over the year's and this Amplifier rate's #1, for Dependability and Overall Performance.
And also has the Lowest Tube Replacement cost of any of them.
And the KLV Mobile Amplifier's have been some of the Most Reasonable Priced and Best Performing Amplifier's I have run accross in many year's.
Altouugh they are not a high drive Amplifier they have all performed Great with a 2 or 2 1/2 watt drive.
I run Low Dead Key's and let them Swing and if I want more power I get a Bigger Amp.
And in over 30 year's I have never blown any amplifier mobile or base by overdriving it.
When it come's to Amplifier's Less Drive is Better.
Just my thought's.
Lon
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Sparkomatic
Intermediate Member
Username: Sparkomatic
Post Number: 294
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 05, 2004 - 2:45 pm: |
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I would never own a glass tube amp but Eimac steel tubes, oh yeah.
With the high quality of the base transistor amps I would prefer a 2x4 Xforce though. |
Highlander
Advanced Member
Username: Highlander
Post Number: 501
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 05, 2004 - 3:33 pm: |
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Amen to taking it easy on the amps!
I like the KLV Tube bases too, I have the 200, 350 and 400. I had an old homebrew 2 tuber when I first started out that did a nice job, but the KLVs are really nice and look good, too. I think both tubes and transistors are useful in amps, either one can be clean and good sounding, and either one can be crappy sounding if not run properly. I love my KL-351p mobile (same as current KL-400 mobile). I can work the world with it and my Lincoln/Wilson 1000 mobile unit. |
Rattlesnakejake
Intermediate Member
Username: Rattlesnakejake
Post Number: 136
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 05, 2004 - 7:35 pm: |
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Also, keep in mind that tubes are like light bulbs. Any banging or rough care might break them, were as solid state will survive without a problem.
Just My thoughts.
73's
Rattlesnakejake |
Lowpowerhal
Intermediate Member
Username: Lowpowerhal
Post Number: 217
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 05, 2004 - 8:33 pm: |
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No Question about it tube type amps will win every time. Sound and clarity for one point.2nd if you know you have a week tube, you can replace it with ease.(Note--if you don't know what your doing don't try. HIGH VOLTAGE can KILL you.) Other wise let the techs take care of it. Iv been thinking of buying a new KLV1000 from COPPER, As Tech 808 said the price on the tubes are inexpensive. As far as transistor amps there are alot of cheap amps on the market, and don't last long. But there are some good ones out there.But the price tag will tell you the diffrence. Also i want to say this there are alot of old amps on the market some of them are good amps (BUT they need transformers replaced or filters, sometimes tubes, for intance a 8950 sweep tube cannot hardly be found now, if you do can cost you anywhere from $25.00 to 75.00 a tube. Ok im sold on tube amps, Thats just my opinion. OK lets here you guys that like transistor amps.
Hal |
Tech237
Moderator
Username: Tech237
Post Number: 13
Registered: 4-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, May 06, 2004 - 8:55 am: |
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I'd prefer tubed amps and radios. Partly for nostalgia - I did my apprenticeship on tubed equipment but also because, in most cases, tubed equipment is more forgiving with those of us who are human enough to do things wrong at times.
As for tubes being easily damaged by thumps knocks etc, I have had experience with a tubes mobile radio (ex-commercial on two meteres) with no case and not secured. We hit a hump backed bridge at 65mph (back roads), the radio hit the roof of the car (we were transmitting at the time) and never missed abeat.
As a said give me tubes any day. |
Bullet
Intermediate Member
Username: Bullet
Post Number: 332
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, May 06, 2004 - 5:50 pm: |
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tubes hands down!
for all the above reasons. as long as thier transmitt tubes! not sweep tubes
but i do like sweep tubes over transisters! |
ELCO Guy. (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Saturday, May 08, 2004 - 11:28 pm: |
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I can respond in general. It depends.
If one is using the amp in a mobile situation the transistor is the better of the two given that vehicles (most vehicles) operate 12 volt systems which just so happen are a good standard if you use transistors in the amp. HOWEVER if you do use a transistor amp might I suggest you mount a computr cooling fan on the cooling fins so that it comes on when you turn on the power to the amp--to keep things running cool.
As to tubes, once again it depends. If you use the new tubes you have to take harmonics and solid non arcing construction into effect. They may be more efficient but in being more efficient they are also more hmm hhmmm hmmmmm fragile in some ways.
Now those old style sweep tubes were just flat out power generators. Once I completely tuned from beginning to end a FT 101E without any antenna attached (by accident of course). No damage to the tubes at all. Those old tubes were tanks. BUT their efficiency stinks.
So it depends on the application.
signed
The ELCO Guy
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Cm3885
Intermediate Member
Username: Cm3885
Post Number: 401
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, May 09, 2004 - 1:13 pm: |
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Efficency is a fancy wortless word IMHO. I hear it all the time at the place i work all they wory about is effiency. Who cares.. LOL!
Anyhow, i ran a 1000p behind a 2990 once and it rocked! wish i still had it but i had to sell it to get some extra cash for a trip i went on... |
