| Author |
Message |
    
Bassbug
Member
Username: Bassbug
Post Number: 58
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Friday, September 30, 2005 - 11:13 pm: | 
|
I have a chance to buy a Heathkit SB-220 that is in good shape for $700.00 What do the tech's think about the amplifier? Thanks. |
Patzerozero
Senior Member
Username: Patzerozero
Post Number: 1569
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, October 01, 2005 - 5:09 pm: |
|
it's quite old-unless it's been gone over recently, caps make a mess when they pop & transformers really smell up the shack when they smoke, it's going to need a keying circuit unless you're using it with a real HF rig, modded to 11 if that's where you plan on using it-or just lowered output & tuned to freq you plan on using it from 10 meters, what tubes has it been replaced with & how good are they will affect final output.
have seen them on e-auctions in various condition ranging from $200-$1000, what it's worth depends on how bad you want it & what other options are out there. i wouldn't pay that price unless i got it from a ham store with a warranty, i wouldn't buy it from an e-auction-around $700 will get you a BRAND NEW transistor 2 x 4 amp that'll plug right into the wall & key about 300-400 watts & swing 1200 watts, it is warranteed-to work at least, is easily repairable, currently made & has pretty good customer service/product support. |
Heavyweight
Junior Member
Username: Heavyweight
Post Number: 36
Registered: 11-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, October 06, 2005 - 4:11 pm: |
|
you will be hard pressed to fine a GOOD sb220 for any less.But if you really want a big tube amp there is a dentron 2500 on an internet auction site. Buy that one and change out the tubes for ceramic tubes($300.00 and up) helloo 5000+ watts!I have a friend that has one with those tubes in it he peges the neddle on my 5000 watt metter.Goes but tripple nickel(slingblade to the locals) on channel 23.Give him a shout sometime after 6 if you want to hear that big ole dentron! |
Slowhand
Member
Username: Slowhand
Post Number: 91
Registered: 7-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, October 06, 2005 - 6:00 pm: |
|
$700 for a SB220 is about average in my area.
I'd buy it in a minute,if you can test drive it. Wouldn't hurt to take it to your local tech for a checkup. Make sure he's familiar with big tube amps. You'd be surprised how many aren't. Most people use a foot pedal to key the amp. One more thing, I repair a lot of tube amps. I've been doing it since the 70's. A common thing I hear again and again is that transistor amps cause problems with the neighbors. This includes about any brand. I have noticed that transistor amps with a lower supply voltage aren't as bad, BUT, they won't produce the big watts. (By lower I mean 14vdc) Switching to a tube amp reduces or eliminates the problem in a lot of cases. Not trying to start a tube versus transistor war, just something to consider when you have close neighbors and want to "upgrade" |
Wayne
Junior Member
Username: Wayne
Post Number: 39
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, October 13, 2005 - 1:25 pm: |
|
I have a SB220 and been offerd $2,500.00 But this baby is in mint condition just like new never been touched. You can say its still in the box,bought in 1977,and never been unpacked. KIT!!! |
Chad
Intermediate Member
Username: Chad
Post Number: 492
Registered: 11-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, October 13, 2005 - 3:57 pm: |
|
Take the $2500, unless it has sedimental value. There are too many out there for it to become a worthy high dollar collectable soon, and, there are better amps out there for less money.
(read) Toy money!
Chad |
