Choosing an amplifier - What do I look for?

1.Tubes or transistors - Depending on your application. Tubes are usually found on base units, whereas transistors are usually found on mobile units.

2. Tube Nightmare - Like buying a Dentron MLA 2500 / great base amplifier with super steel tubes - the problem is, the tube has not been made in 20+ years, so you can forget replacing if one goes bad. A lot of tubes, like the 6kd6, 6lq6, and so on, have not been made new in years, buyer beware - used tubes will not perform as well as the seller might want you to believe. Also, New Old Stock tubes are A. very hard to prove they are truely new and B. are just that, old stock....old.....watch out for vacuum problems, etc.

3. Transistors: Good for mobiles, will make your neighbors hate you! Transistors "splatter" - they are the worst offender. If you live far in a rural area.....go transistor......easier to buy / cheaper to repair....Always make sure you have a 1.3 or less SWR with transistors......they will not last long. I might always suggest trying to stay away from any used transistors unless you have spare parts and are a good tech, or know one. Most nice amplifiers being sold, were over - driven on poor antenna systems until they stopped working properly by CB operators. If you don't believe me, buy yourself a few nice, but used units.....

4. Best Bets: This is just a personal suggestion......Only buy from LICENSED HAM OPERATORS - They are your best bet on used equiptment. Check the tubes are still made for base amps, and compare price vs output and how long they last. Best bets are steel tubes, such as 3cx1500a7 types, 3-500z's - 572b's and 811a's. The KLV amplifiers have good output, parts you van still obtain, and good quality, and fairly priced tubes. Stay away form any tube amplifier that is no longer made - it is being sold for a reason.

5. We found it at an Estate Sale - BULL! I go to auctions all the time, especially estate sales - I see 50+ estate sale amps on ebay every week.....it just doesn't happen. Check the sellers last few buys and sells - watch for "unable to test" especially if the bought similiar equiptment, or sold equiptment the claim is good......UNABLE TO TEST BECAUSE IT DOESN'T WORK!

6. Watch for scams - low feedback, money order only, etc. Don't get me wrong, I only accept money orders myself - but there are a lot of cons out there. Ask questions, ask if they will use an ESCROW service - ask for their phone number - call them - google their name! You never know what you may learn.

7. Never over - pay.....lots of amplifiers are sold cheapier from online stores NEW than on ebay USED! New with warrenty is always the best bet!

Thank you for rreading my guide - everything expressed here is only 1 mans opinion - don't let me change your mind.....just let me be a thought in your decision process!