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write your own review of the QRO HF 2000.
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K0CWO
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Rating: 5/5
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Feb 2, 2010 07:34
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Quiet legal limit amplifier
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I replaced my QRO HF-2500 with the HF-2000. Although the HF-2500 was a great amplifier, I prefer tuning a triode over a tetrode amplifier. Compared to the 2500 you can hardly hear the muffin fan in the 2000. With 60 watts of drive I get 1KW SSB PEP out on all bands. 100 watts of drive will yield legal limit. I like the 3-500 tube for ruggedness, availability, and affordability. I contemplated on buying an Ameritron AL-82, but like my AL-1500 the fan in the AL-82 is quite a bit nosier than the HF-2000. Although the HF-2500 loafed at 1500 watts output, the HF-2000 loafs at 1000 watts SSB output all day. It does so in a very quiet and easy tuning manner and I have rarely seen an advantage of running 1KW over 1.5KW. Another great feature is that the HF-2000 has a tuned input for 17 and 12 meters as well as the relative power output and ALC metering functions as part of the multi meter circuitry. I have owned 8 amplifiers so far and I really have no particular dislike for any of them. For my current operating habits the HF-2000 is a favorite.
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NA1A
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Rating: 5/5
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Dec 22, 2009 22:41
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Outstanding Amplifier
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I've had several different amps through the years including some really fine ones like the ALPHA OMEGA, ALPHA 77DX, HENRY 2K, 3K, etc...
This one stacks right up there with the BIG BOYS. Tuning is silky smooth with brute and stable power out. No power supply hum (I hate amps with humming PS when key up). Fan is super quiet. I get 1500W with just about 95-100W drive on all the bands. Amp comes standard with QSK vacuum relay, step-start in-rush current limiter. Amp doesn't arch like most other 3-500Z amp upon tuning up. The silky smooth veneer dials are so accurate that once you have figured out all your tune and load settings, next time you go back to that band, all you have to do is set the knobs to the pre-determined position and you're good to go. No fine tunings needed. The only complain I have is eventhough it has QSK vacuum relay, it is still a little loud. May be it should be mounted with rubber or silicone insulator to dampen the noise.
Overall, for an amp running a pair of 3-500Z, this got to be the best. It stacks right up there with the big Henrys.
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W8NET
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Rating: 5/5
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Nov 23, 2009 15:35
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ROCK Solid
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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I have had my QRO HF-2000 for about 4 months. I purchased it from a local ham who had to sell. When I received it, it had several problems - which were easily identifiable and fixed.
Thu unit I purchased did NOT have cooling anode connectors, just loops to connect the parasitics to the tubes. As a result, the previous owner overheated one of the tubes to the point of cracking the glass. The metal anode connector was blue from the heat. I am told certain earlier models may have been shipped without the cooling connectors. However, this is a unit that has the QSK module built in, which was only done in more recent models. Not sure why they were missing.
So, after getting a new set of tubes, anode cooling connectors and replacing a few other minor components, I took a very close look at the total design: The band switch is so heavy duty it nearly takes two hands to turn. The Hypersil transformer would easily power 4 tubes. All other components are equally heavy duty - EXCEPT for a few of the metering components. Not a big deal, and easily replceable if necessary. I changed the resistance on the fan to produce a slightly higher air volume. The fan is still not too noisy, and I feel better about keeing the tubes cooler.
Also, I replaced the standard 3A HV diodes with 5A while I had the amp open. Likely not needed, but what the heck, I had the diodes.
Ray at QRO has been especially supportive. I had a few questions, and he answered them promptly. I also wanted a couple replacement knobs (the originals had a few very minor scratches), and he provided them at quite a reasonable price.
This is without question the best engineered 3-500Z-based amp I have ever seen. While rumor has it that Ray is *occasionally* manufacturing these amps, the QRO website says they are not currently in production.
If you can find one, BUY IT. Overpay for it if you have to.
RAY, RAISE THE PRICE AND KEEP SELLING THESE FINE AMPS!
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KK5O
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Rating: 5/5
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Apr 26, 2008 09:46
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wish he still made them
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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i have had a lot of amps but this is the one i have kept. its powerful, quiet, and works like it should. the power supply never moans at you. you cant have mine but if you find one for sale you better get it! or i will . wish i could buy a new one
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KG5I
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Rating: 5/5
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Mar 13, 2007 02:24
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Still Going Strong!
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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Happy QRO amp owner for a year now. Can't say enough nice things about it. I love that built-in QSK. Tuning/loading is smooth and effortless. Plus it looks great on my desk. I don't use ALC but considering it next time I slide it out. I run mine with at FT-1000 Mk V. These amps are hard to find. I think I've seen two for sale in the past year. For the price, you can't beat this amp. Get one and you will see.
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AD3G
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Rating: 5/5
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Mar 9, 2007 10:37
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Best amp I've ever owned so far
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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Without out a doubt the best amplifiers I have owned to date,and I've had a lot!! Far better build than any other manufacturer,beefier components,excellent design. Whisper quiet,tune by the numbers.
I chanced into a used one and snatched it right up because I had heard stories as to how good the QRO amps really are,and all the stories I have heard are true.
If you can find a used one,buy it,as they are not seen for sale very often,and for good reason.If you can't find a used one, buy a new one,you will not be sorry.
I am so impressed with the HF2000 I will be placing my order for an HF2500DX and keeping the HF2000 for a back-up.
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W8LO
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Rating: 5/5
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Nov 8, 2005 18:09
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Great Amp
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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Dollar for Dollar and Watt for Watt, you cannot beat this Amp. Very quiet with excellent quality of workmanship.
Ray is a good guy to work with.
Highly recommend the HF2000 for those DX'ers who "don't want to wait in line!"
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KF3EG
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Rating: 5/5
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Apr 19, 2005 19:15
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work horse
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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built like a brick *&&^^% house, if it was olive drab it would be a A1A tank.
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WA6BOB
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Rating: 5/5
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Sep 22, 2002 16:10
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High reliability and quality
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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This amplifier was purchased with the intent of QSK and 160 meter operation. It has served quite well in a contesting atmosphere. I highly recomment it.
I didn't want to convert my Collins 30S-1 amplifier as it has been loafing in the RTTY mode for over thirty years and is still a strong work horse.
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AB2EZ
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Rating: 5/5
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Feb 2, 2002 16:59
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Very Satisfied
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I've had an HF 1000 (the 1 tube version of the 2000) for four years... and I'm very pleased with it. Ray and HRO are a pleasure to do business with, and very responsive to questions/problems. I have had a few minor problems, over the four year period, with cold solder joints... but these were fairly easy to track down and fix.
The amp puts out between 800 and 1000 watts on 80-20 meters, and a little less on 10-15 meters. I haven't tried 160 meters.
It is very easy to tune "by the numbers". I use it on CW, SSB, and also on AM with ~150-200 watts of carrier.
Keep in mind that the power level metering is not very accurate... and is useful more as a relative power measurement, for peaking the output power. I use the meter on my antenna tuner to peak the power output. The plate current metering on my rig is also not very accurate... because it uses a very low value series resistor consisting of a short trace on a printed circuit board... and, on my amp, the value is too low. Maybe one of these days I'll try to add some resistance.
I would definitely buy another QRO amplifier
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