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[W8JX]

Cost of SS amps needs to come down and reliability up. Dollar for dollar you can buy far more power with tube amps today than SS and that keeps them alive.

[KG4NEL]

This is what I've been thinking...the medium-power market for anything other than 811As seems to be getting displaced by SS.

I would not say that. The 811 is the entry/poor mans amp. Medium power would be 572 amps and single 3-500z amps. I do not see 3-500z's going away or getting pricy for many years yet.

Other than the Ameritron offering, what else is out there for a single 3-500Z amp? I agree that I'd put more faith in 3-500Zs remaining stable for many more years, but it's tough to find amps out there that use a single one on 120VAC.

If I knew of more, I'd definitely look into it

[AE3T]

I have a spare pair of 3CPX800a's (pulls) tested and working fine. These are for my Lunar Link 2M amp that I may never need. I have been thinking of selling them for $325. each, but would regret it if they are ever needed. If someone is interested, I will consider selling. Contact me off list.

[WB4M]

Depressing thread... my Amp Supply LK800-NT uses 3 of those babies.   I could buy another amp for the cost of replacing 3 tubes.   

[W8JX]

Not sure why you need 3 unless you are running a lot more than legal limit.

[K1SYN]

I have a pair of Eimac 15E NOS. Any idea as to the value?

[W1VT]

A 15E is a 20W UHF tube--not likely to be much value--unless someone needs it to repair a piece of equipment.

Zack W1VT

[N0SQ]

Solid state may be taking over but I'm reluctant to buy another SS amplifier because of the problems I had with an ALS600 several years ago. I kept destroying the transisters not matter how careful I was. And let's not forget how expensive SS amplifiers are compared to tube amplifiers at the same power level.

[W2NFL]

Current call K8MJM

I recently purchased a Collins 30L-1 rebuilt for $500.00 with good tubes and an extra set for $150.00. Reliable 500 watts and cheap to retube.
Just bought a Collins 30S-1 in great shape for $1,000.00 - puts out 1000 watts everyday and a spare 4CX1000A for $150.00

$1800.00 total.

ALS600 street price about $1400.00.



I can fix them both if they go down.

Could buy another extra set of tubes for both  and be good a long time!

Tubes for me all the way !!!

[KM1H]

The 3CX800A7 is no longer a standard Eimac production tube and the 3CPX800A7 is the regularly available version and is available from 3 countries.

I remember buying 3-500Z tubes in the late 60's for $35 each.  These were the ones with the graphite plates.  Today they cost $190 each.

My 64 GTO convertible with 389 tripower, 4 speed and Posi cost a hair under $2500.

In 69 a SS 396 Chevelle 2 dr set me back $2650.

My new Ford Focus SE was $17,940

[WA4JQS]

Well i still have an 89 it is with Glenn right now. one of the best amps i have owned in 55 years of hamming . i  got looking around the shack after reading this thinking i had bought some spare parts with i got the amp..  found 8 new pin diodes for it and a new pair for   tubes...

glad it thought ahead back then!

73 Tony WA4JQS

[KK4YDR]

I could sell my AL-800H and then sell my tubes separately and get way more money than I would get for the amp with the tubes in one deal. Temping, very much so.

[KM1H]

Not sure why you need 3 unless you are running a lot more than legal limit.

Not true for most owners.

With 100W and the stock internal power transformer about 1800W is the max.
With the HD external iron about 2400W is the max but it sure makes a nice heavy duty contest or AM amp. At 1500W the CW/SSB grid current can be 15-25 ma total for all 3 tubes with full output.

[WA8UEG]

This is what I've been thinking...the medium-power market for anything other than 811As seems to be getting displaced by SS.

I would not say that. The 811 is the entry/poor mans amp. Medium power would be 572 amps and single 3-500z amps. I do not see 3-500z's going away or getting pricy for many years yet.

I agree, I had a difficult time going to a AL-1200 for that exact reason but I got an older, original owner, mint 1200 with the Peter Dahl transformer for a price I couldn't refuse. It does loaf at legal limit with minimum (around 45 watts) drive so hopefully it outlasts me cause they are pricey!!!! I have had 2 3-500Z's in my Swan MKII for more years than I care to admit and there still putting out full output with around 120 watts of drive.

[W1QJ]

The 3CX800A7 is no longer a standard Eimac production tube and the 3CPX800A7 is the regularly available version and is available from 3 countries.

Can you provide links to those 3 countries' ads for selling 3CPX800 tubes?  I do not see any ads for "P" type tubes.  Thanks