| K5RR |
Rating:      |
2014-10-27 | |
| Outstanding amplifier |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
| I used the Acom 1500 this weekend in the CQWW SSB Contest, the first time I've used it in a contest. It did an outstanding job. I was especially impressed with its ability to operate into SWRs up to 2:1, albeit at reduced power, and its instant shutdown when I inadvertently had the wrong band's antenna connected. I also like the extensive metering available. This amplifier just silently goes about doing what it's supposed to do. |
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| KE4KY |
Rating:      |
2014-09-01 | |
| Very, Very Pleased! |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
After much research and deliberation, I recently purchased an Acom 1500 HF/6m amplifier. I own a collector quality Drake L4B, but was interested in something with all the modern features, including 160m & 6m. The Drake will remain, but now relegated to only casual use from here on out.
Prior to my purchase, I found myself continually comparing features of other manufacturers to the Acom brand. I always came back to Acom due to their known quality and reputation. With several of my friends also owning Acom amps, the best review of a manufacturer or product comes from those folks that can provide you honest and personal testimony about the product you wish to purchase.
My first choice of vendor...Array Solutions! Prior to the purchase, Bob at Array Solutions answered all of my questions regarding the shipping, set-up, & operation of the unit. Having someone take the time to answer my many questions prior to such a major purchase was quite reassuring.
When purchasing from Array Solutions, the techs inspect all aspects of the amplifier & give it a test run prior to shipping. After being repackaged, it is then placed into an additional carton for extra protection during S/H. When opened, it truly was plug-n-play!
As stated, the TRI tuning aid assists the operator in performing quick adjustments while tuning, and is reassuring the op that all settings are just right. The manual is straightforward and explains the amplifier adequately. The assorted menu items of the amplifier are easy to learn and easy to navigate.
I have only used the amplifier for a handful of contacts at this point, but I am certainly looking forward to the upcoming contest season, as well as utilizing the amplifier for some needed DXpeditions looming on the horizon. (Can you say "Heard Island?")
So many reviews of amplifiers speak of fan noise, relay noise, etc.. I found no distracting qualities in this regard.
I am very happy with my decision regarding the Acom 1500, and doubly pleased with the way that Array Solutions handled my purchase.
I will revisit my review in a couple of months and follow up with additional observations.
See in the next pile-up!
Glenn KE4KY
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| GM6TVR |
Rating:      |
2014-08-26 | |
| As good as it gets! |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
Recently sold my thirteen and a half years old 2000A and purchased the new 1500 in order to get back into some 6mtrs d/x, my 2000A was sent off to a very well known and respected service engineer in the UK who tested it and gave it a 100% clean bill of health including the original tubes prior to it being sent on to it's new owner.
Tests showed that it was producing full spec or even better.
Have now used my new 1500 on HF and 6mtrs and found it a delight to use, printed out the settings for each band and band changes are carries out in seconds.
Also used the 1500 on RTTY and it performs brilliantly.
Missed my 2000A so much that I bought a brand new one, it has the new style RCU and I just love it.
Definitely quality products from Acom, I can vouch for that.
BTW: I have tried most of the well known quality amps over the years, none of which came close to the Acom kit, although my TL922 came and went without a hitch. |
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| KY6R |
Rating:      |
2014-08-22 | |
| Amazing |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
This is the best amplifier I have ever owned, and from a superb company - Array Solutions that has a fantastic team (Jay, Bob and David).
The pre-sales, QC and packaging and delivery time was above and beyond anything I have seen - as was Bob's help with technical support - where he answered all of my technical questions.
Oh yeah - back to the amp. It is silent and the TRI tuning makes it so effortless that I see absolutely no need for an automatic amplifier. You couldn't make manual tuning any better - foolproof and lightning fast.
I'm a repeat offender with Array Solutions - I have their Stackmatch II switches, K9AY Array and Rat Pack, and everything they have designed, serviced and sell are top flight, top notch, and supported by the nicest guys you could hope to do business with.
I've saved the best part for last - as a DX-er, I seek out vendors who sponsor DX-peditions, and these guys are tops in that category.
I will write another review in a year - but right now - I sure am a happy camper. |
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| K7ERQ |
Rating:      |
2014-03-25 | |
| OUTSTANDING |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
| ACOM has "Hit the ball out of the park" with the A1500. QSK is excellent. Quiet! EZ to Operate! EZ to jump around all bands and KWIK tune! Produces excellent ssb and cw signals. |
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| OH6NVC |
Rating:      |
2014-02-26 | |
| Best amplifier I ever owned |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
I sold my antenna tuner when I bought Acom 1500 amplifier. This is quieter than my PC. :)
Full legal limit 160-10mb.
Mika oh6nvc |
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| N9JG |
Rating:      |
2014-01-21 | |
| Acom quality & Array Soloutions support |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
My previous amp was an Acom 1000 (I was the 3rd owner), which I had used since 2007. I was very happy with the Acom 1000, but I had to replace the GU74B with another NOS tube after the orginal tube went "soft". The Acom 1500 uses the 4CX1000, and I am hoping that this type of tube will have a longer life than the GU74B, when operated at similar power levels. Note that changing the final on the Acom 1000 is reasonably simple, and I was able to carry out the task by myself. Final replacement on the 1500 should also be easy.
The addition of three antenna outputs and an easy method of antenna selection is a nice feature of the new amp. The output display is quite bright, and it has 4 levels of brightness. Although my operating position is well illuminated, I have set the display to the lowest brightness level.
Both the Acom 1000 and 1500 are outstanding amps in terms of workmanship and component quality. Array Solutions has always given me quick and knowledgeable support when needed. |
|
| M0TTB |
Rating:      |
2013-08-08 | |
| Typical Acom, solid performance & build |
Time Owned: 6 to 12 months. |
I've been using the 1500 since last November, having the 1000 as a back-up, although I have now sold the latter. Typical solid and easy performer from Acom, the new display is extremely visible and made more of a difference than I imagined before purchasing.
I do find my 1500 noisier than the 1000, but it does shift more air, and there will be sample variation, so my one may just be a noisy example.
Tuning does seem a touch more finicky than the 1000.
The plastic control knobs and buttons still seem a bit cheap for the product, but they do their job. However, the actual finish of the amp is more attractive than the 1000.
Performance, no thrills and spills, it just does it's job day in and day out... and who could ask for more from an amp? |
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| N1HOQ |
Rating:      |
2013-07-01 | |
| Very nice modern amplifier. |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
I bought the Acom 1500 to replace an Ameritron ALS-600 and a Ten-Tec Centurion. The Ten-Tec had near legal power, the Ameritron had no tune fast band switching. Neither had 6 meters. I like to operate 160 through 6 meters, including digital high duty cycle modes (JT65 - FSK441 etc). The other two amps require significant power reduction to operate high duty cycle. The Acom 1500 solved those lacking qualities. It runs great on 6m WSJT at 1KW. I've not pushed it further to spec 1.2KW on digi modes. The amplifier runs as advertised on all bands. The cabinet is handsome although spartan, the display is easy to read and has all the data available with a metered amp and much more. The plastic knobs are capable but hardly high end, though the controls are definitely robust, including the band switch. Watch the videos for tuning the 1500 or the Acom 1000. It really is just that easy. I have found the front controls to be very repeatable in setting with only the slightest touch up perhaps needed when switching from band to band. The amp is as quiet as reported to be. At low speed, the fan noise is barely more than my IC-756 ProIII at low speed. In SSB mode the fan has not come off low speed at all, so far, even at high PEP power. Using the digi modes with anything over 500 W will trigger the fan speed to increase as the tube exhaust temperature nears 200 deg F. It does however ramp back down rather quickly between sequences. It is not a nuisance when operating digital in any case. Yes the relay is very quiet also, even in QSK mode - nice! On - air reports have been very nice, clean sounding and big signals. My station consists of an Icom ProIII with the W2IHY combo and a Heil Heritage with PR-20 element. Antennas are 5 el M2 at 72 ft.,Force 12 C31XR at 62 ft., inv. vee for 40m, and a 160m vee fed w/open wire line. My tuner is a Pal-Star AT-AUTO and its only needed on 80 and 160m and works beautifully with the Acom. In summary, the ACOM 1500 gives me what I wanted: Quick tuning and band changes, legal limit SSB and at least 1KW on digital, and full output on 6 meters. The 1500 also uses the 4CX-1000A tube which is readily available and in production. I had considered other amps, including SS amps, but none could match the features and capability of the ACOM, at least not for less than twice the price! Many had pretty weak warranties, others selling 1 and two year extensions for big bucks. The Acom warranty - 2 years on the amp, 1 year on the tube. Look at 6m only amps with 1500 w output. Close to $3,000.00 for the single band! Although not cheap, it does seem to be a great value for what it does. Bob at Array Solutions answered all my questions prior to ordering, and gave a very close estimate of shipping date ( they sold all stock on hand at Dayton!) After one week of use, it is a pleasure to operate and I anticipate it will have a place in the shack for many years. Tough to beat at $4,750 delivered to your door and ready to go to work. Thanks Bob and Array Solutions.
Shawn - N1HOQ. |
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| WP4O |
Rating:      |
2013-03-11 | |
| Superb |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
| Fantastic AMP! |
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