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Reviews For: Alpha 87A

Category: Amplifiers: RF Power - HF & HF+6M

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Review Summary For : Alpha 87A
Reviews: 98MSRP: 6500 + shipping
Description:
The Ultimate Linear Amplifier
Product is not in production
More Info: https://www.alpharfsystems.com/
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
00984.8
W4QK Rating: 2012-02-24
Alpha 87a is 15 Years Young Time Owned: more than 12 months.
June of this year (2012) will be my 50th anniversary as a licensed amateur radio operator. Over the years I have had several HF amplifiers, but none of them can equal the Alpha 87a. I purchased my used Alpha 87a in 2009. All the original paper work was with the amp and the original sale date was August 1996. Unfortunately the seller shipped the amp to me without putting the shipping screws in the blower motor, so that had to be replaced right away. I ordered the blower from RF Concepts and performed the blower R&R myself, and gained some good experience about the build quality of the amp. In June 2010 we had a severe lightning storm and lightning came through the power lines. It took out most of my equipment, but the Alpha survived with only one blown fuse. Recently I began having Fault 17 problems on 160 and 10 meters. I performed the bandswitch alignment and it would work for a while, but finally began faulting whenever it was keyed on those two bands. I contacted Molly and shipped the 87a to RF Concepts to have it repaired, and also to upgrade to the AlphaMax firmware. The Fault 17 problem was traced to the input wafer switch, which is buried down deep in the amplifier. A more tedious job than replacing the blower. I suspect the lightning surge may have played a part in that switch problem. The repairs and updates were done in a reasonable time period. The amp now operates flawlessly on all bands. The AlphaMax firmware is excellent and keeps the amp linear with full output on all bands. If you can't afford the new Alpha 9500, get yourself a model 87a. You will be glad you did.
AB4IQ Rating: 2012-01-24
Rock Solid Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I finally decided to bite the bullet and look for a refurbished Alpha 87A from RF Concepts since my old amp decided to quit working. I called Molly and she had one and said the tubes were a little weak but it did look good. To make a long story short they replaced the tubes and I had it in several days. I could not believe the packaging because it was really packed well. When I finally got the amp out of the box I thought it was a new one. It works as good as it looks needless to say. The amp is built like a tank and so far I have been able to work Malpelo (My last one for #1 Honor roll) only 19 times so far. The auto tune function is really slick and this amp should last me a long time until I get a 9500.
KJ4UY Rating: 2012-01-16
Had the Alpha 87A since 1992 and love it. Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I purchased the Alpha 87A in 1992 and will always have it. It has been returned for updates, a couple of lightning strikes, pin diodes, etc., but always returned in great shape. I have also owned the Alpha 374 % Alpha 77, but this one is the best. Service has always been excellent and Molly and Brad really care about their cleints satisfaction.
W0QC Rating: 2012-01-15
Alpha 87A Time Owned: more than 12 months.
WØKH
I bought my 87A new back in 1988 and I have NEVER had a lick of trouble with it. When I want to work a new DX station it's nice to know I will get the contact made.
Thanks Alpha
WB0BBY Rating: 2011-09-28
What a wonderful amp Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have owned my Alpha 87A for over 10 years. In that 10 year period, not one problem. I enjoy phone but RTTY is my preference. I installed the fan kit and the amp just floats along without any problems at "full" output. If anyone is thinking about the purchase of a pre-owned amplifier, don't think twice about this one.
8P6SL Rating: 2011-03-22
Simply Fantastic Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I acquired this amp from a retired ham. This is my first experience with an amp after 23 years of being licensed. The performance of the 87A is unbelievable. It moves effortlessly from band to band and it's output is achieved without any effort. It is used mainly in SSB and the exhaust is always cool even when the ambient temperature is 28-29 degrees Celsius. The Alpha 87A is a powerhouse with grace, flexiblity and speed. It can be described as the athlete amongst HF amplifiers.Was received DOA but was repaired by RF Concepts... more on that in the repair section. Thanks to Molly Hardman and Petar. I have thoroughly enjoyed the Alpha 87A and the out of this world customer service from Molly Hardman and the RF Concepts team. Great product..keep the good work up.
DL8OBF Rating: 2010-12-17
Great Amp and solid performer Time Owned: more than 12 months.
This is a great amp. The automatic features are awesome and it is easy to use. It has lots of "safety features". Why am I giving a "4" instead of a "5":
- A new ACOM2000 is rougly the same price tag but a bit easier to use
- The Tubes in the Alpha87 are expensive (at least compared to a pair of GU74Bs, which is used in most competitor products)
- My particular Amp had some arcing issues on 40m, I had to ship it back to Co and finally found some spare contacts to put in parallel to solve the issue)

So ultimately: If you can get hold of it at a good price then go for it!

Vy 73
Uwe, DL8OBF
W9QNE Rating: 2010-09-16
Wonderfull Amp Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I bought the Alpha 87A April 27, 2009 & it is the best amp I have ever used & my 4th Alpha. I can't wait to try the 9500
KC1SQ Rating: 2010-07-23
Never Disappoints Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I've used my 87A for many years now (bought it new in 2000 or so). I've driven it with a Kenwood TS-850, now an Icom 756ProII & Drake C Twins and a Drake TR4C. Just works, never disappoints.

Best 73's

KC1SQ
SM5HUA Rating: 2010-07-17
Excellent! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Had my Alpha 87a now for a couple of months, its the very last production run and only 2 years old. Works excellent and I have it located in my attic using alpha remote to control it. Easily gives 1500W out with 45-50W drive, a bit higher drive and 2KW carrier measured on my LP-100A. With todays tube prices there's no need to overrun it.

Mine has all the mods done from factory and seems to be nothing but a work horse :) Back in the early 80'ies I had a 374 wich worked equally good. Really like the quality of Alpha, nothing to complain about.

73s de Peter SM5HUA