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Reviews For: EMTRON DX-2sp

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

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Review Summary For : EMTRON DX-2sp
Reviews: 24MSRP: 4,181
Description:
The very special DX-2SP H.F. amplifier stands on its own and has no competition. Produced for the military, the SVETLANA GU-84B tube, with plate dissipation of 2500 watts, when installed in the new EMTRON DX-2SP produces a solid 2000 watts continuous RF output (2500 watts PEP). The tube and a very special high voltage, high current band switch, as well as a 4KVA mains transformer, Distinguishes the DX-2SP model from the DX-2 unit. MSRP does Not include Shipping from Australia which currently runs US$195.00 to nearest airport Or US$289.00 to your door. Optional QSK module (factory installed): US$100.00
Product is in production
More Info: https://www.emtron.com.au/products/dx2sp.php
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
15244.7
RFEXPERT Rating: 2009-09-19
Poor Support Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
I bought my DX2SP second hand in pieces from someone who was waiting for a new blower and controller board. He had been waiting for 6 months.

I assembled it and had further problems. I contacted Rudi who said the best option was a replacement board. I indicated that I would be happy to pay all freight costs by Fedex. I waited almost 8 months for the board and a new blower. The total wait between the original owner and myself was over 14 months!

I got mine working and its a great amp when it works. I dont even want to think about fixing it again since the support is so poor.

The only issue that I have with this AMP is its poor EBS and ALC system which causes leading edge splatter and RF on the audio. This is very apparent when you want to run the amp at less output power. I would suggest not using any ALC and turning the EBS off.

Every Emtron DX2SP that I hear on the air has leading edge splatter problems and sounds like it has RF on the audio. RF activated EBS is a recipe for bad splatter and bringing attention to yourself which nobody wants!

I fixed this splatter problems by installing 3 db attenuators in the grid circuit. I used RFPower Labs attenuators available from Henry Radio. They are quite cheap. I installed 2 X 3db attenuators giving me the ability to reduce drive power by 3 or 6db. I used reed relays from Measures AG6K to do the switching.

The blame for this problem is not entirely Emtrons. Just about all of the Japanese radio models have ALC overshoot problems, especially when you reduce power for low drive amps like the Emtron. Appplying a variable -5 volts to the ALC port on your radio might also help reducing this leading edge splatter problem

I Always run the radio at full 100 watts of output power and use the attenuators to reduce the drive. With no ALC or EBS activated the DX2Sp puts out a perfectly clean signal.

I have measured the suppression of IMD products at 5, 10,15 and 20khz and they are well over 70 db down at 20khz. I no longer send buckshot up the bands like I used to do. My life on the air is a lot easier now that I dont cause problems HI!
At least it does not sound like I am running a class C CB amp!

The only minus for the future of this amplifier is the lack of availability of good tubes. The GU84 is getting as rare as hens teeth. There is no equivalent available from anyone. The new DX2 uses 2 X 4cx1000's which are tubes not really designed for linear SSB service. A better choice would have been 4cx1500B's

If you can get one of these AMPS cheap it would be a great buy. If you looking for something new with good service I would be looking at the OM Power amplifiers. They are of the same or better quality and certainly offer much better product support.

WV4R Rating: 2007-01-13
DX2sp "2001model" Keeps on Ticking! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
DX2sp From 2001 & Keeps on Ticking!

Update #3 from August 2002

A lot of water has passed over the dam since 2001 but my Emtron DX2sp keeps on Ticking. I use my “Beeg Wombat” mostly on 75m & 20m where 25w or less Input still puts Out 1500w P.E.P. unlike some amps requiring you to drive the snot out of your ‘exciter’ to achieve the ‘Legal Limit’. No “IMD” problemos with my station cuz all is running well Below the max! I do like the high quality paint job and great front panel look.

Unlike a lotta hams I work, I turn my Beeg Wombat ON when I sit down at the Main Operating Console & turn it OFF when I git up so ‘3-minute warm up time’ is Not a factor for me.

This Emtron DX2sp is now pushing six years old & is my favorite of Three H.F. amps. I appreciate the very quick-acting LCD wattmeter which Rudi tells me is Peak Reading on voice peaks. Compared to my Mirage MP-1 & Bird Peak-Reading Watt Meters, it is spot-on.

Did I say I still like it’s Good Looks?

Tuning is quite predictable with the veneer tuning… almost set and forget.

I do Not use the provided Outboard 220vac muffin exhaust fan which sounds like a jet airliner taking off. An engineer told me you need a “3X” air volume increase to achieve cooling advantage. I use a remotely located 4-inch 750cfm FanTech fan which is perfectly matched to the required ‘quiet’ cooling for the monster GU-84b tube which is the Russky copy of an Eimac 4CX2500U.

The factory QSK option is still doing it’s thang.

Like other world-class amps, it sounds the same in Standby or Full Power modes… only the terrific signal reports give it away. Like other high dollar amps, it looks like the real deal Inside as well.

I hear the new DX2sp has a beeger cabinet and a beeger exhaust but I like my ole ‘compact’ unit.

Design, Reliability, Readability, inexpensive single tube replacement cost, did I say good looks? Continue to earn my DX2sp the WV4R ‘FIVE STAR’ rating. 73 es God bless, murf/wv4r.
VK3PA Rating: 2005-11-18
DX-2sp Great amp Time Owned: more than 12 months.
DX-2sp now over 12 months and still de best amp I have ever owned,(sb220,sb200,fl2100b,MLA2500,h/b 4-1000) use mainly 80/75m ssb/cw..now up to 220 DXCC comfirmed/262 wked in 3 years.. speaks for its self tu Rudy
K9XK Rating: 2005-03-25
Check it Out Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I was one of those people that didn't even know this company existed until a friend came across this amp. I bought mine used, and although it is not very old, I am pretty sure that this unit was well-tested by the previous owner. That's okay - the price was right.

I think the metering is great because you can see all parameters at once. Some amps that are less sophisticated make you switch between functions and that just means extra tune-up time.

That said, I am not crazy about LEDs, in spite of their cool-factor, because the resolution is not great. I am not knocking this amp, though, because LEDs are the only way to display all of this info at a reasonable price with high reliability.

The step-start circuit works great, and the amp is built with LOTS of overhead in the key areas:

1) it loafs along at full legal power with about 30w drive. It will easily do 2500W into a dummy load.

2) it has cooling power to spare, if you have one of the more recent ones with a muffin fan on top. All that cooling comes at a price, though - this is not a whisper-quiet amp, like the L-7 I used to have was. I replaced that with the IC-PW1 and that is sort of loud, I thought, until I got the Emtron. In any case, fans make noise, and you need fans, so just wear headphones and forget about it. (And keep your mike gain down while you're at it.)

3) there is a lot of circuitry to babysit you and make sure that no matter what you do, you won't blow up the amp. I would be hard-pressed to think of a way to destroy this thing other than to have it slightly mis-tuned and run it that way every day for 20 years. And even then you will probably just have to spring for a new tube, which is quite inexpensive. I have seen new ones for 150 bucks.

Geography is an issue for purchasers of an Emtron unit, and hopefully they can get some U.S. distribution. That said, I have had a question or two and Rudi was quick with an answer.
IK3ERN Rating: 2005-02-01
Warranty and assistance Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Two years ago on counsel of a amateur radio friend has acquired an Emtron amplifier
DX-2sp by internet from Emona Electronic.
Once open the package has noticed the handle grip " Load " are broken . In any manner
it I have systematized.
I have written and phoned to Rudy but the handle grip in substitution has not ever
arrived.
A five months ago the grid of the tube GU 54b has gone in loss.
Sincerely I have always worked at 70 % of the potentiality of the tube and not for many
weekly hours.
I have asked to Rudy where it was the center assistance in europa or Italy, no precise
answer an only email with a reference in Slovenia country, has asked him explanations
by email like substitute the tube....... no answer !!!!!!!!.
I in these last six months have done a many ..ten of fax and of email .
For answare have receiver two email , with nothing specific explanations .
I have known Italians amateur radio that have had the same treatment .
He is not proper and correct this behavior.

73 de IK3ERN Mauro Zanco
W4VOL Rating: 2004-11-04
Superb Amplifier Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
The Emtron DX2sp is a superb amplifier. Absolutely no distortion at full output. Key down 1500W out continuous. Excellent craftsmanship in every respect. When I call CQ I always get an answer, even though antenna is a random wire only up about 20 feet in the trees. (N4XM XMatch Antenna Tuner) Excellent customer service from Rudi et al. Shipped on time when promised. Arrived in perfect condition. I have a Bose Wave Radio sitting on top of the amp and there is no interference to the Bose Wave Radio on any frequency even at full output from the Emtron. No intereference to 500-watt per channel stereo upstairs either. One setting of Tune and Load is all that is needed for any band. No RFI or TVI whatsoever with this amp, as contrasted to another amp I had with the number 1500 in it! This amp runs cool and quiet and is solid as a rock. I highly recommend Rudi and Emtron. I definitely would do business with them again.
KB4QLZ Rating: 2004-08-25
Nice..... Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Nice quality construction. Makes A LOT of power with very little drive. Runs very quite. Easy to tune. The manual is very well written.

Mark - KB4QLZ
www.kb4qlz.com
AB4RY Rating: 2003-11-25
Cooler heads prevail Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
I was disapointed in my dx-2sp arriving damaged and the frustrations of waiting two months for a new cabinet and face plate.

However, the service from Emtron North America ie. Vince was excellent5++. I have always rated the amp a 5. After running it for nearly 5 months I would rate it a 5+++. It reallly is an excellent amp that is simple to operate , clean , and excellently designed and constructed by Rudi .
Harris Leck Rating: 2003-09-20
Killer amp! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
This is a very solid high power amp. Think of it as an M1A2 tank or a Landcruiser®. It has great QSK when mated with a FT-1000MP. For VK users, 7.5-8 watts drive will give 400 out as measured on a Bird 43 wattmeter. More drive will give 1500 watts out, I have got about 2000 out into a dummy load.
The amp is heavy and Rudy is now shipping the transformer in a separate wooden box. This should solve the shipping problems reported in the past. My experience with after sales service has been good. Rudy is running a small business where items like front panels and covers are sub-contracted out. When he orders them he does so in a batch depending on orders. This is not like McDonalds where you get your meal in 30 seconds. For a piece of precision engineering I am willing to wait a bit.
The DX2sp has evolved from the first models. The first model is shown on the website, it has cooling slots over the tube. This approach led to overheating as the tube requires substantial air flow to keep cool. The current model has a full hole in the cabinet with a standard muffin fan style grill. This version runs cool and the auxiliary muffin fan (included) is not needed unless you are running RTTY or similar at 1500 watts output. It is now in a DX3 size cabinet.


KB2PIE Rating: 2003-06-12
the best amplifier I ever had...!!! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I solved my biggers problem and that is my neighbors. Since I have this amplifier they stop knoking my door. I can use it all day long and I have no problems with anyone. This is one of the best things that happens to me. Now I do not have to move from here. This amplifier is very quiet and very good QSK. I do not have to tune it I just have to look at the factory running chart and it works perfect.It is perfect desinged, quality materials and it works like a commercial amplifier. It is worth every cent I spent. I just want to thanks Rudy for his excelent work.
Turan 73,s