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Reviews For: Alpha 99

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

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Review Summary For : Alpha 99
Reviews: 79MSRP: 3850 + shipping
Description:
The Ultimate Value in a linear amplifier - Made in USA
Product is not in production
More Info: http://www.rkrdesignsllc.com
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
00794.9
N3US Rating: 2012-01-26
Awesome and Reliable Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have owned my Alpha 99 since 2004 and it has been a dependable and easy to tune-up Amp. I typically only drive it with 35 watts for 1500 watts output. When I occasionally make a mistake such not properly changing the band switch, the fault protection kicks in to protect the GU-74Bs. Over the years, I have been extremely pleased with the world class customer service provided by Molly and Glenn. My next Amp will be an Alpha 8410 because I find Alpha Amps starting with my Alpha 76A purchased in 1978 to be the best HF amps available.
W4WFB Rating: 2012-01-18
Great Amplifier Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have two Alpha 99s. The Alpha 99 is a dependable workhorse that never gives trouble. That is why I have two. If you can find one at the right price, buy it. You will be glad you did.

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Earlier 5-star review posted by W4WFB on 2005-03-09

I bought this amp from another ham in like new condition about a month ago. I put it through the paces on all bands at 1500 watts, and it hasn't missed a beat! This amp is three years old and still in warranty. Fifty watts drives this linear to 1500 watts peak without breaking a sweat.
I noticed that Alpha Power has eliminated the fan switch on the back, and they have also done away with the clapper circuit. They told me the fan switch was eliminated because they think the fan on the rear should run all the time just as the internal fan does.
I am not sure why they eliminated the clapper circuit, but the clapper circuit appears to shunt RF to ground during a fault condition. However, there are other protection circuits that won't let you abuse the amplifier. Maybe they thought the clapper circuit was redundant.
I would buy this amplifier again in a heartbeat! It is the best amplifier I have owned, and I highly recommend it. Roy Morris W4WFB
AB3CX Rating: 2012-01-17
Fine Equipment Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have owned my Alpha 99 for about 4 years, I am the second owner. All it does is work reliably and faultlessly day after day. No trouble from it ever. Higly recommended, I don't know much about the newer models, but this one really kicks.
KK5H Rating: 2012-01-15
What a Horse! Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
I got mine used from the certified used sales at Alpha. Molly made me a deal that I just could not refuse! Love working with these folks and they are super nice in person. This amp has performed beautifully, doing SSTV without even breathing deeply.
KR6G Rating: 2012-01-15
Out standing Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Over 50 years in ham radio, this is by far the best amplifier I have ever used. No matter how many dumb things I try to do to it, it faults and saves me, time after time. You really need to have a Alpha to complete your ham radio experience
K5BG Rating: 2011-12-08
If You Don't Have An Alpha Get One! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Licensed since 1972. Amps owned include Yaesu FL2100B, Heathkit SB200, 220 and 1000,
Ameritron AL80A, AL80B, AL1200 and a few others along the way.
I switched to Alpha with a 78 a few years ago and now have a 99 which will turn into an 8410 in the near future.
Simply said, the Alphas do their job whether RTTY, CW or phone contesting, rag chewing etc. Count on your Alpha to loaf along while delivering legal limit day in and day out. Another positive is you don't even realize it is on because it's so quiet.
It is an integral part of the shack.
The ONLY amp to own when you want the best.
W0DC Rating: 2011-03-02
Step Up to an Alpha! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
The 99 is a solid amplifier that will serve you well for many years. Don't believe the talk about replacement GU74b's being tough to find. There are many Internet vendors selling good tubes, and if you want zero risk, buy a matched pair from RF Concepts (Alpha).

After many years in the ham radio game, I've learned that Alpha amplifiers are an investment, and a good one at that!

73,

John W0DC
PY1BR Rating: 2011-03-02
A Rolls Royce Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I am still VERY happy with my Alpha 99. It's a marvellous product. I cannot live without. It's like a Rolls Royce....Thanks to Alpha that keeps going fine because they shipped more amplifiers in January than anytime in the history of Alpha!
W9WF Rating: 2011-01-28
Great AMP! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have one of the first Alpha 99's made 10 years ago. It's like a Corvette: Performs flawlessly, fun to operate, and one of the only pieces of radio equipment that holds value. Thanks ALPHA! Gary W9WF
W5IF Rating: 2011-01-21
Great Investment Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I was first licensed in 1972 and still remember the quality and reputation of the first ALPHA Amps. Well folks they have only gotten better with age! This is an example of what an American company can be and should be. I have owned an Alpha 99 since they were first put into production and have found it to be a solid performer. It will produce the legal limit with very little drive, it is quiet and produces a very clean signal. While not currently in production, they are a great amp and should the opportunity arise, buy one. Just call Molly at Alpha, she is great!