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Reviews For: Alpha 77Sx

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

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Review Summary For : Alpha 77Sx
Reviews: 19MSRP: 6,500.00
Description:
"Two-hole" (2 X 8877) version of the 77 DX HF Amplifier with QSK
Product is not in production
More Info: http://www.rkrdesignsllc.com
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
00194.8
K7JI Rating: 2011-02-23
AN AMAZING, ELEGANT DESIGN Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Just received a beautiful 77SX converted by Dick Byrd from the single tube 77DX model. As others have noted in previous reviews, the one main complaint some mention is that the HV drops like a rock under load. The transformer also has a bit of a hum that can be heard even when the amp is on but not keyed. I understand from people who know more about these amps than I do that the new Dahl replacement transformers are even louder! Even with these issues in the power supply, there is no denying that a 4,000 watt desktop amp with sturdy construction and an elegant design is a very good thing. And nlike my Acom 2000A, if I drive it with 80 or 90 watts by mistake it never faults - it never even blinks!  A friend of mine who runs Henry amps dug up an old 1982 AES catalog and saw the Alpha 77 listed. He pointed out that almost none of the other products in that catalog that were new in 1982 have even come close to appreciating in value. The strength of the design and quality of construction of this amp has certainly stood the test of time. I am thrilled to finally own one!  

I made a video of the amp being delivered, unpacked, inspected and keyed up for the first time. Just do a search on YouTube for "Alpha 77SX" and it will come right up. If you have the opportunity to purchase one of these amps, DO IT!
KA1XO Rating: 2010-01-31
MILSPEC Time Owned: more than 12 months.
A qualified success, however. There are design issues with the tank. Having two 8877's just makes the impedance mismatch farther apart. But there are fixes.. Then they sing.. This amplifier is perhaps the finest amateur product in history. And if you're adventurous, they can be easily supercharged. Most were..... I had one that was dropped from thirty thousand feet and bounced the wrong way. It took years to fix. But I had a new one when ETO let OS hams buy 'em new.

They could be duplicated in style and function but not in appearance, alas. The suppliers who were the sources for the parts are mostly all out of business or doing something completely different...
DL1EJA Rating: 2010-01-31
Life is to short for QRP Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
I bought this amplifier 2nd hand. It was broken, but could be fixed easyly with original Alpha spareparts. It works quite nice on all bands exept 12m. On 160m the rf choke is a little to small, and gets warm.
In modern Amplifiers it's usually split in 2 chokes ( one for 10-40m /one additinal for 80-160m)
K2BK Rating: 2009-03-22
The very best piece of radio gear I own. Time Owned: more than 12 months.
My 77SX was a factory new 77SX, not a converted DX. I bought one of the very last ones made, and it still has the red "Export only" label on the back. I have owned it for ~24 years.

I had it shipped to a friend in Canada, and brought it back through Niagara Falls customs - an 12 hour nightmare in customs - they had to clear the import with the FCC.

I have never had a tiny problem with it, and the QSK is faster than any keyer I can hook up to it.

It is outstanding in all ways. Tuning is broad without "fussiness".

It is worth every penny I paid, and the 1,100 miles I drove to get it.

K2BK
N7WX Rating: 2009-03-01
My Best Alpha Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.


Hi...
1st reveiw of my Alpha 77SX, a real Mcoy, not a converted 77DX, Received yesterday and spent a few hours playing with it, forgot u have to push the rite side buttons fast or it shuts off HI..

Truly my best Alpha so far, Had many, My Alpha ETO PA70V with vapor cooled tube was a goodie with no blower noise, After using the 77SX for a few hours was completly at home with it..Well do what u want ..Adjusted the blower down a little bit now just rite.. Still have a very light tick in the blower, well get that out soon..So far great Alpha..
N1JMS Rating: 2009-03-01
Awsome Time Owned: more than 12 months.
3.5 to 4kw dead key on all bands. Built like a tank, loafs at legal limit. I'd like to see Alpha bring back a modern version of this amp, until then this one just keeps running stong.
K4MK Rating: 2007-12-06
Wish they still made these !! Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
KC5TJT has one less 77SX now, because I bought one of his. It is a great piece of equipment; easy to tune and built to last. I wish Alpha still produced them, but even with a few years on them they are still top-notch. I also have an Alpha 99 that I purchased new, and it works fine, but I like the 77SX better. Maybe its because of the "old-fashioned" meters where you can actually tell what you are doing, instead of the bar graphs. Either way, Alpha is still top quality....if you want a top-of-the-line amplifier, get a 77SX.
KC5TJT Rating: 2007-03-30
FANTASTIC!! Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
Very well built.. I have had 4 of these.. own 2 now.. 4 KW PEP quiet, fast easy tuning.. VERY EXPENSIVE but worth it.. THANKS ETO..
N6PEQ Rating: 2004-04-26
Sweet! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
The Alpha 77Sx is the two tube version of the 77Dx. The 77Sx uses two Eimac 8877 (3CX1500) triodes. The amplifier runs very quiet compared to other HF amplifiers that I have used. It doesn't take much drive to obtain legal limit power output. The amplifier is very large and heavy, and is beautiful to look at! Easy to hook up and tune up.