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Reviews For: ALPHA 78

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

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Review Summary For : ALPHA 78
Reviews: 39MSRP: 3495
Description:
3X 8874
Product is not in production
More Info: http://www.rkrdesignsllc.com
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
00394.9
W9BB Rating: 2021-01-22
33years old still flawless Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I recently purchased a almost as new alpha 78, Its hard to believe that a company made a no tune amp. 33 years ago and still operates as new. It truly is an amazing amp. I have or had many alpha amps, 76 pa/ca-78-91b-89-87a all have worked flawless for me. Maybe I've been lucky.
K4TJ Rating: 2019-12-16
Classic Excellence Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Had one in the 80's which worked well. Sold it and moved to a 77dx. Had the opportunity to acquire a mint 78 with 2 X 3CX800A7 tubes and the upgraded 3.5 KVA transformer.

The biggest difference is it is not even working hard providing 1500W out on bandpass operation. With the 8874s the grid current was kind of high at full power in no tune. Not anymore.

In my book it can't be beat for any price.
NY2F Rating: 2018-03-22
Wonderful, Alpha History Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Added a Alpha 78 to my list of Amps. Can not be happier. Bought from second owner. All original with boxes and manuals. Documented from first owner. Compared to 76's and 86 different breed. Very Happy. Hope Alpha History to CONTINUE...
W8SPM Rating: 2015-10-28
Great Amplifier Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I first saw a Alpha 78 in 1983 while on vacation in Florida and said to myself someday I want to own a Alpha 78 ? Well 32 years later I found one in near new condition with the original Eimac 3CX400A7 tubes still in it ? I myself have never heard of a amplifier with original tubes that was 32 years old ? What a joy to operate in the band-pass position and the amplifier still does the legal limit with low grid and plate levels! This is a statement of the Quality of the Vintage Alpha Amplifiers! Dick Byrd-N4UQ installed the Warc Bands and a full check-up of this amp in 2010 and his paperwork and testing came with the amplifier ! No sticky paint here and the amplifier looks like brand new and I believe it is all original? Sam W8SPM
N8ZRD Rating: 2015-10-18
Top Shelf! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Just acquired an excellent condx example of the Alpha 78! Still makes 1500+ on all bands with original 8874's. I have had numerous other amplifiers in my 20+ years as a ham but none compare to the quality and usability of this amp! It will stay here in the shack for the duration!
Tnx es 73
Kent
N8ZRD
K5UX Rating: 2015-03-07
Best I've owned Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
Bought this one from a friend that restored/upgraded to a pair of 3CPX800A7's and hefty Peter Dahl transformer that delivers plenty of plate voltage. This is my second 78 and I have never used the manual tune function. The bandpass function has always produced plenty of power with low grid current. Give it about 50 watts of drive and you get an easy KW output. The 78's are easy to troubleshoot and work on. The internal layout and construction quality is typical Alpha. Other than the front panel push-button switches, everything else is easy to find on the internet.
K1VC Rating: 2015-02-20
Still going strong Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Purchased new 1986 from ETO (as it was known back then). Only one problem back in 1988, sent it to ETO to get it fixed and add 10 meters. Best investment ever. It was in storage for over 10 years due to college, career, and family. Took it out of storage and fired up like it was never off line. Worked many cw contests since putting it back in line and a couple of dxpeditions (FT5ZM and K1N). Real easy to tune and I like the bandpass function. Plan on keeping this amplifier for a long time. If you can find one, you won't regret it !
WA0HHX Rating: 2014-12-29
Solid 29 years later Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Purchased new 1986. Never had a problem. Sent to Alpha 2012 for factory test of current status. Passed 100%. 8874's remain at spec.
All in all this was a great investment. Also own Henry 3k and new Alpha 9500. 78 holds its own. I have had few other pieces of electronics in my 51 years as a ham as dependable. The ONLY issue is that the red SWR reading meter ink has faded to invisible. Otherwise if you get one that has been treated properly you can't go wrong. Highly rated.

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Earlier 5-star review posted by WA0HHX on 2002-01-16

I bought mine in 1988; never had any difficulties, failures or problems. Easy to use, dependable. Performed now for 13 years without any lost vitality, just as advertised. Powerful amp. and built to last (13 years-wow!). No regrets. Most of the time when it calls, they answer. Hard to ignore this Alpha.
NO9C Rating: 2014-08-22
Great Amp! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I've had my 78 for three years now. It's used for RTTY contesting and works great. I normally run just under 1500 watts at all times when contesting - and even in bandpass mode, I've had no issues. (Don't try that power level in bandpass mode unless your antennas present a very good match!) This was all with the original tubes!

I have recently had it down to N4UQ for the two tube upgrade and am looking forward to the upcoming contest season!



KY5Q Rating: 2014-06-18
Best amp I have ever owned Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have had my Alpha for around 5 years now. I bought it from a fellow that upgraded to a newer Alpha, and I will hopefully follow that trend and make someone else a good deal when I upgrade to the 8410 or 9500. This amp is almost idiot-proof and able to tolerate my accidental abuse when I inadvertently transmit while my SteppIR is still tuning. There is no better amp on the market today.