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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
NA1A Rating: 2006-02-10
Stentorian Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
The Alpha 78 is one incredible amplifier. Back in the mid 80's, I had one of these with three Eimac 8874 tubes. It was a great amp, but the paint on the front cover was kind of gooey, so I did not care too much for that. Electronically it was great. The best feature I like about the 78 is not having to re-tune everytime you switch band. I just put the bandswitch to the band I'm on and I'm good to go. On 17M, I set the manual tuning for 17M. The bandpass tuning was set for 15M, so hopping from 15 to 17 to 20 to 75M, etc... was all by switching the bandswitch. Out of a weak moment, I sold that Alpha 78. I went on a rampage and used several different amps since then including the Henry 2KD-Classics, 3KA, 2K-4, 4K, Commander HF-2500, Kenwood TL-922A, Drake L4-B, L7, Alpha 76CA, 76PA, 86, 87A, Ameritron AL-82, 80A, 80B, ALS-600, etc... None I like as much as the Alpha 78.
Recently, I was fortunate enough to find another Alpha 78. This one that I have is a special one. I call it the 78CPX becuase it runs a pair of Eimac 3cPx800A7 tubes in grounded grid (instead of the three 8874).
To my knowledge, there is only about a dozen or so of these 78CPX. The tube conversion mod as well as the WARC band mods and a few other mods were done to by N4UQ. Check out Dick's website at N4UQ.com.
The 78CPX is one hella amp. Full legal limit is a brisk. Very smooth and quiet.
The Alpha 78 with a pair of 3cPx tubes is a big improvement. It is absolutely phenomenol. The triode tubes are stronger, and much more stable as compare to the 8874's.
I like this 78 so much that I no longer have the 87A.
If you could find a good used 78 even with dead 8874, get it. Send it to Dick Bird (N4UQ) to get the mod done. It is WELL WORTH IT! It will be a KEEPER for life.
K8NQC Rating: 2005-02-09
None Better ! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Have had several Alpha Amps including the 76A, 87A, and 78. Have also used several other Top line amps, including QRO and Command Technologies, which are built in my neighborhood. This station has several operators, some who are more technically inclimed than others. The consensus here is that the 78 is the favorite. It runs so cool and quiet that it is almost transparent to the operator. No tuneup is needed except the band switch. The power shows up on the station monitor at legal limit while the amp seems to be loafing. We just monitor grid current and watch the power output on the station monitor. The forward/reverse PEP watt meter is very accurate for checking the antennas. The original Eimac tubes are still showing new power and may last forever. We did get a set of 3 full power medical pulls for a total of $300 which we keep on the shelf just in case they are ever needed. We keep the load and tune controls set at the 160 meter setting so no tuning is needed on any band from 160 through 15. I see the used prices on these units has gone back up and it does not surprize me. I see no better amp out there for less than $3000. Those who picked one up when they were down under $2000 really got a bargain.
K9LEO Rating: 2005-02-08
GREAT Amplifier Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
This looks like the only Amplifier anybody would ever need. operates flawless. WOW what a Amp. The Tune and Load are very smooth to opperate. I got rid of a Tec-Tec Amp and thought that was great, but this Alpha 78 i like a little better. I just love the NO-TUNE. This is a strong Legil limit Amplifier..

73 all K9leo
AA4XR Rating: 2003-01-04
What else? Time Owned: more than 12 months.
What else could you want in an amplifier?
Granted, the price of tubes today is shocking, but this box is designed and built to last a lifetime. The 78 is my second Alpha (other was the 374) and you can "want" for nothing more. A real steal at todays prices for a clean used one and probably the only piece of ham gear that you'll want to hang on to year after year.
Very typical Alpha - solid, quiet, cool, and FULL power whenever you want - and for as LONG as you want it. Buy one - you'll NEVER regret it!
AD3G Rating: 2002-08-11
GREAT AMP ! Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
Wonderfully quiet,easy to use bandpass tuning,built like a tank,relatively small size,(compared to some other legal limit amps)and most importantly...dependable. Nuf said. Buy a clean used one,you won't be disappointed.
N0UA Rating: 2002-05-17
Outstanding Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Purchased the 78 in 1982. Never a problem. QSK operation is outstanding. SSB is always a pleasure. Broadband positions let you operate without tuning. Very quiet in operation.
Just had the 78 up to Crosslink for a first checkup in 20 years. They replaced caps and balancing resistors - great people.
AL7HG Rating: 2000-09-27
Great amp made even better Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have had an Alpha 78 for over 10 years, it has always worked great, especially the 'auto' function. I recently had mine 'upgraded' by N4UQ for all the new bands. With the remaining ETOs going for thousands of dollars, the 78 is a bargain, even with the high priced 8874s.
W7UJ Rating: 2000-05-06
Bandpass feature great! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have had this amp for 4 years and it has worked like a champ. It seems to be very well built and the bandpass feature is great. I certainly would not hesitate to purchase another Alpha product. It will produce legal limit no problem on all bands and you can keep track of it's status with the excellent metering. The only downside to this amp is the price for 3 new 8874 tubes.
N2IL Rating: 2000-03-30
Greatest amp I have ever owned Time Owned: unknown months.
.Operates smooth as silk. never ever has a problem. Plenty of output.No tune power output excellent. manual tune output even better.metering setup is fantastic,one can even monitior reflected power with built in meter.High quality solid amp.