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Reviews For: Alpha 8410

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

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Review Summary For : Alpha 8410
Reviews: 114MSRP: 5395
Description:
The Alpha 8410 utilizes an enhanced version of the bombproof RF deck, found in the Alpha 99 and Alpha 8100. On the 8410’s control board you’ll find a microprocessor that allows us to normalize amplification performance, calibrate the power and gain metering for each specific band, and increase reliability and durability. All of these functions aggregate into a single greater benefit for the user, ease of tuning. The 8410 comes standard with USB and serial ports for remote monitoring and performance data logging. The power supply stack found in the 8410 has been designed for maximum durability and reliability, while allowing for extremely easy voltage tap changes.

This amplifer is handcrafted, designed, and built in Boulder, Colorado, USA, comes with a 4-year warranty.

Tubes: 2 x 4CX1500B Tetrodes
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.alpharfsystems.com/
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
001144.9
W8PMR Rating: 2010-11-06
It just works RIGHT Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I just had the chance to operate this fine amp. What a JOY! The controls are well layed out. Everything works like you expect, it is quiet, and the transmissions are clear. I now want to own one!
K4IJ Rating: 2010-10-22
Great Amp Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
I have used this amplifier during several contests and find it to be very easy to tune and operate. This amp loves CW and not once did it fail to perform. The best part of these amps is they are built with quality components. No corners are cut in the manufacturing process which I can't say about some competitors.
W4MDM Rating: 2010-10-17
BEST INVESTMENT Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
UPGRADED TO THE ALPHA 8410 FROM MY ALPHA 99 SEVERAL MONTHS AGO. I PURCHASED THE AMP FROM A FRIEND AND THE FOLKS AT RF CONCEPTS INSTALLED SEVERAL UPDATES AND TRANFERRED THE REMAINING WARRANTY WITH THE UPMOST SATISFACTION! THE 8410 IS ANOTHER ROCK SOLID PRODUCT FROM THE ALPHA FOLKS AND A GREAT INVESTMENT. I ENJOY THE EASY OF TUNEUPS AND THE LOW DRIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR LEGAL LIMIT WHEN YOU FEEL THE NEED. MY ALPHA 8410 IS #7 OFF THE PRODUCTION LINE. THE BEST OF THE BEST ALONG WITH MY EXPERIENCES WITH THE 99,89, AND 91B.
W5JET Rating: 2010-10-13
Still Awesome Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
This is my second review as I now have about 6 months experience with the amp. There are three outstanding features that have compel-ed me to write a second review..

First- the tuning is very easy and very broad with my antenna's. When I first received the amp, I went through all of the frequencies and wrote the numbers down and made a chart. Now, after I dial in those numbers, I find that almost no fine tuning is required. This amp is so simple to tune, I don't think that I could justify the extra expense for the 9500.

Second - maybe the coolest feature on this amp is the protection circuitry.. While I'm usually VG at remembering to reset the Amp after a band change (I use a check list), I have to admit that on one evening I was not perfect. I found that this amp will cut itself off in microseconds if you've forgotten to re-set it for a new band. I would defer to Alpha's wisdom on my next point, but I have a feeling that you can't hurt this amplifier..

Thirdly - I run this amp at 1500 watts all day long when it's needed and I don't feel that I need to sweat the power like so many do. The way I see it, the amp was designed to run 1500 watts and according to Alpha, it will operate there all day long without breaking a sweat. I've only heard the fan kick into the high mode one time and that was when the shack temperature was hot and hadn't cooled down yet.

73s
K9BTU Rating: 2010-10-11
It handles digital SSTV easily. DSSTV is a very demanding mode Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I have always wanted an Alpha linear. I purchased the 8410 because I wanted an amp that could handle digital SSTV. This digital mode is very demanding and most amps do not have the cooling necessary to handle a 2 minute ''keydown'' transmission. The 8410 handles the DSSTV with ease. Its just like the Alpha amp display at the Dayton Hamvention! It puts out the DSSTV power with no overheating.
The fan is a bit distracting but the tubes love the cool air. My 8410 is used on 20 meters. I have other amps for other bands. SSB for the 8410 is a piece of cake.
AA4XE Rating: 2010-08-24
Great amplifier Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
Have delayed this review since purchase in February 2010 so I would have had some actual experience with it.

First, let me say this expensive purchase was enhanced by Alpha's customer support. I called Molly Hardman several times. The first was an inquiry of the 8410's ability to tune MARS frequencies which are sometimes FAR out of the amateur bands. Molly said the tech staff would tune the supplied frequencies and let me know how that worked. The prompt answer was max legal output on all of them.
Although many of the MARS frequencies are limited to 1000 watts or less, this cinched the deal. I ordered one and was told it would be shipped shortly. It was shipped the same week.
Let me warn you of FedEx's updating of estimated arrival; they estimated a week, so I went out of town not knowing it may be 8 AM or later several days later before they update the estimate, causing me to miss delivery. Delivery is not rescheduled automatically.
I use this amp with a Ten-Tec Omni VII, a Palstar Auto-AT tuner, and a horizontal loop antenna. This works for any frequency I have tried; amateur or MARS, and works beautifully.
The 8410 has been inadvertently tested by various "faults" which may have had serious consequences with lesser amps. No problems.
Frequency tuning repeatability is perfect, time after time.
If you make mistakes, from time to time (as I do), the 8410 will make life much simpler - and pleasant.
This is my third amp and it was worth the wait. Not a trace of RFI other than to a neighbor's subwoofer which was fixed with a ac line filter I made. (The subwoofer had RFI at 100 watts as well.)
I can truthfully say this amp will last me for life and, it appears it will do so with few if any problems.

Lewis Cullen, AA4XE
WB5HAK Rating: 2010-08-16
Best Amp for the Money Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have owned many Alpha amps as well as those from other vendors. Alpha's from the 76PA to the 91B, Ameritrons, Amp supply, etc. I bought my 8410 used from a good friend, and was able to buy his remaining warranty for only $50. What a bargain!! It is serial number 3, but performs just like I bought it yesterday!!! It is well built, as all the reviews have pointed out, and runs quietly beside me on the operating position. I run RTTY most of the time at 500 to 750w out, but it will EASILY do the legal limit if I ask it to. My RTTY is rag chewing, so it is NOT easy on finals, hi. The 8410 just laughs at me, faulting when I mess up, otherwise just sitting there performing. I highly recommend buying an 8410!!
KC2JGL Rating: 2010-07-28
THE ALPHA 8410 IS A GREAT AMP THE BEST FOR THE MONEY Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
I AM GOING TO BUY A 2ND ONE BECAUSE THAT"S WHAT HAMS DO. BILL NJ2S
WD8Z Rating: 2010-07-17
excellent amplifier Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Called alpha to order expecting a 3 to 4 week wait. I was told they had them in stock and that they could ship that day. I was shocked!!! A few days later the pallet arrived well packaged and in good shape. installed the transformer looked over the manual applied 220 and have not looked back. Very easy to tune up,the test sheet that comes with the amp is right on just a little tweaking increase the input power for needed output. This amp is very well built has excellent fit and finish. The staff at alpha is very informative and excellent to work with.
AI4QV Rating: 2010-07-16
Great Amp - Great Support Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I’ve owned other new and used amps over the years but this one is definitely the BEST of them all. Wish I had saved all the money I spent on the other amps and bought an Alpha a long time ago. All questions are answered promptly. The shipping method and delivery was exceptional. Less than 24 hours from the time they shipped to delivery (Colorado to Kentucky). The unit is truly built like a tank and the transformer installation is very simple. Actually it’s nice to have it come shipped like that because you get to see the quality of the components and construction inside. Best gain of any amp I’ve used. K3 with mic gain at 31 and 20W out, I drive the amp to 1500W on peaks.