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With Elecraft entering the QRO marketplace with their new solid state amplifier, I thought it would be interesting to do a price comparison of all of the currently available HF solid state amplifiers in the 500 watt output range.  Here's what I found:


Elecraft KPA 500




  • Frequency Range: 160m-6m
  • Power Output: 500 watts
  • Drive for full power: 30-40 watts
  • Auto Band Switching: Yes
  • Power Supply:     100-125V/200-250V Built In
  • Operating Protection: Legal frequency, Excessive PA current, High temperature, Excessive drive, PA excessive power dissipation, High SWR, Power supply fault
  • Duty Cycle: 10 minutes key down / 5 minutes off

Price: $2399.95 Assembled / $1999.95 Kit



Tokyo Hy-Power HL-550FX




  • Frequency Range: 160m-6m
  • Power Output: 500-600 watts
  • Drive for full power: 80-90 watts
  • Auto Band Switching: No
  • Power Supply:     100-130V/200-260V Built In
         
  • Operating Protection: Over drive, Wrong band set, Temperature, Over voltage, High SWR
  • Duty Cycle: Not Indicated

Price: $2950.95


Ameritron ALS-600(S)




  • Frequency Range: 160m-10m
  • Power Output: 500-600 watts
  • Drive for full power: < 100 watts
  • Auto Band Switching: Optional
  • Power Supply:  90-135V/185-260V External
         
  • Operating Protection: Wrong band set, Temperature, Excessive power output, High SWR
  • Duty Cycle: 10 minute / 50%

Price: $1748.90 with Power Supply, Auto Band Switch, 10 meter option / $1499 without Power Supply, Auto Band Switch, 10 meter option



Ameritron ALS-500




  • Frequency Range: 160m-10m
  • Power Output: 400-500 watts
  • Drive for full power: < 70 watts
  • Auto Band Switching: Optional
  • Power Supply:  None
         
  • Operating Protection: Wrong band set, Temperature, High SWR
  • Duty Cycle: Not Indicated

Price: $998.90 with Auto Band Switch, 10 meter option / $849 without Auto Band Switch / 10 meter option



If I've left any products out that should be added to this comparison, let me know and I'll get them on the list