A "good" HF amp to begin with is NOT cheap,
What kind of price range are you looking at?
A Heath kit 220 is bringing about $500-700, The sb200 with the 572 b's runs about $350-$450 but they are OLDER amps and may need service when you get it home.
The Ameritron 811 series is a good newer amp but prices are about $650+ for used and may need the 10 meter add on for that price, But most will work the WARC bands.. Unlike the older amps that may tune to it but not run like they should.. Also MOST newer amps do have 160 meter unlike the older stuff for the "cheap" or cost effective type person. I fall in the later catagory I do not run 160 meter so a older amp with out it is not a problem......
Now there is Transistor amps The Ameritron ALS600 or if you can find one a Smart Cube but they do bring a premium dollar mostly due to the NO TUNE aspect and there reliability...
If you are not in a hurry keep a look out on like Crackheads list or QTH.com used amp section you can find a deal but best have a few bucks in your pocket when that deal pops up because it will not last long...
I came across a Nation NCL-2000 in Xcellent working condition and a spare set of tubes for $300 within a 1.5 hr drive of my QTH. Again a OLDER amp NO 160 meter but at a smoking price and yes i did get it.
Like others have stated Normally the first 600 does the trick.. YOU WONT "BUST" a pile up but will get heard... Again ANTENNAS have a LOT to do with it also, so get that going first and build your antenna to run twice the power that you are looking at getting or you will still have problems..
Good luck with what you are looking for
