[Elecraft] KPA-100 or "Budget" External Linear?

[Paul Clay]

Hello all.  If, when I'm on the road, the stock K2 
will "work" FB  for me, but when I'm at home, I 
want the option of a bit more power, what are the 
pros and cons of installing the KPA-100 versus 
just hooking up my K2 to a linear amplfier?  

I am considering ordering the KPA-100 as my K2 
nears completion, but noting that a linear amp 
such as an Ameritron al800 can be had (used) for 
a couple of hundred dollars more than the price 
of a KPA-100, I'm wondering if the external amp 
might be a better choice for me. 

I should note that having more than 100 watts out 
is mostly "bonus" for me; if matching the K2 to 
the linear and, especially, tuning the 
combination during normal, day-to-day operation, 
is would be a signficant hasstle, I'd probably 
prefer to go witht he KPA-100 and the Elecraft 
external antenna tuner.

Thanks group,
Paul
N6LQ