[Elecraft] flex or kx3

[Mike Rodgers]

Steve , sounds like you want a SDR rig. I'm reluctant to put my guess out there but I think $1000 will be a little high for the amp but perhaps not too much. 

A lot of people like the flex but their is a lot of horror stories getting a computer working correctly with it. 
It might not be the ideal first hf rig!
I would certainly do my homework as it sounds like you are doing. 

If your not planning to go mobile or portable(hard to do with a flex), consider the K3. Although 10w not for everyone, I have had much success with 10w on 6-20 &60m. 40,75,160 with high noise is more challenging but I think the transmit audio and processing are outstanding. 
My main antenna is a 80m loop. 

73
Mike R



Amateur/Ham Radio KE5GBC
HF & Echolink mobile