[Elecraft] KPA1500 vs SPE Amps

[K9MA]

Based on my experience with the KPA1500, you shouldn't expect to run a 
solid state amplifier too close to it's rated output unless the SWR is 
pretty low, like better than 1.2:1. An ATU may or may not be able to 
keep the SWR that low. Otherwise, at a higher SWR, the amplifier output 
will sometimes drop to perhaps 2/3 the rated output, or the amplifier 
will fault due to high current or drive power. I expect the Expert 2K 
would have enough margin to put out 1.5 kW at higher SWR, but that extra 
margin comes at a cost.

73,
Scott K9MA

On 2/12/2019 15:44, Dave wrote:
> Has anyone had experience with both the KPA1500 and any of the current (1.3K, 1.5K or 2K) Expert Linears  from SPE? I was initially leaning towards the 1.3K-FA without the ATU. The more I thought about it, the more I wanted to go with an ATU. The price difference to get less than 1db in going from 1300 watts to 1500 was also a bit of a concern. However, I’ve never pushed my 3x8874s to more than 1200 and only on the low bands. I have a KPA500 with the KAT500 and it’s great. However, in a 160 pileup a bit more power would help. Changing bands quickly is awesome. That has me leaning towards the KPA1500. If anyone would like to share their thoughts, it would be greatly appreciated.
>
> Also, I’m wondering if anyone has run their KPA500 and a KPA1500 off of the same K3? If so, how did you set it up?
>
> Tnx es 73,
> Dave N8AG
>
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-- 
Scott  K9MA

k9ma at sdellington.us