[Heathkit] SB-230 AMP Opinions - Worth Having?

[Carl Huether]

Ive had several of those pass thru the shop Richard.

I'll start by saying the last time I looked the 8873 was up around $600.

Soft tubes are common in that amp because many owners overdrive them. About
50W will get full RATED output and 100W will dramatically shorten tube life
even tho you can get 7-800W out.

The bias configuration is a bit bizarre and should be changed to something
more conventional.

Fairly low production gives some a reason to ask ridiculous prices; Id take
a SB-200 any time for a daily driver.

BTW, Im looking for a completely dead one myself. Ive converted many to 6M.
Now Ive got some ideas for 432MHz Id like to try but with a different tube.

As far as price, Ive bought all mine in the $250 range with good tubes from
owners who were scared to death to use it based on tube cost.

As with all Heath SB series amps they used the same bandswitch/tank coil so
the usual burned switch contacts should be looked for.
The meter is really cheap and virtually unobtanium.

Carl



----- Original Message -----
From: "Richard Biddle" <theprof@texoma.net>
To: <heathkit@mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Sunday, December 01, 2002 11:00 AM
Subject: [Heathkit] SB-230 AMP Opinions - Worth Having?


> Through he help of a few list members I thought my quest for accessories
> for the SB-104 I builds in October of 1975 was over.   But I was just
> looking at an old Heathkit catalog and have semi-started to lust for the
> matching SB-230 amplifier.
>
> I have not seen these discussed very much nor have I seen any up for
> sale.  That means either they are so good they never have any problems
> and everyone hangs on to them or they are so bad as to be worthless.  Or
> there were only about 17 every built and they are pure unobtainium or
> the single 8873 might be a bit pricy to replace.
>
> I would like to hear comments from the fine and learned gentlemen
> (ladies if present) of the list.
>
> Is this a worthwhile addition?  How much can I expect to pay?  For
> starters a unit with a soft 8873 would fill the bill nicely.
>
> I'm starting to look now although this will most likely be an after
> Christmas acquisition to prevent a holiday season hail storm from the
> XYL.
>
> Thank you and 73 de Richard, W5SRB
> Lover of most things vintage including my wife of 23 years :)
>
>
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