Folks, This is an interesting discussion because it's clearly a comparison that potential buyers will do - as I did. In the end, I opted for the Elecraft KPA1500 because I wanted the cleanest solid state base station amplifier I could reasonably buy. I wasn't impressed with the SPE IMD results (at least at the time I was looking) but, that said, I was (and am) at a loss to actually find any published KPA1500 distortion specs. In fact, I find it a curious omission in the Elecraft brochure or manual. If I'm missing a reference somewhere, I'd appreciate a pointer to the specs.
As Darrell mentioned, the more flexible switching of the SPE amplifiers is a definite plus and quite seductive. Since obtaining my KPA1500 I've been pleased with it and have done my own IMD measurements using the best exciter I can round up, namely my 50-year old Collins 32S-3. I'm generally pleased with my choice of amplifier but look forward to using it with a predistortion system (e.g. PureSignal) once that spreads beyond the ANAN camp. With any luck, I might even end up with a system that improves on the 50-year old 32S-3/30L-1 combination š 73, Peter (VK6HP) -----Original Message----- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net <elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net> On Behalf Of AB2E Darrell Sent: Thursday, 17 January 2019 1:43 PM To: Dave <rocke...@gmail.com>; Dave <n...@comcast.net> Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] SS Amp Greetings all, Depends on your use, if you plan to travel and operate on an island etc, then hands down the SPE 1.5K or 1.3k. Looks like most on the list are more concerned for a home amp, and kpa1500 is obviously a great choice too. I just received my SPE 1.5K a couple weeks ago, and prior to that had the 1.3 for 3 yrs. For travel the spe means several less boxes to take...virtually self-contained with the 4 autoselect antenna ports, legal limit ATU, and 2 rig inputs, and autoselect power supply ( will detect 120v or 240v like a laptop does). I have an Acom 2000a also in service at home. All of these amps work great with my k3, like someone else mentioned dont forget to go to each band and lower power if you have low drive 1.3spe (the 1.5k takes regular drive (25 to 30w on mine). 73 Darrell AB2E ________________________________ From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net <elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net> on behalf of Dave <rocke...@gmail.com> Sent: Wednesday, January 16, 2019 9:23:44 PM To: Dave Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] SS Amp - The KPA1500 has two LDMOS devices vs one in the SPE. - The 1500 has better IMD specs and better duty cycle than the SPE. - The KPA1500 has a separate power supply that can be located under the desk. - KPA1500 has Ethernet remote capability. Dave wo2x Sent from my iPad > On Jan 16, 2019, at 9:06 PM, Dave <n...@comcast.net> wrote: > > Iām trying to decide on a SS amp. I already have the KPA500 and love it but > the price for the KPA1500 is a bit above my budget. I am looking at the SPE > 1.5K-FA which is about $1000 less. I like the fact that it has inputs for two > radios and 4 antenna connections. Plus the power supply is built into the > same box. 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