ACOM 2000 - Thinking of Giving up on PowerGenius

Russ Ravella

Craig_KØCF

KF4HR

Sergey KN7K

DL4RCE

I gave it a lot of thought. Bought a ACOM 2000a. Very quiet, power with ease and no need for a tuner since it matches a wide range as well. My antennas are well tuned and for lower bands I use an external symmetrical tuner with a ladder line / dipole.

73

Volker P.S.: there is a 2R1amp box from 4O3A which also enables receive on second antenns while trx on other.

Russ Ravella

Patrick

The SPE 2K-FA was my choice when I decided to get out of the PG loop. Have not regretted it, integrates with my 6500 perfectly. I also ordered the control cables recommended by Expert Linears. But all the ones that I have been suggested are very good also. But what sold me was the built in tuner with 6 antenna ports. Better fought out then others.

Clay N9IO

I have decided on the SPE 2K-FA as well. On the list to get one the end of July next month. Google search it, many many comments all very positive on different ham blogs. The PG just too far out before I could take possession of one. Going to semi-retire soon and the funds are there now so the 2K is the next best power house. The tuner in the 2K-FA similar to the tuned input circuit of my Acom 1000 and Acom 2000a in that it will handle up to 3:1 swr. Perfect for my antennas as I do do use a tuner on any. The 2K-FA does 6m as well. Good luck with your search, I am in that boat right now.

Burch - K4QXX

Richard Zalewski

I thought about the Genius and got on the list but having many second thoughts about it.  The delays seem quite unreasonable.  I have had my KPA1500 for about 9 months and love it.  The support has been great.  If the Genius ever comes out with a built in  tuner I will consider it only because of the SO2R capabilities.

John - AF3K

Bill -VA3WTB

You could buy something eles now, then sell it later and get the PGXL, if you want the very best!!!

KT0AM - Mark

Dave AA6YQ

I've been using an SPE Expert 2K-FA with my 6500 for the past 4 years. It's been flawless - an absolute joy to use.

Richard Zalewski

I like what I see about the SPE except for a few points.  1.  Their warranty policy is with the selling agent.  2.  In the US it appears it is a one man shop.  He has a good reputation but my concern is what happens if he closes up shop to retire or whatever.  2.  I think the display on the SPE is very old tech.  My support from Flex and Elecraft has been outstanding so I look at this aspect quite hard.

Neal_K3NC

Rick N4RZ

Clay N9IO

Happy to hear that Dave. Really looking forward to getting the 2K on my bench.

Russ Ravella

Again, thanks to everyone so much for all the responses!  I'm obviously going to have to look at the SPE 2K-FA more carefully.  One concern I'd have right off is fan noise since it's another solid state design.  Can anyone comment on how it compares with either the PowerGenius or Elecraft or just their general impression of how noisy it is?

Steve K9ZW

Neal_K3NC

Bill -VA3WTB

And the PGXL has cooling like none others as well, plus the harmonic dummy load that helps keep the amp razer clean.
I agree Neal, the PGXL is a lot of amp for a normal station operation.
But if you want the best? it's the PGXL.

Right now from talking to many , the KPA1500 is the only way to go at this time.

ctate243

Pat N6PAT

Mike W9OJ

They're in it to win it.

K1UO Larry

Neil D Friedman N3DF

I run 35 watts into a dipole. All the fun I could wish for.

Pat N6PAT

Dave AA6YQ

On initial power-up, my SPE 2K-FA makes than my 6500. However, long transmissions in a digital mode like RTTY or FT8 will eventually raise the temperature to a point where the fan speed increases significantly; the noise level is then greater than the 6500, but less than a handheld vacuum cleaner. As a DXer who mostly works CW and digital modes while wearing headphones, noise level has not been problematic.

Addressing another issue raised in this thread, the SPE-2K is limited to ~1 kw for continuous digital modes like RTTY or FT8. It's track record in RTTY pileups is 100%.

Russ Ravella

Russ Ravella

Thanks Dave.  Helpful, responsive, authoritative, competent and on subject as always.  I have to admit the power handling overkill and quietness of the ACOM are sounding attractive though.  As always is the case, if only one amp had it all ...