Choosing an Automatic Amplifier for Flex 6700

bpang

I recently purchased my first Flex radio and would like to set my shack up for remote operation. My dream setup would be the power genius XL, tuner genius, and antenna genius. However, due to the price of all three, I’m $2500 short in my budget. I am currently looking at SPE Expert 2K Gen 3, which will satisfy all three requirements and is within my budget due to the holiday sale.

Has anyone had any success/issues using SPE Expert amplifiers with Flex, or should I save up for the Flex gear?

Mike VE3CKO

If I were in your shoes I would . . . wait, I was in your shoes. I too had a 6700 and had to make a decision on going the PGXL, TGXL route. I already had the AG, so the advantage of the PGXL/TGXL integration made it an easy decision. On a budget I sold what I could including Alpha 87A, Quadra amps, and Palstar HF-Auto & AT5k tuners. Never looked back.

If you want to avoid kicking yourself in the behind, go for the S02R TGXL version as it has the advantage of 20 tuning solutions per band, per antenna.

Bill AB7AA

I have all three amps PGXL, SPE 2K-FA, and Alpha-87. They all work fine from remote.

The PGXL is a good amp but I have never had a hiccup out of the SPE in 10 years. I have been able to successfully use both the 87A and SPE through the passthrough USB port of the new v4.0.3. They work well remote through SmartSDR without a computer at the amps. Unlike the PGXL, you can do everything with the SPE that it's native software allows while operating remote.

You would be happy either way. Both are good choices.

73,

Bill AB7AA

Rick N4RZ

I own the PGXL, TGXL and AGXL combo plus I also own a SPE 2K-FA. The 2K-FA is quiet, very reliable and easily puts out way more power than the USA legal limit. The SPE implementation of SO2R is awkward and the range of the tuner is limited to 5:1 on the new model. The 4O3A products are also reliable. The amp can run the legal limit, but is a bit louder than the 2K-FA. The 4O3A products work together seamlessly and the implementation of SO2R is very good, plus the tuner has more range. Since you have a dual SCU radio, even if you are not a contester, but like to run multiple instances of the digital modes, this last part allows you to use two different antennas at the same time assuming you select the SO2R version of the TGXL, The choice really comes down to how you operate as to which will serve you best. But, as Bill said both are good choices!

Bill AB7AA

Rick makes a good point about the 2K-FA SO2R implementation. It only allows a single all band receive antenna for reception on the receiver not paired with the transmitter, unless you have the optional AMB-01 antenna switch. Then it behaves just like the PGXL and both receivers (VFO's) can use their respective transmit antennas.

The price of the amp and the antenna switch together will bring the 2K-FA price up close to the PGXL. I forgot about this limitation because I have the AMB-01 which makes SO2R operation seamless.

73,

Bill AB7AA