Hi;
I totally forgot that they were taken over by mfj.  Although I haven't had 
any direct experience with mfj products, it does make red flags go up.  A 
friend locally got talked into selling his ic2kl that he wasn't using 
because of antenna issues for $400.00.  I think someone got themselves a 
deal.
The thing about an amp is you might as well buy what you really want and 
keep it.  You probably wouldn't have a need to change amps nearly as often 
as you might elect to upgrade the radio itself.
Richard

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Steve Forst" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Monday, March 31, 2008 8:29 AM
Subject: Re: amps-sticker shock


Richard,

I'm not an Ameritron basher.  In fact on my short list of amps last year
were the ALS-600 and the AL-80B tube amp.    I'm sure I would have been
happy with either, but decided to spend the extra money and Hope to get  a
good product.  Perhaps THP and the other high end models are overpriced, but
Ameritron does have a poor reputation for QC in the years since the MFJ
takeover.  You pays your money and takes your chances.  The e-ham reviews
are not Gospel, but are interesting.

The Ameritron does come with a power supply.   Als-600 with linear supply
and ALS-600S with switching supply.  PS is built in on the THP and I think
the others as well.

The Icom you have is still  highly regarded after all these years and if it
were me, I'd hang on to it.
I had a blast in the WPX contest this weekend and the amp never got warm.
But maybe next week it will go up in smoke.
73, Steve KW3A


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Richard Fiorello" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Monday, March 31, 2008 9:25 AM
Subject: amps-sticker shock


> Hi;
> Haven't been amp shopping in a long time and I guess I am a victim of
> sticker shock.  I had an old amartron tube amp years ago and had no
> problems.  Wonder why there unit is so much cheaper?  Does that $1,300
> include the 12 volt supply?
> I have an old icom that suddenly seems more valuable.
> Richard
>
>
>