Help me choose an amp builder for 11 meter mobile.

[snippits75]

Just getting back into CB radios after a 15 year hiatus. I trucked for over a decade using CB/amp, and had a CB/amp before I trucked. Not a complete noob when it comes to radios and amps, but I am not a technician either.

I use to run a Dave Made M400 1x4 for many years trucking and in my car. Never had a problem out of it. Bought it in Baltimore.

A two pill HG 2SC2290 is all I need. Not doing SSB right now. I bought a President Electronics Ronald radio, and did the conversion myself. The radio does have RF power adjustment, so I can lower the carrier on it.

My first choice would be a Dave Made M80 with two HG2290. I don't see a fan on the M80, so not too sure about it. I have seen remarks that Dave Made are not built like they use to be. Never heard of Hopper Built amps, but I do like the looks of the 2 x HG2290. It has a fan too.

Other than the Dave Made and the Hopper Built, what other two pill amps should I consider? I have seen some of the RM Italy amps with the mosfets, but I don't know anything about those type of amps.

 

[357magnum]

There is a few , Iv'e had work done by a forum member to repair my Gray amp , he was " Tinkering " w/ building one ( I think ) I'll pm him . If so I would Highly recommend him . If I told you what that 2 pill Gray puts out now you'd call BS ! I have had Gate Keeper do work but Good Luck ! He's hard to get a response from . But he does have his builds for sale on Ebay @ times . 73 , Leo

 

[snippits75]

In the past, I have owned a Gray, Messenger, Palomar, and a Boomer Deluxe. Never did have any major problems out of those amps. Most all I see now of those above names are used and priced way too high.

Been out of the loop too long.

 

[357magnum]

Snip , Big Fan of My Gray ! I had a 10 tube Phantom before & that caused me grief & a lot of $ . Gray's are quite $ , if you can find one .

 

[Mustang 131]

Amps that never needed repairs.

"The quality remains long after the price is forgotten," said Rolls-Royce's co-founder, Sir Henry Royce.

Davemade 3000 - orginal tube
Henry 3000 - New tube in '07
Davemade 3000 mobile - 2 tube.
Davemade 4 pill - no issues since 2012.
Fatboy 4 pill - no issues '03

 

[2NC995]

Why not a texasstar DX350? That’s what I’d be looking at if in your shoes.

The other that I have had a good experience with in that size range is a Palomar 225, with (2) SD1446s. Good little amp, and hardy.

 

[snippits75]

I have looked at some Texas Star amps. The 350 at 30 amp draw would be the most I would consider. Only have a 60 amp alternator, and I am not going to spend the money on having my alternator output increased. Been there done that on one vehicle. It gets expensive.

From what I could find on the net, a new 350 converted with shipping is going to be north of $300 with no fan. Seems a bit high to me for a two pill 2879 no fan, and that's not even Toshiba.

On the other hand, a builder that I talked to before joining this board quoted me a price of $235 plus shipping for a one pill HG2879 with a fan. Thought that was a little bit too much. Been out of the loop too long so maybe those prices are about right.

 

[dave457]

I would have to say from my own experience, the better amp builders don't advertise or have youtube videos or websites... Instead of being spoon fed... Do a little research

 

[snippits75]

Instead of being spoon fed... Do a little research

That's what I am doing now...research. I resent the spoon fed remark because you must think I am a complete noob. Really don't care either way. Seriously, I don't need drama.

 

[Ranch55]

Texas Star DX 350 .....
I think you would be satisfied with it.
Good little amplifier.
I have about 4 of them.

 

[Shadetree Mechanic]

Welcome!The amp market is slim pickings anymore. The whole CB hobby is in the decline and the availability of good quality products shows it. The good used amps bring too much money on eBay, it's crazy. I would go with either the Texas star 350 or 500. I currently run a 350 in my shack with a president Madison with a 3w dead key. No problems in over a year. Tons of information and lots of knowledgeable people here. I have learned a lot myself.
Chris

 

[2NC995]

I have looked at some Texas Star amps. The 350 at 30 amp draw would be the most I would consider. Only have a 60 amp alternator, and I am not going to spend the money on having my alternator output increased. Been there done that on one vehicle. It gets expensive.

From what I could find on the net, a new 350 converted with shipping is going to be north of $300 with no fan. Seems a bit high to me for a two pill 2879 no fan, and that's not even Toshiba.

On the other hand, a builder that I talked to before joining this board quoted me a price of $235 plus shipping for a one pill HG2879 with a fan. Thought that was a little bit too much. Been out of the loop too long so maybe those prices are about right.

You can control the current requirements by not driving it hard.

FWIW, I only drive my DX500 hard enough to see a draw of about 45 amps...and that amp is double in size of the 350. I’d imagine that with proportional input you should see roughly 22.5-25 amps on the 350, and the amp would run very happy for a long time.

I’ve had a good experience with Copper, and they list the DX350 at about what you said...$289, already converted, plus shipping.

 

[snippits75]

I’ve had a good experience with Copper, and they list the DX350 at about what you said...$289, already converted, plus shipping.

Did not know that price included the conversion...thanks.

 

[2NC995]

Did not know that price included the conversion...thanks.

Ok good. Wasn’t sure if you knew that.

They don’t advertise that...but I have never heard of one not ready-to-go from them.

 

[snippits75]

Welcome!The amp market is slim pickings anymore. The whole CB hobby is in the decline and the availability of good quality products shows it. The good used amps bring too much money on eBay, it's crazy. I would go with either the Texas star 350 or 500. I currently run a 350 in my shack with a president Madison with a 3w dead key. No problems in over a year. Tons of information and lots of knowledgeable people here. I have learned a lot myself.
Chris

CB band is still pretty busy around here. I live near the intersection of a major interstate and a US highway. Good many locals talking on base stations too.

I give up on using Ebay to score a good used amp...outrageous prices for amps that don't work, or amps with no guarantee whatsoever.