What do think the dead key should be set at with a RCI 2970dx and the Texas Star 1600? I can run it on low at 10 watts dead key, or high at about 30. It swings to about 150 at either setting?Since the RCI 2970 has SSB you will want a class B or AB amplifier. That said aMagnaForce 600 or 1000 will work fine. You will ned to have the radio's dead key and ouput set to match the amps needs. A local guy ran a 2970 into a Magna 600 with a 10-15 watt dead key and 100-125 watts peak and he was sounding exellent. With the 6 pill Magna 1000 you could swing even more into it.
If you like the Texas Star 1600 that will also work. Again, proper dead key input is critical with that amp. Booty Monster, 150 watts peak is half what a Magna 1000 can take, with only 150 peak it will sound excellent. As long as the radio is not clipped you will be fine.
I'm new and need to ask a dumb question. Why is it so important to tune a radio with the AMP being used? If you're sure that you are not over driving it, what is the harm that can be done, or the benefit when trying different AMP's that have not been tuned to the radio. I'm using a RCI 2970dx. I want to try different AMP's but don't want to have to tune each one with the radio. What should I be doing to be sure I don't damage any of the equipment?I wouldn't hesitate to run that radio with a Texas Star Sweet 16. You'll definitely need to be careful with the installation, and have someone with a good scope attached to an antenna tune it in after its installed.