Instead of de-tuning your radio. Upgrade it to 600watts PEP
Again I do not want you to think I am dogging you 4600, but I want to ask you some questions.
Do you know what the IMD of 4 X 2sc2879s is at 600 watts PEP?
Do you know what the IMD of 8 X 2sc 2879`s is at 800 watts PEP?
How much heat sink is on the chassis of the radio?
How much heat sink is on the chassis of the T/S 1600?
How much added stress is placed on the componets of the radio when upgraded to 4 X 2sc2879`s as compared to the reduced stress of running the radio at much lower levels used to drive the T/S 1600?
I often hear guys question why it is necessary to build a Ham amp that will do 3/4000 watts when 1500 is Legal limit.
The question can be answered with:
Increased reliably by not stressing the devices to the limit.
Running the devices at full bore causes increased heat, and heat is a killer of electronics, not just the devices themselfs, but every componet in the Amp ( or in this case radio )that see`s the added heat.
Lower IMD and harmonics, A 3000W amplifier operated at1500W output will almost always produce a cleaner signal than an 1500W amplifier operated at 1500W output. In many cases, enormously cleaner.
Most people don't spend thousands of dollars extra just to have less cash in the wallet, when a smaller amp would do.
I could go on, but I Know you are an intelligent person, and I am also sure you see the point that I am trying to make.
Boo has proposed a good set-up, that is capable of running at decent levels, with a clean signal, with out causing undo stress on system componets.
To just start over, and stuff 4 2879`s in a radio that is not made for it, seems to be a step backwards , to me at least.
See what I am getting at?
73
Jeff