Current favorite is the Russian GS-35B, IMO it is the most bang for the buck. Right now they cost about $110.00 each. Works just as well as the 8877 with a stronger grid. I am considering building a two tube version, if the tube supply holds, going to monitor the supply for a while. Just coasting a pair of GS35's will put out an easy 4KW without breaking a sweat, at 1500 watts the tubes should last almost forever.
Second favorite is the 8877, I run that in one of my amps. Tube makes an easy 2200 watts and can squeeze out 2500 before the Alpha defaults. At 37 watts of drive, I see 1500 out on 75 meters using a chinese made 8877. With the Chinese making the 8877, the prices have come down to less than $700.00 each for one of those. However, the Eimacs are still pricey.
Most builders choose a tube based on frequency, durability, and what they can get cheap or have on hand. When the 8877 pulse tubes were plentiful back in the late 80's and the 90's, seems as though a lot of folks were buidling 8877 amps. Check the net and google the GS-35B, you will run across more than a few sites about building amps using this tube. Right now it is the current cheap and plentiful tube.
Hard to tell what the next hot ticket will be, seems here lately, I've read a few posts on various sites where guys have mention using rebuilt 3CX3000's because they are cheaper than new 3CX1500's.
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