[defed]

ended up getting a 5 hp (22amp, 7.5hp peak), 80gal, 2 stage, 17.1 scfm @ 90, cast iron pump. it is the big kobalt from lowes. my research shows, as does the warranty info, that is is made by ABAC America (US made). it has an AO Smith motor but not sure who makes the pump. the specs state 82db, but i think it is louder than that, as the motor is 3450rpm and the pump states 1400rpm max (not sure of the exact rpm the pump is running at).

it was on clearance, as i believe lowes is not carrying that series anymore, so for $650, i could not pass it up. this was less than 1/2 the eaton i wanted, so i went for it.

when i ran it, the pressure unloading check value wouldn't stop 'unloading'. when i called the service #, the call was answered by a PERSON and they were very helpful in giving me a cpl things to try. if that didn't work, they were going to send a new one. i did fix it, so didn't need a new one sent.

i want to add a ball valve on the drain (or auto drain), extend the oil drain line and possibly route the air intake somewhere else, as that is where most of the noise comes from.

from my research, the biggest problem w/ these units is the pressure line from tank to regulator is only plastic/nylon/vinyl and tends to not handle the temps of the compression process and blows. easy enough to fix...but i think i will wait until the warranty is up before i do too many mods.

i haven't timed a complete fill up, but from kick on to kick off (140ish to 175ish), under no usage, is very short.