700B WOPL Audition List

[Skynyrd77]

Cool!! The tracking says that pre is out for delivery!!! So this afternoon I'll get to give her a test run!!

 

[Northwinds]

I am already grinning for you! No more hum and a killer pre to boot!

 

[laatsch55]

*Please forgive me, guys, (Lee?), but in case I know this already, I've forgot, but is their an actual WOPL DIY Guide for converting a PL 700 II into one that you can remind me about please?

I do recall your thread Lee, but I can't remember if it was an actual 'proper' 'How to…." Guide, plus now I don't know where it is. Sorry….

I'd like to show it to my mate, Bean, and see if he's able to convert one of mine.

BD, I think I'm gonna be doing a 700 Ser II in a month or so if that's close enough. We haven't done a SEr II yet so there may be a snag or two be it's doable. He should be able to follow the build if he wants to...

 

[Gepetto]

Amos Moses... That one really gives the CV's a workout for me.

For sure...

 

[pennysdad]

BD, I think I'm gonna be doing a 700 Ser II in a month or so if that's close enough. We haven't done a SEr II yet so there may be a snag or two be it's doable. He should be able to follow the build if he wants to...

Well hurry up then….
I'd donate one of mine to experiment on, if the shipping wasn't such a killer.

 

[laatsch55]

I am..

 

[Pure_Brew]

Opened her up with some Rush ~ Exit Stage Left "YYZ (live)"
This an awesome Neal Pert drum solo that I've admired for many years.
The wonderful thing about this amp, is that it just doesn't seem to sweat anything. All the dynamics from every piece of kit stayed together without any strain or harshness. Last big amp I tried this out on was my PS Audio 200c. Still a pretty beefy amp, but with only half the output devices of this PL. Sure, it played loud, but ran out of gas on the top end (clipping). This PL is like.." Yeah, whatever, what else you got?"

I've been a bit surprised that it seems "smoother" on vocals, or should I say, more natural, than my lil KT88 based tube amp. However, since these are 901's I'm checking this amp out with, I'm going to have to guess that this big SS amp, with some significant damping factor, is controlling 9 voice coils per channel, with much better control. So, what ends up here is a better focus on every aspect of sound, which in-itself removes the edges, rather then a cover-up.

Every piece of music I listened to through this 700B sounded better in every aspect I can think of. Especially on giving each individual voice and instrument it's own place within the stage. Small dynamics, and all the big ones, were served up with nice focus, allowing you to hear individual character, rather then the amplifier painting on its own.

Now, you have to take my ramble here with a grain of salt. To each his/her own. But this is one kick ass, beautiful piece of vintage gear that I would be proud to own. It's sounds fantastic, looks amazing and is one POWERFUL motherfucker.

Cheers!

 

[laatsch55]

Thank you for the review Joe....the fully comps are even better, the soundstage is huge...

 

[Skynyrd77]

Yep your review joe pretty much said most of what I was thinking. I actually hooked my jolida tube amp back up yesterday for shits and giggles. And I can say its dark and so lifeless in comparison. I wish I would of had a better preamp during my audition but I made it through enough to know I will have to have a 700b. So clean and crisp and distinct !!!

 

[laatsch55]

Beins it's in the neighborhood, how far are you Ron? I think I have your address...I know, you've heard the 400's , you own 2, but you haven't heard a 700, and ther is something about a 700. The first 2 clicks off infinity and you KNOW (more caps Nando) that it is a whole different animal...

 

[Elite-ist]

Joe: That was a great write-up on the loaner 700B. I find it difficult to get into superlatives when describing nuances of amplifiers, but I do know there are a few basic pluses I listen for when I'm demoing an amplifier. If you select music you are really attuned to and play often enough with other amplifiers, you can pick up the differences more easily. Most of my listening time is spent in the 11 o'clock zone and less on my preamp control. The bass, and especially playing some good jazz featuring double-bass instruments, can reveal the difference between a capable amp and one that doesn't have the reserve to allow you to feel good bass. I love to play a lot of acoustical pieces featuring guitar and piano. I want the clarity a good amp brings to those instruments. And I turn down the lights during an evening session to get the full sensation. Somehow, an afternoon session in daylight doesn't do it for me. And the amplifier has got to look the part - if it doesn't look attractive as part of my stereo system, or doesn't have that testosterone-inducing aura I don't think I would buy it in the first place.

Nando.

 

[laatsch55]

How about a review on Ampzilla??

 

[pennysdad]

Joe: That was a great write-up on the loaner 700B. I find it difficult to get into superlatives when describing nuances of amplifiers, but I do know there are a few basic pluses I listen for when I'm demoing an amplifier. If you select music you are really attuned to and play often enough with other amplifiers, you can pick up the differences more easily. Most of my listening time is spent in the 11 o'clock zone and less on my preamp control. The bass, and especially playing some good jazz featuring double-bass instruments, can reveal the difference between a capable amp and one that doesn't have the reserve to allow you to feel good bass. I love to play a lot of acoustical pieces featuring guitar and piano. I want the clarity a good amp brings to those instruments. And I turn down the lights during an evening session to get the full sensation. Somehow, an afternoon session in daylight doesn't do it for me. And the amplifier has got to look the part - if it doesn't look attractive as part of my stereo system, or doesn't have that testosterone-inducing aura I don't think I would buy it in the first place.

Nando.

Yep. That pretty well describes my philosophies, BUT, I try and do it under around 80dB SPL @ 3 metres.
You can really tell the difference between a BIG amp and a little amp, even tho' the BIG amp is barely working, but the sensation of head room is the secret of 'airy' and 'dark' and definition is most remarkable between all instruments.
I just can't put it into words, but when I'm 'idling' my Bryston bi-amp setup (totalling only 750 WRMS 8 Ohms), at low SPL's, it can still be most breath taking.

 

[Elite-ist]

You are right, Lee. I'm overdue with a few comments about Doug's Ampzilla. I haven't had the time, befitting this amp, to put it into type. It may be another week, or so, before I can do that.

Nando.

 

[laatsch55]

Looking forward to it Nando..

 

[pennysdad]

Oh look!
It's got a steak griller!

 

[Northwinds]

The proof is in the Mach meter, got to take the amp to the limits to truly appreciate what's making the horsepower. Lee's philosophy works for me. I had Sally ridiculously loud playing a radio broadcast lp and man, you know when your hearing quality sound reproduction. Anybody can go loud but loudness should not induce fatigue. The 400 does it's job well with no complaints. The only complaints I hear are my CV's riding the limit constantly

When your wife asks you to turn it up, you know you have a winner

 

[laatsch55]

wife asks you to turn it up, you know you have a winner



Yep!!

 

[Elite-ist]

Your wife/partner has got to be part of the experience. The first time I lit up and took a run with Doug's Laart WOPL 1000, Geri liked it immediately. She didn't ask me to turn it up, but I did. It's when she asks you to turn it down you know you have relationship problems.

Nando.

 

[BubbaH]

Can someone remind me, what the audition amp is putting out per channel?