New PL400 Full WOPL Build

[Hexis22]

Crank that Weller up for the PEM's. My Weller goes to 836 and it needs every bit of it. I have on occasion used both my Weller bases to solder them.

Agree.

I have access to a Weller WX1 200W setup at work. It has done very well on similar jobs in the past.

 

[Vintage 700b]

Agree.

I have access to a Weller WX1 200W setup at work. It has done very well on similar jobs in the past.

That will do it !
They do take a lot of heat.

 

[J!m]

Oxy-Acetylene does it too!

 

[Hexis22]

TO-3 sockets and PEM nuts soldered.

Having the correct tool for the job made this easier. I would not want to attempt this with only my 70W Weller.

Now to clean flux residue and remove any solder balls before installing remaining components and wiring.

 

[WOPL Sniffer]

a little heavy on the solder but nice. The joint should be a bit concave.

 

[WOPL Sniffer]

Love love love that soldering station. I'm gonna go look at one.

 

[WOPL Sniffer]

Damn, I better start saving. VERY nice rig.

 

[Hexis22]

Damn, I better start saving. VERY nice rig.

Yes, with a 3mm chisel tip, this thing will handle anything I have needed regarding soldering high mass components.

The fast heat recovery is outstanding, even with 4oz copper PCBs with large area fills.

 

[J!m]

I was looking at that when I was considering a new iron a while back (there’s a thread somewhere).

I got a few 900F tips for my current iron and a large assortment of 700F tips for odd jobs. (For a lot less than another iron).

Indont use it enough to justify a grand outlay.

 

[NavLinear]

TO-3 sockets and PEM nuts soldered.

Now to clean and remove balls before installing remaining components and wiring.

Very nice solder job. Sniff's right, but your solder flow is really clean. and looks nice.

A Nav tip - keep your balls away from solder.

 

[Hexis22]

A Nav tip - keep your balls away from solder.

Solid advice!

That's worthy of a signature line...

 

[e30m3mon]

A Nav tip - keep your balls away from solder.

Solid advice!

That's worthy of a signature line...

Yah…lots of “wisdom” out here…and plenty of laughs too!
your build is coming along nicely !

 

[Hexis22]

Backplane components soldered.

Now on to wiring.

 

[Vintage 700b]

Backplane components soldered.

Now on to wiring.

Outstanding work !
Very clean,
Won't be long..........I can hear the music already...

 

[FredR]

I have started the process of upgrading a PL400 and looking forward to gaining input and feedback from the wealth of knowledge on this forum.

I plan a full WOPL upgrade with DCP board, new RCA jacks, new bridge rectifier with snubber caps, new thermal switch, isolated Xfmr bolts, new AGC fuse holders, and IEC power inlet socket. I have all winter for this build and plan to take my time reading all Joe's installation documents (multiple times) and existing informative build threads for input.

This amp has a very special place in my journey to audio bliss. My father purchased new in the late 70's and I spent my entire youth listening to this amp combined with a Marantz Model 3800 preamp. I am rebuilding this amp for my father now that he has shown an interest in rediscovering his vinyl collection.

Here is what I have to work with:

Awesome!

 

[laatsch55]

Agreed, excellent work..

 

[Gepetto]

Great skill. Very nice to see. Clean of all the flux too...

 

[Hexis22]

Thanks for all the positive comments. This has been an enjoyable challenge so far.

The ability to work on a project without time constraints makes a big difference.

Now that most of the component soldering is complete I have many questions regarding wire routing and all the latest continuous improvements mentioned in other threads.

I will post questions once I have the transformer and backplanes in place.

 

[Gepetto]

Thanks for all the positive comments. This has been an enjoyable challenge so far.

The ability to work on a project without time constraints makes a big difference.

Now that most of the component soldering is complete I have many questions regarding wire routing and all the latest continuous improvements mentioned in other threads.

I will post questions once I have the transformer and backplanes in place.

This link will show you the complete restoration from beginning to end and illustrates wiring best practices.

PL400 Complete Rebuild and Assembly Slide Show | Phoenix Audio Community Forums (phxaudiotape.com)

 

[e30m3mon]

Thanks for all the positive comments. This has been an enjoyable challenge so far.

The ability to work on a project without time constraints makes a big difference.

Nailed it ... that's why we call it FUN and not WORK! Maybe that's why building these WOPLs is so habit-forming ... and great quality kits to start off makes it that much better. oh - and then there is the camaraderie and banter out here!
Keep going