New PL400 Full WOPL Build

[Hexis22]

After more than 20 years in Automotive powertrain electronics, RC hobbies, and other miscellaneous electrical ventures, this is by far the most satisfying and enjoyable build I have completed.

Thanks for all the great feedback, it means a lot coming from all the experience on this forum.

Now on to the next build... A PL400 S2 I rescued from dark corner in friends garage. The only thing usable is the transformer and fins. This one will get the full chassis treatment.

 

[gene french]

really looks nice!!!

 

[laatsch55]

Thanks for documenting this project so folks will see what is achievable..

 

[e30m3mon]

After more than 20 years in Automotive powertrain electronics, RC hobbies, and other miscellaneous electrical ventures, this is by far the most satisfying and enjoyable build I have completed.

Thanks for all the great feedback, it means a lot coming from all the experience on this forum.

Now on to the next build... A PL400 S2 I rescued from dark corner in friends garage. The only thing usable is the transformer and fins. This one will get the full chassis treatment.

We warned you about this addiction!

Before you dive into the 400-II, have a read at some of George’s past posts where he went down the path of not using the front panel attenuators, and directly wired from the RCAs to the control board ( as you just did on this build). Glen uses a rear panel mounted switch for the option to bypass the attenuators or use them, so his design has flexibility. I have since rewired both of my builds to bypass those pots.

Food for thought before you dive in.
Good luck!

 

[Vintage 700b]

After more than 20 years in Automotive powertrain electronics, RC hobbies, and other miscellaneous electrical ventures, this is by far the most satisfying and enjoyable build I have completed.

Thanks for all the great feedback, it means a lot coming from all the experience on this forum.

Now on to the next build... A PL400 S2 I rescued from dark corner in friends garage. The only thing usable is the transformer and fins. This one will get the full chassis treatment.

Outstanding Build!
The documentation will also be a guide for many as to how it is done correctly.
Very nice work.

 

[Hexis22]

We warned you about this addiction!

Before you dive into the 400-II, have a read at some of George’s past posts where he went down the path of not using the front panel attenuators, and directly wired from the RCAs to the control board ( as you just did on this build). Glen uses a rear panel mounted switch for the option to bypass the attenuators or use them, so his design has flexibility. I have since rewired both of my builds to bypass those pots.

Food for thought before you dive in.
Good luck!

I was planning to bypass the front pots and replace with LEDs like George did in one of his builds, but might consider implementing a switch for the choice of using or not.

Although, it just adds additional complexity and more things to go wrong.

 

[Hexis22]

I really like the Bluesound Node DAC and streamer I got, paired with Amazon HD ....pretty damn good.

The Bluesound Node DAC looks like an interesting option.

Thanks for the note.

 

[GaryCooper]

Original outputs with very generous application of thermal grease:

Ill Buy your 14a board if ya dont want it?

 

[Hexis22]

Finally delivered and installed this amp back to its rightful place in my fathers listening room today.

Took me back to my childhood listening to this system and it sounds better than I remembered.

My father is very happy with the results!

 

[George S.]

Way to go Eric. A wonderful Fathers Day gift. Nice!

 

[NavLinear]

That's great to hear Eric - nice work as always.

 

[Sunnbobb]

I'm a bit late to the party. I'm just wrapping up a 400 and wanted to say thanks Eric. The pictures really helped. Now lets talk about that carbtune on the back shelf of your shop..

 

[MarkWComer]

Before you dive into the 400-II, have a read at some of George’s past posts where he went down the path of not using the front panel attenuators, and directly wired from the RCAs to the control board ( as you just did on this build). Glen uses a rear panel mounted switch for the option to bypass the attenuators or use them, so his design has flexibility. I have since rewired both of my builds to bypass those pots.

Excellent idea!

 

[Hexis22]

I'm a bit late to the party. I'm just wrapping up a 400 and wanted to say thanks Eric. The pictures really helped. Now lets talk about that carbtune on the back shelf of your shop..

Before transitioning to fuel injection on all my bikes, on road and off, the carbtune was in use on a regular basis.

I am happy to say it’s rarely used and now sits in retirement on my bench. I’ve only used it a couple of times over the past 10 years balancing throttle plates on my race bikes.

Glad you made use of my build pictures, it’s a rewarding and addictive hobby.