Inheriting equipment including pl400, pl4000 and pl500

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RCribb

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Oct 16, 2025
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From my reading, all of this equipment will need to be resto modded. I’m planning to do the amps first using wopl parts and protection circuitry from watts abundant. This equipment has been in storage since the mid ‘80s and were fully operational when they were stored in the original packaging. Any suggestions or recommendations would be greatly appreciated. This equipment was owned by a recording engineer for his personal use (home). All of it is complete original at this point.
 
Welcome to Phoenix Audio Community,
The PL400 you can do a complete WOPL with White Oak Audio products, including watts abundant protection circuit.
Or do a partial restore mod. The original parts are old and won't last much longer.
I'm guessing the 500 is a Dual 500. Replacing the main caps and outputs and all the electrolytic capacitors on the boards
would be a good start.
 
silver_face said:
Welcome to Phoenix Audio Community,
The PL400 you can do a complete WOPL with White Oak Audio products, including watts abundant protection circuit.
Or do a partial restore mod. The original parts are old and won't last much longer.
I'm guessing the 500 is a Dual 500. Replacing the main caps and outputs and all the electrolytic capacitors on the boards
would be a good start.
Click to expand...
The 500 is supposed to be a pl 5000 but appreciate the response! There are two (maybe 3) turntables and then the studio equipment that is a whole other project.
 
mlucitt said:
Do tell!
Click to expand...
I have to fly down to do a complete inventory but the turntables are thorens, dual 1229 and Lin. There may be a technics in there as well. The studio equipment the things I know for sure are two struders the newest was purchased just prior to him being incapacitated. I can remember he was excited that that one had Dolby and was 16? track with a list of other bells and whistles huge tape on that one. Lots of microphones, huge mixing board and a newer one that was smaller but appeared to do more. Many monitors. I’m hoping the fender amps are still there (guitars were stolen years ago) If anyone is interested I’ll have more detail when I go down mid November. There is some more “home” audio stuff that is not in marked boxes.
 
I'm sure we'd be very interested in studio gear and may even attempt to purchase it if that opportunity presented itself.
 
"I have to fly down to do a complete inventory" Yes, from what you are saying it would be well worth flying down. Like quick too. The Thorens and Lin TT is enough in itself to make me wanna see it all. Congratulations, and yes, you have found the spot for all things Phase Linear.
 
The 4000 preamp is a nightmare. It will have at least 100 cracked solder joints on the mother board. The RCA jacks are brittle and break easy. Don't bother plugging it in until you reflow the pins. Bring up the amplifier with the light bulb test set. Anything that has set, unused, for a long time has the potential for the electrolytic capacitors to rupture upon sudden application of power. Use a 25 watt bulb for the preamp. 100 watt for the amplifiers. Have fun finding an incandescent bulb.
 

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Thanks for all of your replies! I will put all of your suggestions for the restoration of the Phase equipment to good use. I really appreciate the help! As for the remaining professional equipment, I’m hearing that there is too much value to leave it sit unattended so I’ve changed my plan and will rent a U-Haul to bring every thing back. My time line may be long to fully inventory but I’m retired and it’ll keep me off the street!
 
RCribb said:
From my reading, all of this equipment will need to be resto modded. I’m planning to do the amps first using wopl parts and protection circuitry from watts abundant. This equipment has been in storage since the mid ‘80s and were fully operational when they were stored in the original packaging. Any suggestions or recommendations would be greatly appreciated. This equipment was owned by a recording engineer for his personal use (home). All of it is complete original at this point.
RCribb said:
The 500 is supposed to be a pl 5000 but appreciate the response! There are two (maybe 3) turntables and then the studio equipment that is a whole other project.
Click to expand...
Good day, Phase Linear folks,





I’m new to the hi-fi scene, and I purchased a Phase Linear PL-400 solely for the VU meters. I know it’s a rookie move—but they’re just so beautiful, can you blame me?

My question is this: I emailed White Oak Audio about two weeks ago, and I’m wondering how long it usually takes for them to respond. Perhaps I did something wrong in the email?

Also, what color light upgrade are most people going with these days? I’m really drawn to the blue, but I’ve heard it can make the meters harder to see. Can anyone offer some guidance?

I’ve been reading the posts here, and I guess I’m part of the family now. Thank you, everyone!
Click to expand...
 
Warm White or White provides the best visibility on the Series 1 PL400 meters. Especially if you ended up with the dark tinted lenses.

It depends on how busy we are at the time. I just got done kitting several Model ONE orders that take a lot of time. I have a few orders in backlog at the moment. Thanks for your patience. PM me your email and I will look to find your request in my email stack.
 
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