Inherited a bunch of Phase Linear gear. Anything I should modify?

[ChopperCharles]

Due to failing health and the need for full-time healthcare provider, my uncle has sold his house and most of the stuff in it, and moved in with his sister. (And may end up in a long term care facility soon). He gave me an early inheritance, in the name of his Phase Linear gear. All of it is Series II stuff: A 700 amp, 3500 preamp, and 5100 tuner. Oh, and the slick linear tracking turntable

It all works great, although I did have to replace the power switch in the amplifier, as it welded itself into the on position. (and once disassembled, was discovered to be covered in carbon from arcing).

I replaced it with a NOS switch from eBay, and am now using a rack-mounted power supply to turn everything on and off (leaving the power switch in the always-on position).


So, my question is, should I undertake any other modifications before I put it into regular use? I've heard the power cords are too small, and it's a good idea to replace it with a heavy-gauge cord. Is this accurate? If so, should I go 3-prong?

Is the Series Two Model 700 any more robust than the older 700 and 700B? I hear those referred to as "Flame Linear" or "Blaze Linear" all the time.

I plan to drive a 4-ohm load with this amp (4 Klipsch KG 2.5 speakers, one in each corner of the room, wired in parallel), and I plan to install fans that blow on the heat sinks at the very least.

Any advice, caution, modification ideas (that aren't too complicated) or whatnot?

Also, I have the wood side panels and the metal top for this amp. (Although I'm not using them right now, as I've mounted everything in a rack) Is the metal top supposed to attach somehow, or does it just sit there? There doesn't appear to be a way to secure it, other than some double-sided tape.

Here's a pic of my current setup (The sources are obviously not PL gear):
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_m3oeSD6e89aVBwbHBXVzFkOU9NT3d2MGxDb0psaDVkbVNz/edit?usp=sharing

Thanks!

Charles

 

[Northwinds]

Cool mix of components you got there Charles! As for modifications, I am sure someone will be responding with recommendations but recaps are a minimum for any older equipment. Not sure if the Series II is WOPL'able just yet but more knowledgeable people will respond

I would love to find a PL turntable myself!!!

Welcome aboard!!!!

 

[ChopperCharles]

WOPL-able? Whazzat?

Charles.

 

[ChopperCharles]

Particularly, it would be nice if there is something I can do to tame the harshness of the highs on this amp. My other gear is much more mellow sounding.

Charles.

 

[Northwinds]

Charles, a WOPL is a White Oak Phase Linear conversion. The Series I 400s and the 700B can now be built fully complimentary, more horsepower, flat response down to 10hz which is lower then most speakers can go. Sweet crystal clear highs, wide soundstage, TIGHT bass and high quality DC protection circuitry

If it's Phase Linear, you will find it here

 

[ChopperCharles]

But not the series 2, eh? Oh well.

I guess there's either not a lot of people on this forum or there's nothing much that can be done to the series two.

Guess I'll live with it as it is...

Charles.

 

[Gepetto]

But not the series 2, eh? Oh well.

I guess there's either not a lot of people on this forum or there's nothing much that can be done to the series two.

Guess I'll live with it as it is...

Charles.

Series 2 or Series 1 are upgradable in the same manner. Nearly identical except for cosmetics and meters.

 

[Gepetto]

Due to failing health and the need for full-time healthcare provider, my uncle has sold his house and most of the stuff in it, and moved in with his sister. (And may end up in a long term care facility soon). He gave me an early inheritance, in the name of his Phase Linear gear. All of it is Series II stuff: A 700 amp, 3500 preamp, and 5100 tuner. Oh, and the slick linear tracking turntable

It all works great, although I did have to replace the power switch in the amplifier, as it welded itself into the on position. (and once disassembled, was discovered to be covered in carbon from arcing).

I replaced it with a NOS switch from eBay, and am now using a rack-mounted power supply to turn everything on and off (leaving the power switch in the always-on position).


So, my question is, should I undertake any other modifications before I put it into regular use? I've heard the power cords are too small, and it's a good idea to replace it with a heavy-gauge cord. Is this accurate? If so, should I go 3-prong?

Is the Series Two Model 700 any more robust than the older 700 and 700B? I hear those referred to as "Flame Linear" or "Blaze Linear" all the time.

I plan to drive a 4-ohm load with this amp (4 Klipsch KG 2.5 speakers, one in each corner of the room, wired in parallel), and I plan to install fans that blow on the heat sinks at the very least.

Any advice, caution, modification ideas (that aren't too complicated) or whatnot?

Also, I have the wood side panels and the metal top for this amp. (Although I'm not using them right now, as I've mounted everything in a rack) Is the metal top supposed to attach somehow, or does it just sit there? There doesn't appear to be a way to secure it, other than some double-sided tape.

Here's a pic of my current setup (The sources are obviously not PL gear):
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_m3oeSD6e89aVBwbHBXVzFkOU9NT3d2MGxDb0psaDVkbVNz/edit?usp=sharing

Thanks!

Charles

PL700 Series 2 ==Series 1 (PL700B) except for cosmetics and meters.

 

[NavLinear]

But not the series 2, eh? Oh well.

I guess there's either not a lot of people on this forum or there's nothing much that can be done to the series two.

Guess I'll live with it as it is...

Charles.

Welcome Charles to Phoenix. We're a small community so sometimes it may take a while to get a response but those that frequent here are knowledgeable in various areas - and cool people to boot.

Actually there is an ass ton of things you can do with your amp and pre amp to improve the characteristics of both. I think what you'll find here is a community of good people willing to help you find a way to modify / repair your equipment to get a system that is sonically better and can approach a level that competes with equipment costing many times what your newly gifted equipment would fetch on the secondary market.

If you read some of the threads here you may find some very interesting changes that will improve the amplifier and pre amplifiers sonic characteristics.

A very quick synopsis of a some of the amplifier modifications/upgrades:

1. DC protect board
2. Larger capacity reservoir capacitors, full wave rectifier replacement, snubber capacitors to limit RF
3. New grounding scheme
4. New design of controller board
5. Complete replacement of backplane hardware from point to point wiring to a four layer PCB
6. Replacement of all pre-driver and driver BJTs to a modern BJT designed for audio

These are some of the highlights of what you can do to upgrade your equipment. Don't let the lack of response get in the way. We're here - it just may take a bit to get back with you.

Nav

 

[Gibsonian]

Welcome to Phoenix CC!

As you can tell the 700 you have is probably the first item you might want to consider modifying, as it has the biggest upside. You would end up with a nearly bulletproof and world class amp when you were done that would last you until your ultimate demise, and beyond.

If you choose not to the fan is a great idea, but I'd at a minimum adjust the bias, check the DC offset on that amp of yours.

On the rest of your equipment a recap is an option that I have found does make a noticeable improvement in sound. The TT could use a stylus inspection for wear, and maybe looking into cartridge/tonearm adjustments if needed. You got a nice present there!

 

[El Magnifico]

Hey Charles! This is just like the Eagles song: " Take it eaaaaaasyyyyy" Ha! Welcome to this forum. In this site you'll find the PL gurus. Not me. I'm on the Crown side of the fence.

Enjoy!

 

[Northwinds]

I'm glad the Series II's can be WOPL'd, sounds like you will have one helluva an amp soon if you choose to go the full upgrade deal

 

[ChopperCharles]

Okay cool, sorry I didn't mean to sound uppity

So these modifications... is there anything a complete novice can do? I can solder. I can replace switches and power cords and the like. I can deoxit. I have a rudimentary understanding of circuits. I have no test equipment beyond a digital multimeter.

I'd like to improve the quality of the highs, because right now they're terribly harsh. Some of it is the speakers I'm using, but not all of it.

Klipsch KG 2.5s have very harsh, ringy highs on the PL700 II.
Cerwin Vega VS-150s on the PL700II are slightly more mellow sounding on the high end, but still much harsher than they sound on my tube amp. They do have unbelievable bass when I drive them off the PL. And the volume from them goes to stupid levels. (which isn't my thing, but still fun on occasion)

Klipsch KG 2.5s on either my tube amp or my Pioneer QX4000 are only slightly bright, not harsh at all. They don't break up and don't ring. They have a rather mild character on these amps, actually.


If I'm going to have to send my PL off somewhere for modifications... god... the thing ways 4 metric tons. The shipping price, and potential for damage, makes me a little concerned. Hoping there's someone within 100 miles of Raleigh NC that can do these mods, and I can just drive it there.

Before i go all apeshit though, what do the modifications do exactly? And what's a BJT?


Charles.

 

[Northwinds]

If I'm going to have to send my PL off somewhere for modifications... god... the thing ways 4 metric tons. The shipping price, and potential for damage, makes me a little concerned. Hoping there's someone within 100 miles of Raleigh NC that can do these mods, and I can just drive it there.

Before i go all apeshit though, what do the modifications do exactly? And what's a BJT?


Charles.

Jer (jbeckva) lives in Virginia, he would probably be your closest

 

[NavLinear]

BJT is an acronym for a Bipolar Junction Transistor.

The best way to get a feel of the improvements made with the modifications you should read a couple of threads that document the process, list test results and provide an impression of the sonic improvement. Go to the - DIY and other "how to make a monster" tales - and read through the newest threads that discuss the fully comp modifications to the 700s. Have fun.

 

[BubbaH]

The new av is great Dennis!

 

[NavLinear]

The new av is great Dennis!

I like her boots.

 

[laatsch55]

That's funny D, can't even see the boots..HA!

 

[laatsch55]

My eyes won't go there with the rest of it to the left...

 

[laatsch55]

Chopper Charles....yep nice stuff....don't turn loose of that per, amp or tuner. That's a nice set. The 700 II will adapt very nicely to Joe's handiwork(Gepetto). There will be a 700 II fully comp build version starting soon so stay tuned. It hasn't been done before, but it's a go, just need to go through the motions....