ISO PL 700B advice

[Schmurpy]

Hello people!

Looking at a PL 700B that needs some work, and was hoping some of your great folk could give an opinion.

Here is what I know about it:

Phase Linear 700B Stereo Power Amplifier acquired from the family of the original owner. I gave this unit a quick test using a tuner/preamplifier and a pair of JBL speakers. I believe this amplifier was conservatively rated at 350 watts per channel. The front of the amplifier states "700 watts RMS". Unfortunately, this power amplifier does Not work. It produces a loud hum, and that's it. As can be seen in the photos, it powers up and that's as good as it get. No output other than a hum. I removed the top cover and took a picture so that you can see what your getting. Cosmetically a few small marks here and there but nothing that would even show up in the photos. I tested this unit for approximately two seconds and pulled the plug when I heard the loud hum. Plugged it in for another two or three seconds to take pictures

 

[Gepetto]

Hello people!

Looking at a PL 700B that needs some work, and was hoping some of your great folk could give an opinion.

Here is what I know about it:

Phase Linear 700B Stereo Power Amplifier acquired from the family of the original owner. I gave this unit a quick test using a tuner/preamplifier and a pair of JBL speakers. I believe this amplifier was conservatively rated at 350 watts per channel. The front of the amplifier states "700 watts RMS". Unfortunately, this power amplifier does Not work. It produces a loud hum, and that's it. As can be seen in the photos, it powers up and that's as good as it get. No output other than a hum. I removed the top cover and took a picture so that you can see what your getting. Cosmetically a few small marks here and there but nothing that would even show up in the photos. I tested this unit for approximately two seconds and pulled the plug when I heard the loud hum. Plugged it in for another two or three seconds to take pictures

For a 700B, all you need to know is:

Is the transformer good?
Are the meters good?
Are you getting a good price on it?

Everything else has a replacement part.

 

[Schmurpy]

For a 700B, all you need to know is:

Is the transformer good?
Are the meters good?
Are you getting a good price on it?

Everything else has a replacement part.

What would be a good price for this one?

 

[Gepetto]

What would be a good price for this one?

Hard to tell without any photos

 

[Schmurpy]

Hard to tell without any photos

I added photos.

 

[Gepetto]

Cosmetically looks pretty good. Meters obviously work as does the transformer. That is what counts.

Will the seller take $300 for it?

 

[Schmurpy]

Cosmetically looks pretty good. Meters obviously work as does the transformer. That is what counts.

Will the seller take $300 for it?

No. It's an auction.

 

[Gepetto]

No. It's an auction.

What is it at now?

 

[Schmurpy]

What is it at now?

Approx. $360 + $126 shipping

 

[Gepetto]

Others can give you offer advice. I haven't purchased one in a long time, they have climbed in price significantly since I purchased my last one.

 

[MarkWComer]

Approx. $360 + $126 shipping

Oyben! The shipping charges! But it is a heavy beast. Looks great, I’d pay $360, but how long will it stay at that price?

 

[grapplesaw]

Looks like it sold on eBay for $510.00

here is the listing item I was watching 194031122670

 

[mlucitt]

Never plug speakers (especially nice ones like JBL) into a vintage Phase Linear amplifier. The loud hum is due to a failed capacitor allowing stray voltage to get to the speakers.
Always use a dim bulb tester (DBT) when powering on a vintage amp and then measure voltage at the speaker terminals with a meter when no inputs are connected. If any voltage AC or DC is present or the bulb stays bright (indicating a short circuit), the amp needs service.
You (and the seller) have been warned.

 

[Gepetto]

ESP like this example with pegged meters