New PL400 Full WOPL Build

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.

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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.
 
Hexis22 said:
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.
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Hexis22 said:
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:

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Awesome!
 
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.
 
Hexis22 said:
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.
Click to expand...

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)
 
Hexis22 said:
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.
Click to expand...

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
 
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