Phase Linear Preamplifier 3300 Series II OM

[NavLinear]

Attached is the 3300 Series II Owners Manual.

 

[laatsch55]

Good man. Elbow deep in it yet??

 

[NavLinear]

I've got my purchase orders out for component upgrades - mostly from Mouser. They didn't have everything I wanted / needed so I'm going to DigiKey for the components Mouser was short on.

Upon initial power up the indicator lamp did not illuminate. I had pulled the face plate prior to powering up this unit so I could have damaged the lamp. It is interesting that PL used RTV to hold it in place. That would not be my first choice but it is an inexpensive method for securing it.

Now that I have the schematics I did a quick look around the board and the voltage levels measuered within tolerance so I'm quite happy. Looks like I'll need a new indicator lamp.

I'll keep y'all posted.

 

[ksrigg]

I just had the opportunity to give the phase linear 3300 a preliminary audition. WOW is allthat I can say. I am assuming that the pre amp in and of itself is fantastic but the synergy between the 3300 and the phase linear 400 amplifier is simply amazingy. One question I do have is whether I should use the sw or the u n s w outputs. I am also making the assumption that you bypassed the tone controls. Cosmetically the unit looks as though it just came from the factory production line. Sonically I am sure that it far exceeds the original specifications coming from that assembly line. I have not had the opportunity to try the preamp using a turntable or a really good cd player yet but just using can old not so good dvd player the unit sounded GREAT. Thank you again lee for all you do for the community of Phase Linear Lovers...

I love the preamp ! !

 

[laatsch55]

Thought you might, it is cherry, inside and out, one of the finest examples I've seen and worked on.

I did not bypass the tone controls. You have an IN/OUT button for the tone controls and theen a choice of rollover points from there.

The switched/unswitched refers to the headphone jack. Unswitched means you will still hear the speakeres with headphones plugged in.Switched mutes the speaker output when phones are plugged in.

 

[speakerman1]

Attached is the 3300 Series II Owners Manual.

Should be in here.

Reading is a good thing. LOL

Larry

 

[ksrigg]

Yah, I know, but men are not suppose to read stuff. We are already suppose to know stuff without that reading stuff. Unless it's really complicated. I really didn't see the link to the manual until you mentioned reading, Larry. Thanks.

 

[ksrigg]

I now have the new Onix CD-10, the Phase Linear 3300 Ser II preamp, and a totally reworked Phase 400 feeding some MTM DIY speakers in my building, and I have never heard better. The speakers are the weak link in this little system. Gotta get some big mommas hooked up, but man oh man do the electronics shine. Clean, clear, precise, quiet, instantaneous attack...just brilliant electronics. They just don't make stuff like this anymore...(except the Onix).....and what IS the story on Onix? Bought by Shanling I understand, but beyond that, what is the backstory, and the frontstory too, as long as we are at it...I just don't understand how something this good (and value priced..) goes away...

 

[speakerman1]

I may be wrong on this but here goes. Onix was a company in the UK. Shanling built their CDPs. I do not think Shanling sold that model of CDP. They weren't rebranded. AV123 was a distributor in the US. I will find where the MBL 1 is the same as the Onix CD 1. Google MBL 1. Some good reviews. Here is another thing from AV123. Perpetual Technologies. I'm glad you like it.They had some very good stuff. Don't know who built the 10. Shanling?

Larry

 

[speakerman1]

These are just opinions. That is how I learn. I searched CD-10.I have read the others. I found this one today.

http://translate.google.com/translate?h ... IgBEO4BMAo

You may have to translate it.

Larry

 

[laatsch55]

Hugh has stated Shanling made the complete Onix lineup of CDP's and built the MBL 1 also IIRC.

 

[speakerman1]

No I said Shanling made the MBL 1. Hugh said it made sense. If he said Shanling made them all I don't remember. I know the CD 1,3,5 were made by Shanling. It is stated in reviews. The others I haven't a clue. I can't find the the manu. I'm not saying Hugh is wrong. I just don't remember reading it.

Larry

 

[laatsch55]

OK, gotcha. It does get confusing. I'll try and find that post of Hugh's.

 

[ksrigg]

I have not done an A-B comparison of the CD-3 and the CD-10, but man the CD-10 sounds fabulous. I don't know that the CD-3 could sound better. Of course, the 10 is current production, and the 3 was produced in 2007 and I think the opamps and some other components have changed. I think even the upsample rate has gone from 96 to 192 khz. I may be wrong on this. Please let me know.

Question.....Are there possible upgrades to either unit? Could the Brown Dogs be used to improve on the already outstanding opamps in either unit? Lee, you would be the man to know the answer....or Mark, or Joe, ....what do you think? Worth the attempt to upgrade? Either one is going to be hard to improve upon, but I really think the CD-10 MIGHT kick the CD-3 to its' knees....just thinking....but with better, more modern SOTA opamps it might be able to kick the 10 in the knees. What do you guys think?

It is also my understanding that both units were made in the Shangling facility. I don't think anyone will admit rebadging as there are differences, but I think Onix and Music Hall are both made in the Shangling facility..

 

[laatsch55]

There are better chips out now Sutton. I have been comparing the 1 to the 15 most of the day. Definately better. Don't know if the upgrade to the newer stuff is compatible with the rest of the circuit, but there are better VERSIONS of the original parts also.