To restore as is, professional WOPL 1000 or DYI

[Ohioriver]

A Little back ground. I purchased a Phase Linear 700 off eBay. It pops when turned on pretty hard. I have owned a PL 400 before hand and loves these but this one needs some work. Long story short, the tech I used 20 years ago when I smoked my last PL (my fault) doesn’t have his shop anymore.
That lead me to your forum and White Oak Audio. I am a 100% car nut and love finding these guys like white oak and your forum! I am a very capable engine builder but not confident in my electrical board building. So I have a couple questions to pick the right path.

1. Should I restore the original PL700 with output protection or completly upgrade to WOPL 1000? It seems if the preferred path is to upgrade. I 100% believe audio is opinion but I have found when people put effort or money into something it because they believe it to be better. Seems as if the upgrade doesn’t change the “voice” of phase linear amps.

2. Should I have a professional technician do the work? I am in the Louisville Ky area. What approximately would it cost for a “full upgrade “? Also I understand the output protection upgrade, the control board upgrade, and the light upgrade but I don’t understand the back board upgrade. What is the back board upgrade? Does it replace the point to point wiring on output transistors? Also does anyone upgrade the rca’s and speaker wire connectors? Anyone recommended in my area?

3 If I do the work myself how much does it cost to have the boards completely assembled. I am far more comfortable connecting wires to the screwing connectors.

Thanks in advance for an and all help. I looked for a post similar to this but I didn’t find one. If I missed it I am sorry. It seems like this is a great forum.

Brandon.

 

[AngrySailor]

A Little back ground. I purchased a Phase Linear 700 off eBay. It pops when turned on pretty hard. I have owned a PL 400 before hand and loves these but this one needs some work. Long story short, the tech I used 20 years ago when I smoked my last PL (my fault) doesn’t have his shop anymore.
That lead me to your forum and White Oak Audio. I am a 100% car nut and love finding these guys like white oak and your forum! I am a very capable engine builder but not confident in my electrical board building. So I have a couple questions to pick the right path.

1. Should I restore the original PL700 with output protection or completly upgrade to WOPL 1000? It seems if the preferred path is to upgrade. I 100% believe audio is opinion but I have found when people put effort or money into something it because they believe it to be better. Seems as if the upgrade doesn’t change the “voice” of phase linear amps.

2. Should I have a professional technician do the work? I am in the Louisville Ky area. What approximately would it cost for a “full upgrade “? Also I understand the output protection upgrade, the control board upgrade, and the light upgrade but I don’t understand the back board upgrade. What is the back board upgrade? Does it replace the point to point wiring on output transistors? Also does anyone upgrade the rca’s and speaker wire connectors? Anyone recommended in my area?

3 If I do the work myself how much does it cost to have the boards completely assembled. I am far more comfortable connecting wires to the screwing connectors.

Thanks in advance for an and all help. I looked for a post similar to this but I didn’t find one. If I missed it I am sorry. It seems like this is a great forum.

Brandon.

Welcome aboard matey, experts will be along shortly.

 

[NeverSatisfied]

Welcome aboard Ohioriver, you have found the center of the PL universe. Great place with lots of helpful friendly folks. I chose options #1 and #2 but someday I hope to try option #3.

 

[Ohioriver]

Thank you both. What is the rough cost to do the upgrade? Did you do all upgrades including the back board? Would you do it the same way if you had it to do over?

 

[Vintage 700b]

Welcome Ohioriver,
You didn't mention whether the 700 you purchased is a first generation 700, 700b, or a 700 Series II?
The fully WOPL'd 700b or 700 S2 are hard to beat, they are incredible, super dependable, and a joy to listen to. The WOPL
treatment can now be done to the 1st generation 700's as well, with some differences.
I have owned a 700b since 1978, and now am completing my second full WOPL 700b. I have done all the work myself,
but there are some incredible builders on this site, who will walk you through what's available, cost wise, and option wise.
Welcome aboard!

 

[NeverSatisfied]

Thank you both. What is the rough cost to do the upgrade? Did you do all upgrades including the back board? Would you do it the same way if you had it to do over?

There are several experts on here that can do the work and their pricing may vary depending on their available time and other factors, so I won't quote any of my costs because that wouldn't be right. I don't look at any of this as a customer to business relationship, I see it as some really great guys sharing their passion and knowledge with me and going out of their way to work on my stuff.
I definitely will do it again, hopefully many times.

 

[Ohioriver]

My is a first gen with the bouncing uv needles. I know it’s not a series two but what the difference between 700 and 700b?

 

[Vintage 700b]

The "First Generation" 700 was just the 700 as introduced in 1970....VU meters to the right.
700b has the big VU meters, centered in the amp.
Series II has the Cylon meters.

 

[Ohioriver]

Thanks for the clarification I have a 700b

 

[laatsch55]

Somewhere around 2500.00 for the full meal deal.

 

[Ohioriver]

How much for an assembled control board?

 

[laatsch55]

Check White Oak's website , I think Joe has the site up to date with all the goodies...around 250.00 IIRC...

 

[laatsch55]

just checked the site 160.00 unassembled and email for assembled price...