Phase Linear

simphiwes
simphiwes Posts: 116
edited July 2006 in Electronics
has anyone owned phase linear products, are they any good?
(((((STEREO)))))
System 1(complete)
Front: Rti8
Intergrated: Valve Audio Epsilon
CD Player: Xindak Muse Delux 1.0
Media Player: Mede8er MED 200
Behringer DAC
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  • danger boy
    danger boy Posts: 15,722
    edited July 2006
    i heard something a long time ago about Phase Linear which Bob Carver was a part of. i've never owned any PL components though.

    http://hometown.aol.com/PhaseTek/
    PolkFest 2012, who's going>?
    Vancouver, Canada Sept 30th, 2012 - Madonna concert :cheesygrin:
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  • read-alot
    read-alot Posts: 812
    edited July 2006
    yes and yes
    polkaudio SRS (rdo194 x 8)
    Dodd ELP (separate power supply)
    JC 1 blocks ( strapped )
    Rega Apollo
    MIT (speaker cables) Outlaw (ICs)

    polkaudio SDA2(rdo194x4) (front) polkaudio CRS (rdo194x4)(rear) polkaudio 400i (center)
    B&K 505
    Samsung LCD
    VIP 622
    HSU STF-2
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  • joeparaski
    joeparaski Posts: 1,865
    edited July 2006
    Yep, good stuff. I've got a Phase Linear 700B amplifier (350 wpc at 8 ohms) and a Phase Linear 400 amplifier (200 wpc at 8 ohms).
    Amplifiers: 1-SAE Mark IV, 4-SAE 2400, 1-SAE 2500, 2-SAE 2600, 1-Buttkicker BKA 1000N w/2-tactile transducers. Sources: Sony BDP CX7000es, Sony CX300/CX400/CX450/CX455, SAE 8000 tuner, Akai 4000D R2R, Technics 1100A TT, Epson 8500UB with Carada 100". Speakers:Polk SDA SRS, 3.1TL, FXi5, FXi3, 2-SVS 20-29, Yamaha, SVS center sub. Power:2-Monster HTS3500, Furman M-8D & RR16 Plus. 2-SAE 4000 X-overs, SAE 5000a noise reduction, MSB Link DAC III, MSB Powerbase, Behringer 2496, Monarchy DIP 24/96.
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  • simphiwes
    simphiwes Posts: 116
    edited July 2006
    there is a power amp on sale here in my local shop which was a trade in, i have a Rotel RSP 960AX and was building a 2CH rig.

    thanks for the advise!!!!!!!!!!
    (((((STEREO)))))
    System 1(complete)
    Front: Rti8
    Intergrated: Valve Audio Epsilon
    CD Player: Xindak Muse Delux 1.0
    Media Player: Mede8er MED 200
    Behringer DAC
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  • joeparaski
    joeparaski Posts: 1,865
    edited July 2006
    Which amp are they selling, and how much?
    Amplifiers: 1-SAE Mark IV, 4-SAE 2400, 1-SAE 2500, 2-SAE 2600, 1-Buttkicker BKA 1000N w/2-tactile transducers. Sources: Sony BDP CX7000es, Sony CX300/CX400/CX450/CX455, SAE 8000 tuner, Akai 4000D R2R, Technics 1100A TT, Epson 8500UB with Carada 100". Speakers:Polk SDA SRS, 3.1TL, FXi5, FXi3, 2-SVS 20-29, Yamaha, SVS center sub. Power:2-Monster HTS3500, Furman M-8D & RR16 Plus. 2-SAE 4000 X-overs, SAE 5000a noise reduction, MSB Link DAC III, MSB Powerbase, Behringer 2496, Monarchy DIP 24/96.
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  • read-alot
    read-alot Posts: 812
    edited July 2006
    A fellow that I work with found out about my audio interest and came inquire about my setup, when I mentioned Phase Linear he asked if I had fire extinguishers in my home. Come to find out he is a retired roadie from some bonified rock bands ( Kiss among the list ) he said they would stack the PLs as many as eight at a time but they also had fire extinguishers stationed at each speaker tower. They don't call them "Flame Linears" just to be cute.
    polkaudio SRS (rdo194 x 8)
    Dodd ELP (separate power supply)
    JC 1 blocks ( strapped )
    Rega Apollo
    MIT (speaker cables) Outlaw (ICs)

    polkaudio SDA2(rdo194x4) (front) polkaudio CRS (rdo194x4)(rear) polkaudio 400i (center)
    B&K 505
    Samsung LCD
    VIP 622
    HSU STF-2
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited July 2006
    It's the only Bob Carver gear worth owning.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • joeparaski
    joeparaski Posts: 1,865
    edited July 2006
    read-alot wrote:
    A fellow that I work with found out about my audio interest and came inquire about my setup, when I mentioned Phase Linear he asked if I had fire extinguishers in my home. Come to find out he is a retired roadie from some bonified rock bands ( Kiss among the list ) he said they would stack the PLs as many as eight at a time but they also had fire extinguishers stationed at each speaker tower. They don't call them "Flame Linears" just to be cute.


    You would probably need a fire extinguisher ready to use on the gear of ANY of those ultra-loud rock bands.
    Amplifiers: 1-SAE Mark IV, 4-SAE 2400, 1-SAE 2500, 2-SAE 2600, 1-Buttkicker BKA 1000N w/2-tactile transducers. Sources: Sony BDP CX7000es, Sony CX300/CX400/CX450/CX455, SAE 8000 tuner, Akai 4000D R2R, Technics 1100A TT, Epson 8500UB with Carada 100". Speakers:Polk SDA SRS, 3.1TL, FXi5, FXi3, 2-SVS 20-29, Yamaha, SVS center sub. Power:2-Monster HTS3500, Furman M-8D & RR16 Plus. 2-SAE 4000 X-overs, SAE 5000a noise reduction, MSB Link DAC III, MSB Powerbase, Behringer 2496, Monarchy DIP 24/96.
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited July 2006
    read-alot wrote:
    A fellow that I work with found out about my audio interest and came inquire about my setup, when I mentioned Phase Linear he asked if I had fire extinguishers in my home. Come to find out he is a retired roadie from some bonified rock bands ( Kiss among the list ) he said they would stack the PLs as many as eight at a time but they also had fire extinguishers stationed at each speaker tower. They don't call them "Flame Linears" just to be cute.

    That's a crock of shite.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • read-alot
    read-alot Posts: 812
    edited July 2006
    Something about the output transistors in the Phase Linear shorting out caused them to hold the flame title. He said when the later Pro amps came about the fear factor diminished. My modded Phase has had all the transistors swapped out and I don't try to knock the walls down anymore so I hope not to have to use the pool water to put the fire out.
    polkaudio SRS (rdo194 x 8)
    Dodd ELP (separate power supply)
    JC 1 blocks ( strapped )
    Rega Apollo
    MIT (speaker cables) Outlaw (ICs)

    polkaudio SDA2(rdo194x4) (front) polkaudio CRS (rdo194x4)(rear) polkaudio 400i (center)
    B&K 505
    Samsung LCD
    VIP 622
    HSU STF-2
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  • read-alot
    read-alot Posts: 812
    edited July 2006
    dorokusai wrote:
    That's a crock of shite.

    Your opinion.
    polkaudio SRS (rdo194 x 8)
    Dodd ELP (separate power supply)
    JC 1 blocks ( strapped )
    Rega Apollo
    MIT (speaker cables) Outlaw (ICs)

    polkaudio SDA2(rdo194x4) (front) polkaudio CRS (rdo194x4)(rear) polkaudio 400i (center)
    B&K 505
    Samsung LCD
    VIP 622
    HSU STF-2
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  • George Grand
    George Grand Posts: 12,258
    edited July 2006
    Okay, here we go.

    There's a lot of Bob Carver gear worth owning, and the Phase Linear happens to be some of it.
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited July 2006
    read-alot wrote:
    Your opinion.

    No offense to you personally but I've read that same story about <insert band name here> and "Flame Linear" too many times to value the comment.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • joeparaski
    joeparaski Posts: 1,865
    edited July 2006
    It could have been a one time thing where a Phase Linear caught fire and it happened to a known band. Heck, when I blew my SAE I had flames coming out of it too.

    I was at the Pink Floyd concert at the Olympic Stadium in Montreal waaaay back and they were using stacks and stacks of Phase Linear amps....I was standing there looking at all that gear in amazement....and none of it blew up during the concert.
    Amplifiers: 1-SAE Mark IV, 4-SAE 2400, 1-SAE 2500, 2-SAE 2600, 1-Buttkicker BKA 1000N w/2-tactile transducers. Sources: Sony BDP CX7000es, Sony CX300/CX400/CX450/CX455, SAE 8000 tuner, Akai 4000D R2R, Technics 1100A TT, Epson 8500UB with Carada 100". Speakers:Polk SDA SRS, 3.1TL, FXi5, FXi3, 2-SVS 20-29, Yamaha, SVS center sub. Power:2-Monster HTS3500, Furman M-8D & RR16 Plus. 2-SAE 4000 X-overs, SAE 5000a noise reduction, MSB Link DAC III, MSB Powerbase, Behringer 2496, Monarchy DIP 24/96.
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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,217
    edited July 2006
    There was a particular PL model or two that were prone to premature self distruction. I can't recall which model but it was some of Bob's early PL stuff. They were usually driven beyond their capabilities, but certainly not abused. I have a few tech friends on the DIYaudio forum who experienced this in the 70's. Over the years the tail has grown considerably out of hand, It's not complete shite, but there is no apocolyptic eruption of flames as the story goes. They had weak output sections which were subsequently fixed in later generations. IIRC, these are the home units. I have no specific knowledge about the pro PL gear.

    FWIW

    H9
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul!
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  • Polkersince85
    Polkersince85 Posts: 2,883
    edited July 2006
    I've got a PL 3000 Series Two preamp that still works great. That silver face and handles are classic from a time when gear was a work of art.
    >
    >
    >This message has been scanned by the NSA and found to be free of harmful intent.<
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  • simphiwes
    simphiwes Posts: 116
    edited July 2006
    Which amp are they selling, and how much?

    these are the units on sale localy (second hand items)Phase Linear Model 700 Series 2 power amplifier $430 // Phase Linear Model 4000 Series 2 pre-amplifier $360
    (((((STEREO)))))
    System 1(complete)
    Front: Rti8
    Intergrated: Valve Audio Epsilon
    CD Player: Xindak Muse Delux 1.0
    Media Player: Mede8er MED 200
    Behringer DAC
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  • joeparaski
    joeparaski Posts: 1,865
    edited July 2006
    If the 700 is working well, then at $430 you should go for it right away. I'm not familiar with the pre but it looks nice. Try to get a package deal for both.
    Amplifiers: 1-SAE Mark IV, 4-SAE 2400, 1-SAE 2500, 2-SAE 2600, 1-Buttkicker BKA 1000N w/2-tactile transducers. Sources: Sony BDP CX7000es, Sony CX300/CX400/CX450/CX455, SAE 8000 tuner, Akai 4000D R2R, Technics 1100A TT, Epson 8500UB with Carada 100". Speakers:Polk SDA SRS, 3.1TL, FXi5, FXi3, 2-SVS 20-29, Yamaha, SVS center sub. Power:2-Monster HTS3500, Furman M-8D & RR16 Plus. 2-SAE 4000 X-overs, SAE 5000a noise reduction, MSB Link DAC III, MSB Powerbase, Behringer 2496, Monarchy DIP 24/96.
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  • RuSsMaN
    RuSsMaN Posts: 17,986
    edited July 2006
    As far as the Flame Linear stuff - the 'story' has grown bigger and better over the years. The post above is proof of just that.

    The 400, 700 series etc amps had an easily defeatable protection circuit, and grossly overbuilt (choked) power supplies. With the circuit bypassed and out of the way, the amp would 'hump' a lot harder, and output more power (what every Spinal Tap wanna be wanted).

    The downside, is there was now nothing to stop these monsters from overloading the output transistors - and you send enough DC to them, they will eventually catch fire.

    It has nothing to do with the reliability of 'unf#$ked with' amps for use in your home. It was little more than a handful of amps, modified, and used in 'pro' audio venues.
    Check your lips at the door woman. Shake your hips like battleships. Yeah, all the white girls trip when I sing at Sunday service.
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  • ohskigod
    ohskigod Posts: 6,502
    edited July 2006
    I think the amps will be worked harder in a rock concert, stacked "eight high" than sitting in your house, Russ's valuable info notwithstanding.

    I think you can stack any type of amp at a rock concert stacked 8 high, abuse the **** out of em, and get them aflame.

    hey, maybe I'm wrong.

    i.e., I'd put a phase linear amp in my home with little to no worries
    Living Room 2 Channel -
    Schiit SYS Passive Pre. Jolida CD player. Songbird streamer. California Audio Labs Sigma II DAC, DIY 300as1/a1 Ice modules Class D amp. LSi15 with MM842 woofer upgrade, Nordost Blue Heaven and Unity interconnects.

    Upstairs 2 Channel Rig -
    Prometheus Ref. TVC passive pre, SAE A-205 Amp, Wiim pro streamer and Topping E50 DAC, California Audio Labs DX1 CD player, Von Schweikert VR3.5 speakers.

    Studio Rig - Scarlett 18i20(Gen3) DAW, Mac Mini, Aiyma A07 Max (BridgedX2), Totem Mites
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  • read-alot
    read-alot Posts: 812
    edited July 2006
    When I get to talk to the guy again I will ask if they defeated the protection circuits and if he ever had to use the fire extinguishers.

    I have one that I run on the two channel and it seems to be fine.

    Being somewhat of a low end amp in todays world, back when I was a wanna be audiophile in the 70's this baby was one months pay and I wanted it bad.

    BTW I'm still that wanna be audiophile looking at McIntosh,Krell and Halcro.
    polkaudio SRS (rdo194 x 8)
    Dodd ELP (separate power supply)
    JC 1 blocks ( strapped )
    Rega Apollo
    MIT (speaker cables) Outlaw (ICs)

    polkaudio SDA2(rdo194x4) (front) polkaudio CRS (rdo194x4)(rear) polkaudio 400i (center)
    B&K 505
    Samsung LCD
    VIP 622
    HSU STF-2
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter