Hooking up my phase linear model 2000 preamp, to my model 400 main amp.

Well I did do all them things with the bulb tester to the main amp, did the same with the  preamp,hooked up the unit, used some cheap speakers and everything actually worked. Only issue was I had to use the rear outputs on the preamp to the main amp inputs, I originally had them hooked up to the front outputs, and the unit sent no signal to the speakers. I don't know why, but it works this way so I will leave well enough alone. I do have the speaker module ordered and will use the cheap speakers until it gets here. I would like to thank everyone who offered any suggestions to help get this unit going. I have had it for a long time and sure did not want to burn it up. I really do appreciate all your words of wisdom! Thank you DRW.    

So will 1.0 amp or 1.5 amp be to big.

Either is fine to supply power to the protection module.

I should not have to do this for the preamp, correct?

I recommend using the bulb tester to power up the preamp too, just use a 25W light bulb for an hour.

BTW, connect a pair of cheap speakers for testing before you install the protection module.

So will 1.0 amp or 1.5 amp be to big.

Well I did get that light bulb tester made. It was really quite easy. I hooked it up to the amp,turned it on,used a 25 watt light bulb only put out  49 ac volts, ran it for 10 -12 hours.The second bulb was 65 watts, it put out 93 volts, will let it run for 12 hours.Then will run a 100 watt bulb like you said for an hour. then power up the amp on it's own. Hopefully everything will work out good. Then I should be all set, just have to wait for the speaker module, I did pick up two,12 volt transformers. One 1.0 amp the other 1.5 amp. I hope these will be big enough to power that module. I will keep you posted about how this goes, probably will fire both units tomorrow. I should not have to do this for the preamp, correct?     

300mA is adequate.

The power input of the three transformers were 12 volt , with the 200ma ,1000ma, and 1800ma rating. should I look for for something bigger than that 1800ma?

I have found three different plug in transformers to power this unit. They are rated from 200ma, 1000ma, and one at 1800ma. which one should I use?  

  What is the voltage of the transformer?
I think 200mA is a bit low, 1000mA and 1800mA should work.

I did order a speaker protection board, T-type 30 amp relays. The power input says 10v- 16volt. I have found three different plug in transformers to power this unit. They are rated from 200ma, 1000ma, and one at 1800ma. which one should I use?     

Ok first, I will get that module, that sounds like a realistic item to save my speakers. And I did read through that post on that site about that light bulb tester. And for the most part the assembly sound pretty basic. I don't  think I should have any problems putting that together. And then I will recharge the capacitors as you instructed. It may take me a few days to put that light fixture together, but I will let you know how things are going as they progress. Thank you for the positive feedback, at least now I have a direction which to go. I do appreciate all your help, Again thank you. DRW.      

Is this the one that I should get?

Yes, or bigger relays but not smaller

And this light bulb tester will work to charge the capacitors, so I should not need to buy a Variac for this one time use?

Yes, you can start with a 15w incandescent light bulb for about 12-24 hrs, then use a 40w bulb for another 12-24 hrs to reform the capacitors, then follow by a 100w bulb for an hour to make sure the amplifier still working fine.

And this light bulb tester will work to charge the capacitors, so I should not need to buy a Variac for this one time use?  

Is this the one that I should get? In the above mentioned site. The owner's manual says the amp is 200 watt per channel,I believe. So this module will be big enough?   And yes I see the 12 volt connection for the transformer. That will be no problem to get.  

Any suggestions on how I can do this, without the Variac

If you DIY, a 100W incandescent light bulb will work well in this case:

https://www.radiomuseum.org/forum/current_limiting_with_a_dim_bulb_tester.html

If you aren't experienced with wiring, or those diagram looks confusing, get assistance from someone more experienced.

I did look at that speaker protection module on ebay, there are a few, what size would I need. What would be the best choice? I have never even seen any of of these, I will get whatever one needed to protect my speakers whatever the cost. How does it get hooked up, just hook it up in line from the amp to the speakers like you would a fuse.

In the picture of the link show the connections, you also need a 12vdc adapter to power the module.

 http://www.ebay.com/itm/UPC1237-Dual-Channel-Speaker-Protection-Circuit-Board-Boot-Mute-Delay-DC-12-...

Now addressing the issue about using a Variac to power up this amp and preamp. how big of a unit do I need, I did look on amazon and saw lots of them, but have no Idea what I should use. And really don't want to spend a lot of money on something I probably use this one time. Any suggestions on how I can do this, without the Variac,or is this the only reasonable way to save this amp.    

I did look at that speaker protection module on ebay, there are a few, what size would I need. What would be the best choice? I have never even seen any of of these, I will get whatever one needed to protect my speakers whatever the cost. How does it get hooked up, just hook it up in line from the amp to the speakers like you would a fuse. 

Some user install speaker protection module in model 400 to protect their speakers

http://www.ebay.com/itm/UPC1237-Dual-Channel-Speaker-Protection-Circuit-Board-Boot-Mute-Delay-DC-12-...

Since they haven't been turned-on in years I recommend using a VARIAC to slowly bring up the AC voltage (over,say, a 12 hour period) to avoid stressing the power supply caps in both the pre and power amp. And yes, the 400 does have a reputation for troublesome behavior - I have one myself (though not in present use). Good luck!

I did finally find an owners manual And it even said one should put an inline fuse in the loop, to prevent that from happening. They recommend a 1, 11/2, to a 2 amp. any thoughts about this. I just don't want to put heavy of a fuse and have the current walk through it. I do appreciate the words of wisdom, I never thought that could happen. And I am running a pair of JBL LX 55 's, and a pair of infinity IL 40's. so yes I don't want anything to happen to either of them. again thank you.

be carefull about that 400 amp. it's known to fry speakers with 'dc' current!

That is a very good idea! Thank you! Yes I will.

Connect a pair of cheap speakers for testing just in case....

Thank you You are right, it does have the outputs and the inputs labeled,  it has been quite a while and I did not want to burn anything up. So again thank you.

on your preamp, i would think that it has outputs for left and right. those would connect to the inputs on you 400 amp. should be easy.