How do we remember 1970s amplifiers?

g_nakmoto,

I have to say that back in the 70's I was a Phase Linear user and was surrounded by others who used Phase Linear.  I remember the sound being wonderful, fast and clean. Amps that I owned were the 400 series's One and Two. Never a problem. My friends owned 400s, 700s and one used two D-500's. We ran them hard and never had a problem not ever. 

I even used a 400 to run a PA system for my band. Now it wasn't built like my McIntosh MC-2300, but then nothing at the time was. Still all this Phase Linear bashing?  A Phase 4000 preamp and any of the above mentioned amps makes a sweet little system that will drive anything. With regard to frying speakers, I can't remember that happening either. 

I like most have moved on but I know if I had too I could live with any of my old systems, Phase, Mac, GAS, Citation, Levinson etc. I have re-discovered my Sansui 9090db a few years ago and haven't been listening to anything but it. Seems to do everything just about right. 

N

Crown DC-300A Power Amplifier
Also Heathkit did make some good equipment 

I know it sounds crazy, but the PL700 I recently purchased out of curiosity (original series, w/factory-recommended mods done in the late ’80’s), fed directly from my Sony DVP-S9000ES SACD and running my Dunlavy IV’s, just wipes the floor with my Threshold S500 S2. PRAT is off the charts; it makes the Threshold sound dull and lifeless in comparison. I’m hearing subtle details in the music that the Threshold doesn’t reveal. Dead quiet amp. No sibilance or harshness, even at high volumes. This amp just makes beautiful music.

Bettered my VTL ST-125 as well. Very similar to my VTL TT-25’s in the mids and highs (and that’s high praise indeed).

I wonder how many people who go around poo-pooing these amps in some of the PL threads have even heard one in a decent system in the last forty years?

And FWIW, I’m a semi-professional trombonist, not some hack with wooden ears...

I had a  Rotel 1412 integrated that could be used as a pre or power amp. Sounded great with JBL monitors.

chuxhifi,

Doesn't surprise me. A friend ran two D-500's bi-amping a pair of the original AR-9's.  Sounded amazing. I could easily live with my old Phase Linear gear.  Enjoy the 700.  It's a wonderful little amp.

The damping factor on the 700 is 1000.  Your woofers love that type of control.  

N.