Phase Linear

Thought I'd see if anyone has opinions on the following:

I just bought a 400 series 2 amp in exc. cosmetic condition. I brought it home and hooked it up, and it seemed to be working fine. However, about 2 minutes in, and just as I was about to crank things up a bit, it made a sound like a tire losing air and began to smoke rather wildly. Needless to say, my listening session ended...

Anyway, just wondering what people think about either fixing this thing up through the folks on the web that do such things or maybe hooking the perfect faceplate and cool led meters up to a more stable vintage amp (Hafler?). I know the latter plan might represent heresy to some, but I thought it might be cool to have the level adjustability and meters of this faceplate with the reliability of a (cosmetically challenged) Hafler 200/220/500. Any expert opinions on whether such a hookup would work would be appreciated.

Given the variety of opinions on the sound quality of this amp, I don't know whether there will be a clear answer to the question of restoration, but I figured I'd see what you have to say.

I had a PL 400 for over 10 years. It sounded great. I used with EPI, Maggi MG II and Theil CS 3.5 speakers.

I sold my Mac 2105 amp & C-26 pre amp to upgrade to the PL. It was IMHO much more dynamic and fun to listen to than the Mac.

Finally upgrade to Spectral & Bryston for the Theil's. Better than the PL.

MY PL was taken to many parties to play on other peoples speakers. Never had an issue beyond an occassional blown fuse.

HMMM- An echo, from an 11-12-06 post? Quite a delay!

I acquired a 700 series II as one of the first steps I made into the higher end. Used the pre-amp side of a Marantz 1250 integrated amp, along with a pair of JBL's. From there I went to Meadowlark Audio Osprey speakers, and, you get the picture. I liked the 700, but had to have better...

Our Band purchased two Phase Linear 400s when they were first introduced for PA use. This was in the beginning of high powered solid state and the only other options were by Crown, Cerwin-Vega, GAS Ampzilla.

At this point in solid state design it was all about making power. I don't recall any of these manufactures making any claims of ultimate fidelity as one sees today.

We abused the 400s for nine years in a Road case and sold the setup still in working order.

Personally, I hadn't considered Bob Carver's designs since the 400s other than reading about his amplifier voicing challenge, cube subs, and his branding issues, until recently.

In shopping for high powered tube mono blocks and after reading about Bob Carver's collaborative tube circuit design I gave Carver's recent tube design a listen. I am very satisfied with their presentation, hand made yet sensible build quality, and their general performance. I am somewhat saddened and concerned by the recent sale of this little company to a large offshore manufacture who will be in trusted in maintaining the remaining seven year Carver warrantee.