Phase Linear 200 Series 2

[IrishboyM4]

I just picked up a Phase Linear Model 200 Series 2 for 100$. From what i can tell this is a screamin deal. I just wanted some opinions on this amp and possibly if anyone can send me a copy of the service manual.

 

[GRollins]

It depends on your point of view. If you want cheap watts, then perhaps you've got something you can live with. It's not regarded as a high end audio classic, though.

Grey

 

[fizzard]

They were well regarded in pro-audio, but even $100 is too much if you ask me.

 

[IrishboyM4]

fizzard
when you say pro audio exactly what do you mean? Like high end audio or more DJ type audio.

Thanks for your thoughts

 

[GRollins]

"Pro" audio means PA systems and the like. I'm not sure I'd call any of the Phase Linear amps suitable for that kind of use unless you were willing to use a lot of forced air cooling and were also willing to accept a moderately high failure rate.

Grey

 

[IrishboyM4]

I was considering upgrades the TO-3 outputs to the Motorola/ON-semi MJ15003 and the MJ15004 respectively. This was a thought to increase reliability.

 

[GRollins]

If I'm wrong, someone will correct me PDQ, but I think you'll find two problems:
1) I can't swear to it, but I think the original output devices were Darlingtons.
2) Substitution of bipolar output devices may give you oscillation problems.
In other words, if it doesn't work after you're done fiddling with it, it wasn't really an upgrade.

Grey

 

[IrishboyM4]

I just looked at the schematic and i am fairly certain that it isn't a Darlington because there would have to a driver for each output and there is only 1 driver for 2 outputs. I have heard about oscillation problems and that would be the only issue i thought i might have. I don't have a scope to check for it....

Thanks much for everyones help

 

[GRollins]

I think your logic is faulty regarding the number of drivers required. The entire purpose of a Darlington is to provide extra current gain, not need more...

Grey

 

[IrishboyM4]

What im saying is that in a Darlington there is 2 transistors for each package. The schematic has a 3 number of transistors creating a discrete Darlington with 1 output driver operating 2 output transistors.

 

[GRollins]

I don't suppose your schematic shows the device number for the outputs...? That would clarify things immediately--at least on the Darlington front.

Grey

 

[IrishboyM4]

The schematic is old and doesnt show the device numbers. I have found that this amp uses the same output stage as an amp that i built with the only differences being the lack of protection circuitry and using the MJW21195/MJW21196

 

[GRollins]

It's your amp. If you want to try it, then go ahead. I'd suggest a scope, though.

Grey

 

[IrishboyM4]

I should use a scope but i currently dont have one or have access to one so I am going to hold off on it until i do have one at my disposal.

 

[GRollins]

Good luck.

Grey

 

[Burnedfingers]

I just picked up a Phase Linear Model 200 Series 2 for 100$. From what i can tell this is a screamin deal. I just wanted some opinions on this amp and possibly if anyone can send me a copy of the service manual.

Sorry to have to say this but the only person who is probably happy is the guy that got your $100.

Opinions on the amp....well if it were me I would walk to the nearest garbage can and put it inside.

PA amp you ask... Well Gray said it far better than I can.

"Pro" audio means PA systems and the like. I'm not sure I'd call any of the Phase Linear amps suitable for that kind of use unless you were willing to use a lot of forced air cooling and were also willing to accept a moderately high failure rate.

The amp is NOT suitable for any serious application. It falls into the same line as Ampzilla's and SAE's. Prone to blow up. The name itself says it all...Flame Linear.

Return it to the person you bought it from and get your money back.

And thats my opinion.

 

[IrishboyM4]

Im just curios here. But are you speaking from experience or what is the basis of your opinion.

 

[GRollins]

I don't know about burnedfingers, but I used to own one of those things. Long since gone, thank goodness.

Grey

 

[fizzard]

I encounted a few in my pro audio days, they sure are dinosaurs. They also had a 500 and 700 (I think). My own opinion is: "good enough for pro audio... barely... 20 years ago."

 

[Burnedfingers]

Im just curios here. But are you speaking from experience or what is the basis of your opinion.

Well, I surely wouldn't waste my time with a reply if I wasn't.

I still have one sitting on my shelf in the garage along with other useless dinosaurs from my youth. All of them waiting for a youthfull person with plenty of cash and very little experience.
I've owned/fixed about all the "Greats" from the past. I've had 700B's, 400's, 200's. I've had Clown DC300's and 150's. I've had 30 or so of assorted models of Ampzilla's and SAE's. These are just a few of the assorted toys.

So, I guess you could form the opinion that I have owned them and abused them. I have blown them up and had to repair them.

My experience is pale when up against those who are much more experienced like Gray for example. If I had been lucky enough to
be able to draw from someone elses experience when I was young I wouldn't have wasted my money on some of the junk.
I guess the bottom line is this...if you want to make noise then the amp might be ok till she blows. If you want a real musical experience then move on to something better. Hopefully you will
pose the questions before you purchase so that you can draw upon the experience of others that have been there before you.