Phase Linear

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.

Bought my first Phase Linear 400 amp in mid 1974, still have it along with many others. I was influenced by them as Pink Floyd used them at the their first introduction of ’Dark Side’ album concert in late 1973 and have never heard such stage sound clarity since.

Bob set the bar for countless other manufacturers from there on. He was the first to use high voltage transistors that were a recent development at that time in the late ’60s, early ’70s. High voltage semi-conductors have come a long way since. Criticizing Bob’s early pieces is unfair especially since he was breaking new ground and he turned the industry’s head around and numerous others followed. The DC300 was grainy and sterile sounding. The PL-400 had warmth and balls all at the same time. But, that was over half a century ago so, please stop the belly-aching.

See link below and realize the truth.

https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/the-ten-most-significant-amplifiers-of-all-time/

                " ...please stop the belly-aching."

                         It stopped almost ten years ago.

                                     Read the dates!