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The Phase Linear 700 amplifier got its name
from its combined output of 350 watts per channel. Introduced in 1970,
it was, for a while, Phase Linear's only amplifier. The 700 put both Bob
Carver, the amp's designer, and Phase Linear on the high end audio map.
The early 1970's were heady
times for Bob Carver as he worked to expand North American distribution
and beat the drum for Phase Linear. The 700 soon became a favorite of
recording studio engineers (at 19-inches wide, it was designed for rack
mounting), rock bands, jazz musicians and audiophiles.
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This first generation 700 was
laid out asymmetrically, with the VU meters and control knobs toward to
right side of the front panel. Carver did two things with the 700 that
were meant to eliminate the need for a cooling fan, lower operating
temperature and aid in servicing when it became necessary: he placed
both the output transistors and the power transformer outside the
amplifier enclosure. The output transistors were mounted to the rear
heatsinks. The 700 was a 45 pound powerhouse.
The 700 listed for $749.00 in
1970, and rose slightly to $779.00 in 1972 and 1973. In 1974 it was
replaced by the 700 B
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Bob Carver redesigned the 700
and introduced the 700 B in 1974. It featured dual left and right
channel controls. It was rated at 345 watts per channel. Rack
handles were now standard and welcomed by studio engineers.
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Performance specifications of the 700 B did
not change measurably from the 700, but then, component improvement was
not visible to the buyer and listener. List price was $799.00 but
jumped to $879.00 in1977, its last year of production. It was
superseded by the 700 Series Two.
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The 700 Series Two was
introduced in 1978 and reflected the design approach of A. P. Van Meter,
Phase Linear's new design manager. More attention was paid to the 700's
aesthetics; the unit was undeniably handsome. Functionally, the VU
meters were replaced by red LED meters, with a single volume control
under each meter. Performance included 360 watts per channel,
reduced THD and IMD and other improvements.
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The impressive array of output
transistors and drivers is visible on this 700 Series Two with the
output device covers removed. With a list price of nearly $900, it
was half the price of some economy cars! By 1980 inflation had pushed it
to $1000. The 700 Series Two was replaced by the completely new
DRS 900, part of the Dynamic Range Series introduced in 1982. |
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