Phase Linear 3000 Series Two

1978 Phase Linear Model 3000 Series 2 HiFi Pre-Amplifier with Audiophile Modifications

MSRP $499 (1978)

Cost Adjusted for inflation $2300

Asking $1000

FMI HiFiHealthCare@Gmail.com

Back in the heyday of HiFi the Model 3000 was on the wish list of many HiFi Enthusiasts including myself. The design was very stylish for that time in history with both elegance and refinement backing the acclaimed performance.

Phase Linear was founded by Bob Carver, yes the same person that later went on to start groundbreaking Audio companies such as Carver and Sunfire.

This was a time when high end audio manufactures were still run by Engineers, not accountants. There was a no holds barred philosophy in the selection of components for the 3000 series 2 including 1% metal film resistors, 2% polystyrene capacitors and solid tantalum capacitors; all to guarantee the high performance specifications of the unit.

Use of third-generation integrated circuits creates virtual immunity from overloading caused by either steady state or transient effects, whether amplitude, frequency or slew induced. Absolute minimizing of non-linearities and noise allows a clarity and accuracy of sound reproduction unsurpassed.

Quality is not limited to just electrical components, but extends to the rugged 20 gauge cold-rolled steel chassis for minimization of magnetically induced interference, to the solid glass-epoxy, double-sided printed circuit boards, to the deep-grained, 3/16 inch thick front panel, and to the oversized 16 gauge line cord. This unit also sports the rare optional wood side panels!

The Model 3000 was a state-of-the-art preamplifier using modern (1978) solid-state technology. From its fully shielded, tightly regulated power supply to its unique gold-plated, tactile feel push buttons, the creativity and craftsmanship of the 3000 are evident.

Touching a push button or turning a knob will convince you of the precision and quality of the components used to make the Model 3000 not only elegant to look at, but a pleasure to operate.

Innovative features of the preamplifier include its CMOS Logic Memory System used to control relays for all critical switching, two independent RIAA phono stages for elimination of all low level switching, built-in head amp for moving coil cartridge reproduction, stepped attenuator volume control, and Noise Reduction input/output jacks for installation of outboard noise processors.

All the critical audio path relays were replaced with ultra high quality gold plated; Nitrogen filled, Hermetically Sealed replacements. 

The coup de gras for the upgrade was the redesign of the main Op amp circuitry with a modern Burr Brown OPA series replacement, including a custom rework of the associated electronics to maximize the performance of the newer style device.

The phono section of this pre-amp was an example for it's day of the quest for 'the best' performance. The design of the circuitry path was as close to the source as possible and when looking at the design of the mudderboard (That's right, those funny guys called the main circuit board the "Mudderboard" as it is silkscreened on the board itself) one finds double ground planes abound including between traces! There is the ability to change the cartridge loading and capacitance on the rear panel, further allowing one to maximize the performance of the most critical input source.

The headphone amplifier is it's own stage purposely designed to drive 'cans' and was rebuilt with components selected for serious listeners in mind.

These units were hand assembled in Washington State, USA and the name of the person that originally put this unit together is proudly written on the back of the Mudderboard along with the date 10/18/78.

The 'Flat Amplifier' section received the gold treatment as well ;)