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Phase Linear (Andromeda) Phase III speakers -familiar with these?

Damn I thought I had fixed my PL 700 II that was until it just made a small pop and died. I see a few resistors and two small transistors on the small board that look burnt. Now I have to get replacements and solder them in and hope that what ever caused that won't do it again. I didn't have them hooked up to any speakers and had all the 5 amp fuses out. It was blowing the main fuse before and I pulled all the fuses and put one in at a time until I found the one that would cause the main to blow. It was the second row of power transistor fuse and I checked all the transistors found one bad one replaced it and put in all the fuses seemed ok hooked it up and it played music great for a little while until it dropped that channel. Back to the drawing board.
 
Hello Andromeda fans!

Hello again everyone. I have been out of the loop for a while, mostly due to my job but I have been able to spend alot of time with my Andromedas. Last time I was on here I was looking for a replacement subwoofer due to one having melted it's voice coil -and I was having amp/preamp questions - here is an update.

I purchased another Carver pm1.5 amp on ebay for less than $150, and bi-amped my system. The Sunfire TGP2 has a seperate subwoofer out with built in crossover points and adjustable subwoofer levels - I put one amp to the subs, the other to the panels - this is a great setup! You can adjust the subwoofer level (instead of Bass level) from the remote. And fyi, I do not use the Motion Control module, I use xlrs from the preamp to the amp, I found that this gives superior sound quality. As for the drivers, I actually contacted Bob Carver and told him my problem. He reccomended replacing both drivers with some "cheap drivers from Parts Express, don't pay over $25 a piece for them"... Well I took his advice, I have not been very happy with the bass reproduction - it isn't as low and rumbly as I remember, its more loud and boomy even after setting the subwoofer crossover in the Sunfire TGP2 down to 80hz. I have decided to go with a recone as previously reccomended in the thread. One funny problem, we use the bass module for a coffee table complete with a table lamp. I typically blow a 40w light bulb every time I crank it up, might have to get a rough service bulb for that lamp before its all over.

I did finally do a transistor check on the Phase 700 series 2 amp that Dad bought new with the Andromedas, found 2 dead transistors and replaced all 20. Every once in a while I hook the Phase up to the panels for what I find to be extra clean and lively music listening. But for long extended plays I revert back to the Carver 1.5, just to keep from overworking the Phase. I have expanded my audio gear to include a Monster power distribution system, a Sony 6 disc cd changer with digital audio outs, and an Akai record player that I have yet to hook up. Maybe I will post a picture sometime soon, I did recover the speaker grills with black speaker cloth due to the original being stained, the black actually makes them look more modern in some ways.

Thank you guys for your help and support, and for keeping these vintage speakers up and going. I will try to be more in touch this year.
 
Great speakers, I have a set I bought new in '79. Powering them right now with Carver equipment (had that for about 20 years too), used to use Sansui. They are power hungry but they sure do sound good. As with most folks here, I'd love to find a second set. - dan
 
Hello again guys, I am certifiable crazy - at least if you ask my wife.. Here is what I did Friday. I drove from Western Nc to Cincinnati Oh, about a 5 1/2 hour drive (one way) to pick up an orphaned Andromeda Sub Module I found on the CL. Got it for $120, cost me $150 in gas and a whole day in the car. Bad news is the subs are sagging, and it smells like mold - it has apparently been around some moisture in the past,(which you can't see in pictures for some reason) with some seperation in the joints, it actually ohmed out ok so I hooked it up - turned it up a little and the top started rattling and fell off when I turned on edge to unhook it. Sighh....
So I am going to get the drivers reconned, and I have already done the carpentry work on the cabinet.. All this talk of adding a second module to the system keeps me driven. I currently am running a Carver 1.5t to the panels, and a pm 1.5 to the current module, I have a matching extra pm 1.5 for the new module - I keep hearing an evil laugh in my head when I think about wiring all this up and cranking it for the first time...
I'll keep you posted.
 
WAYNEDB Glad to hear you successfully located and bought that second bass module. Once you get it re-coned and working correctly again, I think you will notice a definite difference in your overall bass in the room. For one thing it should be smoother and more evenly balanced and it will also be a bit bigger and fuller than with just the single module. Powering it separately will also help it perform to its best. I am totally pleased running the two Andromeda systems together but may at times take out the second set of panels as I did buy them originally to be used as a backup pair but have gotten myself hooked bad by running the two sets together now. I will always run the second bass module no matter what tho..............

Continued good listening to you, keep us posted on how you like the results once you do get it done and hooked into your system.............

Regards.........Terry:thmbsp::music:
 
Not to get off the subject here guys, but I picked up a set of the Carver Amazings last weekend on the CL... Got them for what I think was a steal - 600, not sure what I was wanting to hear as far as difference but for now I am still more partial to my Andromedas, I actually am running my sub module with the amazings right now... This is a heck of a setup, and leaves me to ponder the question... Can Bob Carver do any wrong??
 
waynedb said:
Not to get off the subject here guys, but I picked up a set of the Carver Amazings last weekend on the CL... Got them for what I think was a steal - 600, not sure what I was wanting to hear as far as difference but for now I am still more partial to my Andromedas, I actually am running my sub module with the amazings right now... This is a heck of a setup, and leaves me to ponder the question... Can Bob Carver do any wrong??
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Now's there's a combo I have never even thought of trying. Running an Andromeda bass module with Amazings. I can't see why it wouldn't be a great sounding combo as long as the crossover points were within parameters, etc. and I would guess they most likely are according to what you say about them together. Good on you there waynedb, it's experimenting like this that can lead to some great sound and it appears that you have done exactly that. Darn!!! Now I'll have to start looking for some Amazings so I can try this out for myself................Ha!

Regards..........Terry:thmbsp::music:
 
waynedb said:
Not to get off the subject here guys, but I picked up a set of the Carver Amazings last weekend on the CL... Got them for what I think was a steal - 600, not sure what I was wanting to hear as far as difference but for now I am still more partial to my Andromedas, I actually am running my sub module with the amazings right now... This is a heck of a setup, and leaves me to ponder the question... Can Bob Carver do any wrong??
Click to expand...

Hey waynedb, Glad to hear of another Andromeda owner. Sounds like you and TSOQ should not be left alone in the same room. Could be very dangerous.:yes:
 
Bucky Badger said:
Hey waynedb, Glad to hear of another Andromeda owner. Sounds like you and TSOQ should not be left alone in the same room. Could be very dangerous.:yes:
Click to expand...

Ha! Roger that Bucky! But what is truly dangerous is having a wife that doesn't get it.. I have been lucky so far with mine, she is VERY understanding, but I am going to have to lay off buying gear for a while - she is starting to look at me funny..

Terry, I am not real sure of the crossover points on these 2 different systems, I run mine though a Sunfire TGP2. Run full range to the panels, or in this case I just unhooked the panels and substituted the Amazings, and a subwoofer out to the Modules - crossed over at 80hz. I can say if you go to look for some Amazings you will have to find a heck of an amp.. I had my Phase panels hooked up to a M1.5t (1200 watts) and had more power than I ever needed, with the Amazings hooked the same way I quickly sucked the amp dry and put it into clipping, and didn't reach anywhere near the same sound levels as I got from the PLs. I pulled out a spare/reserve Pm1.5 which is a little heartier pro version of the 1.5t, and it seems to do a little better.

I really honestly didn't want to buy anymore speakers this soon after the day trip to Ohio for the orphaned Andromeda module a week earlier, but I see all these Carver products needing a good home, my heart just goes out to them and I just have to go adopt... Kind of like a Madonna/Branjelina concept except with great audio equipment, if you pardon the crude comparison and catch the obvious sarcasm.

On the same note - LOL.. Anyone in the ATL area??? No affiliation at all, I am not even going to contact this fellow, I am afraid if I even mentioned these to the wife what she might do...


http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/ele/2315077399.html
 
"Bucky Badger" I will not look for Amazings, I will not look for Amazings, I will not......do not think I'll look for Amazings, I do think I'll look for Amazings. Tempting but won't be happening in the near future, I promise.........

"waynedb" I do know of a PL owner who was? looking to buy another set. He lives in Florida and is within striking distance of this CL set. Hey KEN BOYD!!! Are you still reading this thread down there in the Sunshine State? Here's your chance to jump on the "Dualing Andromedas" bandwagon and satisfy your innermost desires............Ha!

Tell you all one thing, these systems are starting to really climb in price lately. Not too long ago you could grab an entire system for peanuts, shelled ones at that.........!!!

Good listening to all.........Terry:thmbsp::music:
 
Hi All -

Was perusing thru the various PL Andromeda/Phase III threads and ran across this one. Thought I'd revitalize it and bring it back up front for another pass thru. All the changes I have been making in my system are accomplished (at least for the time being) and I am enjoying some truly great sound with both Andromeda systems operating at their peak performance currently. Can't seem to get in enough listening time lately but when I manage to get an evening to myself I am thoroughly enjoying the outcome of all my additions, changes, cleaning,tweaking, and in general just messing around. Wish I didn't live out here in the hills as I do and that I could meet up with some of you Land of Carver folks who seem to have a corner on the market for our type of speakers but someday I hope to meet with some of you and shake a few hands. I've PM'd a couple of you recently but haven't heard anything back. Not to mention any names here but "BB" and "KB" come to mind first..........Ha! Hey "KB", did you ever check into that PLIII system for sale in the Atlanta area yet? As for "BB" you seem to be the one who cornered the market on these speakers, can we come to you for parts if needed..........Ha! Hey, hope everyone enjoys a nice Easter holiday. I for one am looking forward to summer and for all this rain and snow to stop falling so I can get my Harley out and go riding.............!!!

Good listening to all.........Terry:thmbsp::music:

PS: Anyone in need of driver re-edging or re-coning, there is a guy here in the Sacramento area who does truly great work at reasonable prices. Used him to do both my bass modules and all eight mids.......
 
Just thought i would BTT this thread, and keep it going. I missed another set of these speakers in the Toronto area by about half an hour when I called (I'm working nearby this week). Damn! Oh well, the hunt goes on. - dan
 
TSOQ said:
Hi All -

Was perusing thru the various PL Andromeda/Phase III threads and ran across this one. Thought I'd revitalize it and bring it back up front for another pass thru. All the changes I have been making in my system are accomplished (at least for the time being) and I am enjoying some truly great sound with both Andromeda systems operating at their peak performance currently. Can't seem to get in enough listening time lately but when I manage to get an evening to myself I am thoroughly enjoying the outcome of all my additions, changes, cleaning,tweaking, and in general just messing around. Wish I didn't live out here in the hills as I do and that I could meet up with some of you Land of Carver folks who seem to have a corner on the market for our type of speakers but someday I hope to meet with some of you and shake a few hands. I've PM'd a couple of you recently but haven't heard anything back. Not to mention any names here but "BB" and "KB" come to mind first..........Ha! Hey "KB", did you ever check into that PLIII system for sale in the Atlanta area yet? As for "BB" you seem to be the one who cornered the market on these speakers, can we come to you for parts if needed..........Ha! Hey, hope everyone enjoys a nice Easter holiday. I for one am looking forward to summer and for all this rain and snow to stop falling so I can get my Harley out and go riding.............!!!

Good listening to all.........Terry:thmbsp::music:

PS: Anyone in need of driver re-edging or re-coning, there is a guy here in the Sacramento area who does truly great work at reasonable prices. Used him to do both my bass modules and all eight mids.......
Click to expand...

PM sent. Sorry for the delay Terry.
 
This site is amazing...just realized my neighbors have a set of these that I doubt they ever listen to....what years were they made?
 
I believe from 1976 to 1978 or so.
Maybe you should make them an offer since they never listen to them. Maybe a trade for some 'smaller' speakers they would listen to more often. If you have the room for them and your sig. other approves of course. Heck, you could sneak them into the house and before anyone can say NO, you could turn them on and let the sweet sweet music do the talkin' for ya'.
Just trying to help.
 
esya said:
This site is amazing...just realized my neighbors have a set of these that I doubt they ever listen to....what years were they made?
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If memory serves me, the Andromedas were first introduced sometime during late 1976 but were changed at some point in 1977 to the name Phase III due to some conflicts over the name Andromeda. They were only sold in the various audio shops for a few short years before being discontinued. I bought my first Andromeda system in 1977 and still own it today. I managed to buy a second complete Andromeda system last year. I have never owned a Phase III system. It has some differences to the Andromedas, the main difference being a forward facing lower middle tweeter of a dome design, instead of an upward firing cone as the other four upward firing tweeters in the panels are. My understanding is the highs in the Phase III system are a tad smoother than in the original Andromedas. I did my own "tweak" in this area a few years ago by removing the center tweeter in my Andromedas and turning it to fire forward. If your neighbor does have either the Andromeda III or the Phase III system do you think he may be in the market to sell it? If he is and you aren't interested in buying them, I know somebody that might be interested in them. Where in the western US do you reside? Shipping them is going to be a tough situation due to their size, weight and the way they are designed and built, etc. You on the other hand could simply grab a friend with some strong arms and the two of you could carry them to your house. These are some pretty rare speakers but they aren't for everyone as they require a huge amount of power to make them really come into their own. Plus they take up a fair amount of space as in addition to the two large panels there is also a good sized and fairly heavy separate bass module. They can suck an average sized amp dry quickly, I found this out early on with mine. I think there will be several guys who will be interested to find out more about them so hope you will respond again and bring us up to speed, etc...........

Thanks for the post and the info.............

Regards............Terry:thmbsp::music:
 
Hey Dan - What are you doing up so late? Isn't it past your bedtime? You don't need no more Andromeda/Phase III systems in your house but I could use one more set to keep up with you..............Ha!

Now get to bed.........!!! Terry:thmbsp::music:
 
Andromeda!!!

Those by all engineering standards are simply incredible. I would jump at the opportunity to aquire these. I have yet to see a set for sale up here in Toronto.
I write http://vintagesound-vintagesound.blogspot.com and there is very little market for these kind of gems. At least compared to your US audio lovers.
Are you still listening to these? Tell me about the clarity and musicallity, as I have never had the pleasure.
 
vintageblog said:
Those by all engineering standards are simply incredible. I would jump at the opportunity to aquire these. I have yet to see a set for sale up here in Toronto.
I write http://vintagesound-vintagesound.blogspot.com and there is very little market for these kind of gems. At least compared to your US audio lovers.
Are you still listening to these? Tell me about the clarity and musicallity, as I have never had the pleasure.
Click to expand...

Hello up there Vintageblog - I am a Vancouverite Canuk but have lived down in the states most of my life. The Andromeda/Phase III systems are really getting hard to find anymore and when a set does show up most of the times it is pretty much thrashed and the cost of shipping and repairs makes them a hard sell/hard buy unless you are very close by the seller. As to their sound I am just ever so slightly biased so if you can contend with that I'll just say their clarity in the mids and highs is so spot on it is almost uncanny how real they do sound. As for the bass it is very tight, clean and deep. That is of course if you are able to drive them with sufficient power to allow them to show it all to you. I currently run two complete Andromeda systems in my listening room as my front mains. Each system is powered by a separate amp but controlled by the same preamp. The bass modules are positioned in opposing corners of an 18x24 foot room and needless to say the bass response is awesome for the lack of a better word. If you ever do run across a set close by and can go check it out do so. If it is in good overall condition with all drivers working as they should and complete with the MCM, by all means grab it if the price is right. You will not be sorry you did. There may be more expensive and newer technology speakers in today's market but the Andromedas will hold their own up against almost anything but the very highest end speakers and most expensive speaker systems of today. Some may wrinkle their brow at me saying that but unless you have heard them set up correctly, you just cannot know how true that statement is.....................

Happy Listening..........Terry:thmbsp::music:
 
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