Phase Linear 3300 Preamp & 300 amp (Vintage set)

Description

The Phase Linear 3300 preamplifier and Phase Linear 300 Series Two power amplifier form a classic high-fidelity combination from an era when American audio manufacturers were pushing the limits of solid-state amplifier performance. Designed around the late 1970s and early 1980s, these components reflect Phase Linear’s ambition to deliver powerful, technically advanced electronics with a distinctive industrial appearance. The pairing offers a compelling blend of flexibility, measured performance, and vintage hi-fi character.

Phase Linear 3300 preamplifier

The Model 3300 serves as the control center of the system, accepting signals from a turntable, tuner, tape deck, and other line-level sources before feeding the power amplifier. Its understated front panel provides the essential controls for everyday listening, while its traditional analog layout makes operation straightforward.

The 3300 is more than a basic switching device. Its moving-magnet phono stage accommodates conventional turntable cartridges, while its tone controls allow adjustments to bass and treble for different recordings and room conditions. Tape-monitor facilities support traditional reel-to-reel and cassette recording systems, making the preamplifier particularly suitable for enthusiasts maintaining a vintage component collection.

Its published specifications are impressive for a design of its age. Frequency response is rated at 10Hz–135kHz, with total harmonic distortion of just 0.003%. The line-stage signal-to-noise ratio is specified at 98dB, providing a strong technical foundation for clean, low-noise reproduction.

The result is a versatile control component suited to listeners who appreciate traditional source connectivity, physical controls, and the ability to tailor playback without relying on digital processing.

Phase Linear 300 power amplifier

The Model 300 supplies the muscle. Its Series Two version delivers a rated 120 watts per channel into 8-ohm loudspeakers with both channels driven, making it suitable for a wide variety of conventional home audio systems. Rather than pursuing enormous headline power ratings, the Model 300 combines substantial output capability with carefully specified distortion and noise performance.

The amplifier uses a complementary solid-state output stage with multiple power transistors per channel and substantial heat-sinking. Its design also incorporates protective circuitry intended to guard against short circuits, excessive subsonic signals, and potentially damaging DC at the outputs. An output relay disconnects the loudspeakers during startup and shutdown to reduce the risk of unwanted transients.

Sonically, the Model 300’s appeal lies in its combination of control, clean amplification, and enough power to handle musical peaks without sounding strained when properly maintained. Its neutral solid-state approach makes it a natural partner for the 3300, allowing the preamplifier to handle source selection and tonal adjustment while the power amplifier concentrates on driving the speakers.

Review quotes and critical reception

– Michael Chua, AmpsLab-Spk, on the Model 300 Series Two: He describes the amplifier as an “exceptionally elegant circuit,” praising its complementary output-stage design. His technical discussion also highlights the amplifier’s historical importance during a period when substantial solid-state power was less readily available.

– Phase Linear’s published Model 300 description: The manufacturer’s documentation emphasizes “exceedingly low harmonic and intermodulation distortion” and very low noise as central design goals. This is a statement of the manufacturer’s intended performance rather than an independent listening verdict.

The combination’s enduring attraction is its straightforward engineering philosophy: a feature-rich analog preamplifier matched with a capable, conservatively rated power amplifier. As with any equipment of this age, the condition of the individual units matters more than the original specifications alone.

Product specifications

Phase Linear 3300 preamplifier

• Type: Stereo solid-state preamplifier

• Frequency response: 10Hz–135kHz

• Total harmonic distortion: 0.003%

• Input sensitivity: 2.2mV (moving-magnet phono); 225mV (line)

• Signal-to-noise ratio: 92dB (phono); 98dB (line)

• Channel separation: 50dB (line)

• Preamp output: 2V nominal; 10V maximum

• Inputs: Phono, tuner, auxiliary, two tape inputs

• Features: Bass and treble controls, tape monitoring, headphone output, switched and unswitched AC outlets

• Dimensions: 19 × 2.5 × 10.1 inches (483 × 64 × 256mm)

• Weight: Approximately 9lb (4.1kg)

Phase Linear 300 Series Two power amplifier

• Type: Stereo solid-state power amplifier

• Rated power output: 120 watts per channel into 8 ohms, both channels driven

• Frequency response: 11Hz–190kHz

• Total harmonic distortion: 0.009% (published specification)

• Input sensitivity: 1.4V

• Signal-to-noise ratio: 110dB

• Output stage: Complementary solid-state design with multiple power transistors per channel

• Protection: Overload and short-circuit protection, DC detection, speaker-relay delay

• Dimensions: 19 × 3.5 × 11.2 inches (483 × 88 × 285mm)

• Weight: Approximately 20lb (9.1kg)

Note: Specifications are for the Series Two versions. The original Model 300 and other revisions may differ.

Overall assessment: The Phase Linear 3300 and 300 Series Two make an appealing vintage pairing for collectors and music lovers who value classic American hi-fi design. The 3300 provides practical analog control and connectivity, while the Model 300 delivers ample power for everyday stereo listening. This set can be a rewarding centerpiece for a vintage system, particularly when its original styling and traditional controls are part of the appeal.