Originally Posted by Earl K
FWIW :
- The first generation 700b(s) deserved the moniker that they received from the SR industry . It was the drive cards that for some reason would arc / flame / & eventually turn into carbon. Someone said that it was due to the use of Germanium transitors in the area / but I've long stopped caring if that was true .
Also;
- The chassis of these amps were tragically underbuilt for the weight of the massive power supply. These amps would literally rip themselves apart over long haul road trips. I had a few that had obviously seen too many tours. I still have one on the bench waiting for my attention ( it needs a complete mechancal rebuild ). Also, I punted my Crown 300(s) decades ago for being masked sounding and offering nowhere near the necessary wattage .
- Clair, like any pro Sr company from that era used lots of these amps (700b ) , since these were the only game in town offering big watts. Everyone who wanted their amps to continue performing put a lot of thought & effort into making sure they didn't mechanically self-destruct.
- The emergence of the Carver company and its model PM1.5 was welcomed by most who wanted big watts with some structural integrity. Of course , the use a switching type power supply ignited the debate over "iron & weight" for PS supplies that continues to this day. My allegiances ? Well, I use Crest amps on subs ( only ) for this very reason ( the beefy supply ) . QSC, Carver & small Brystons are used in other areas.
Cheers