Product: Traynor PM-300 Power Amp
Price Paid: 50 (CDN) used
Submitted
03/01/2004
at
09:20am
by
LT
Email: dolhop AT canada DOT com
Features
:
10
Traynor made these things during the seventies. It's a massive power amp - about two feet wide - supplying nominally 300W RMS. In fact, it can supply more: there is a switch at the output for selecting impedance mode. High impedance (2.7ohm to infinity) outputs 190W @ 8ohm, 300W @ 4ohm, 425W @ 2.7ohm. In low impedance output mode (1.3ohm to 4ohm): 200W @ 4ohm, 300W @ 2ohm, 390W @ 1.3 ohm. This is a real power-horse. It also has short-circuit protection at the output.
Internally, the design is very simple: a massive transformer (rated for about 800W so you won't have any power problems), the output stage consists of 8 big transistors (cheap replacements avaialble too, but you'll never need them!), and it is all cooled by a fan. The case is wood covered with black vinyl and has a convenient handle on it.
For input it has two 1/4" jacks and one XLR (unbalanced though) and all three are paralleled. There is one knob on the front for controlling gain (and should always be set to max.).
I give this unit a 10 for features as the variable output impedance selection makes it great for paralleling many cabinets. As well, several input, output protection fan cooling make it an excellent unit.
Sound Quality
:
8
Clean. It is old and technology has improved over the past thirty years, but for powering floor monitors this thing is absolutely perfect.
Reliability
:
10
This unit could be dropped down a flight of stairs and still work perfectly! With short circuit protection and fan cooling it is near indestructable. The eight power transistors are mounted to a massive aluminum heatsink which makes for a great backbone. Even if there were any problems, the design is so simple that it would be really easy to fix.
Customer Support
:
10
I emailed Yorkville because I couldn't find any info on this unit and within a day I was sent a soft-copy of the original manual. They even sent the original price sheet - $579 CDN back in the day.
Overall Rating
:
10
It's a bit big and as heavy as any power amp should be. But overall, for $50 I couldn't go wrong. Most old Traynor stuff can be purchased for a lot less than it's worth. Regardless of the price, it's a great unit.
