[Ron Ramirez]

Epilog on the 700-T:

I wasn't satisfied with the channel imbalance, which was more pronounced at low volume levels. Plus, the metallic "thump" upon power up had returned.

So today, after I spent a majority of the day studying for my A+ exams, I put the 700 back on the bench and removed the volume control. I re-installed the control I had initially put into this set, which came from a 175-T junker.

One side of the DPST off-on switch was dead, and refused to clean up. So I wired the AC sockets in back direct instead of running through the switch. One half of the switch is still good, and now turns the receiver off and on. I won't be using the rear panel AC outlets anyway, but they receive power all of the time when the unit is plugged in now.

I used my CL-80 inrush current limiter, knowing it probably isn't the correct unit for the job but since I had it on hand, I therefore used it anyway. I connected it between one side of the AC line and one terminal of the main fuseholder, as that was a convenient point to install it.

Oh, and I also removed the flexible lead LED from behind the tuning meter, and replaced it with a #47 incandescent lamp. The LED was annoyingly bright when the lights in the room were off for TV viewing.

Result: The channels are now balanced as they should be, regardless of volume setting. Bonus: No more metallic "thump" when the unit is turned on.

I would say it is now complete. It took long enough, and it was enough trouble to get to this point!