Best Affordable Vintage Amplifier: DYNACO ST70!

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  • Опубліковано 24 гру 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 168

  • @jamesdoranto9013
    @jamesdoranto9013 2 місяці тому +20

    I wish I had known about this amp before spending thousands on my Mcintosh mc275, in a sense the 275 was an end goal so I would have gotten it anyways. But, I put more hours on the ST70 I picked up last year. Maybe it's because i'm trying to preserve the Mc's tubes but truthfully the ST70 and it's little brother the SCA35 have such an amazingly full dynamic tube sound. I really recommend pairing the 70 with the dynaco pre PAS series for it's stellar passive and active eq section. Worth every penny folks! get one before they dry up, I was lucky to buy them during the dip. Thanks alot Steve lol

    • @julesl6910
      @julesl6910 2 місяці тому +5

      Pas 3x is a perfect pairing nice one. They'll all be gone soon

    • @jamesdoranto9013
      @jamesdoranto9013 2 місяці тому +4

      @@julesl6910 That's the model I have. If i'm correct, when the bass/treble tone knobs are in center position the pre goes into passive mode. Attenuating in either direction of center actives the eq.

    • @bobmoney6215
      @bobmoney6215 2 місяці тому +3

      Paired with the right speakers it is wonderful.

    • @joenovak6393
      @joenovak6393 2 місяці тому

      If you purchase the MC275 in the 60's (Point-to-Point wiring) then you are in McIntosh glory. Mac should build a PTPW but I sense know one with the Knowledge is working there and would cost x2.

    • @keplermission
      @keplermission 2 місяці тому

      @@joenovak6393 What is a PTPW? I searched Google and got to a Facebook Group. I'd have to join up and Groucho Marx famously said: "I wouldn't want to be a member of any club that would want want me as a member'. People accuse me of talking gibberish!

  • @jeffbrooke4892
    @jeffbrooke4892 2 місяці тому +20

    I've been a Dynaco, Heathkit, Fisher tube junkie for nearly 40-years. Good to see a program like this!

  • @stevescudder1507
    @stevescudder1507 2 місяці тому +21

    I built my ST-70 around 1967 while in college. I chose it because it was the cheapest way I knew to get quality stereo. I had an Eico preamp from a previous swap, along with a Garrard turntable. It worked, but I had crummy speakers . My next purchase was the Dynaco A-25 speakers. I must say that was a great combination and served me well for years and years. I have recently updated all the dangerous components and still love the sound. I use it in the garage since my wife thinks it's ugly -- and too hot!

    • @fletchermunson6225
      @fletchermunson6225 2 місяці тому

      I screwed up again and built an Archer Kit. used with headphones and a cheap garrard turntable. I was living at home working my way through college. Shoulda, coulda, mighta, oughta.

    • @siewteck
      @siewteck 2 місяці тому

      0:29 ooioo 1:34 😅😮😅😮😊😮😊😅😅 2:51 😮 2:52 how

    • @siewteck
      @siewteck 2 місяці тому

      Oo

    • @siewteck
      @siewteck 2 місяці тому

      @@fletchermunson6225

    • @annebokma4637
      @annebokma4637 2 місяці тому +1

      You should have vetted your wife better before marriage 😂

  • @SweatLaserXP
    @SweatLaserXP 2 місяці тому +6

    My parents own a Dynaco factory-built SCA-35 integrated amplifier, and I have had a lot of great listening experiences with it. It has that honey-kissed golden sound that you can only get with an old tube circuit. Low noise, neutrality, and detail, are nice but sometimes you want the sonic equivalent of taking a fat bong hit and then everything you listen to sounds awesome. Thanks a lot, Steve.

    • @mikecoffee100
      @mikecoffee100 2 місяці тому +1

      Affordable not in my area but good video as usual and I had a SCA 35 for about 20 years and my friend had an OG ST 70 and a Mod ST 70

  • @chrisblock6697
    @chrisblock6697 2 місяці тому +17

    Yep, they knew how to make great sound in '59... Kind of Blue & Time Out are two examples from '59 that come to mind.

    • @marks89m3
      @marks89m3 2 місяці тому +6

      @@chrisblock6697 and “Take 5” i think also

  • @iampryso9548
    @iampryso9548 2 місяці тому +8

    Steve, as I commented to your previous mention of this amp, I built a Dynakit ST70 for my first stereo system in 1966. True that was a huge step up from what I'd been hearing at the time, but it included a certain musical magic that was planted in my audio memory. I've churned through countless systems since then but some elements of that sonic pleasure remain as my standard.
    Still, it would be interesting for you to now compare yours with one which had a few more common "updates" -- speaker terminals, power cord, rectifier upgrade, 7199 upgrade, etc.

  • @patrickvannuland5577
    @patrickvannuland5577 2 місяці тому +9

    I inherited this same amp as the Dynakit version my dad built in 1968, along with his Altec A7-500 speakers. I grew up with them, and gauge every system I've ever owned to THAT sound.

    • @carlespy7470
      @carlespy7470 2 місяці тому

      You must be able to blow the roof off with A7-500s, even in a large room!

  • @deltasonics1997
    @deltasonics1997 2 місяці тому +6

    The speaker hook ups are not actually 'barrier strips'. They are simply terminal strips. Nit picky I know but newbies deserve correct info. The 'barrier strip' has barriers between each screw terminal. The Dynaco amps and pres all performed well above their price range. Thank you Steve for a great video

    • @woohunter1
      @woohunter1 2 місяці тому

      That’s looks a little sketchy without the barriers. Nice catch!

  • @stimpy1226
    @stimpy1226 2 місяці тому +3

    I built the DH 101 and it was a nice little preamp. I also owned an upgraded ST 70 that I used to drive my Stax electrostatic headphones. David Hafler is one of the great designers of the 20th century

  • @Audiophile4Lyfe
    @Audiophile4Lyfe 2 місяці тому +8

    I ordered what I could find on ebay, they are disappearing quickly thanks to this video. But I got a nice restored one and am so excited to be able to enjoy it.

  • @genehart261
    @genehart261 2 місяці тому +1

    Time has been the true test of these products. Right now there are kits available to build brand new Stereo70 amps and there are a vast number of input boards and replacement parts. Don't forget the companion pre amps PAS 2 and 3 which are perfect companions.

  • @fletchermunson6225
    @fletchermunson6225 2 місяці тому +13

    Biggest screw up of my audio career was letting go a pair of Dynamo MkIII mono amplifiers that had the caps and resistors upgraded. They were glorious but I blew it and sold them off. One of my few audio regrets.

    • @neps4th
      @neps4th 2 місяці тому +1

      I had a perfect pair myself. I normally used them in the mid-range of Infinity Servostats. That system stunned all those who heard it! However; I never realized these mono Dynaco's full potential until I hooked them up to a pair of GALES. Wow!

    • @jimashby43
      @jimashby43 2 місяці тому +3

      I never did, my basement looks like a Used equipment store. 😊

  • @jimashby43
    @jimashby43 2 місяці тому +5

    Excellent stuff. I'm going to the basement and dig it out. Mine was Factory assembled to my Grandfather.
    I also have some Hafler amps.
    And a Heathkit I put together myself in 1970-71 .

  • @ThePerkri
    @ThePerkri 2 місяці тому +1

    Thanks for this, Steve. Very timely review. Just over a week ago, I picked up a Scott 222D. Different, but similar. Made in 64’. Everything you have described was like my experience with the 222D. Wasn’t sure what to expect, but liked it - even in its original condition with 60 year old parts. So much so, I’m sending it out for a full restoration.

  • @LarryHernandez-Yoo
    @LarryHernandez-Yoo 2 місяці тому +7

    Omg I'm drooling I forgot how incredible these sound. I'm shopping right now yahooo

  • @spacecadet6575
    @spacecadet6575 2 місяці тому +1

    My first experience of good hi-fi was when I heard my band director's system at his house in 1983. He had a pair of Snell A2's driven by a Hafler 500 - that changed my life and I spent the beginning of my career in the hi-fi business. I was off to the races. Great review!

  • @jimallen1485
    @jimallen1485 2 місяці тому

    Hi Steve. I watched this video and remembered that a couple years back I bought an ST-70, a 1964 untouched (near mint) original. I had ordered a new filter cap and a few other parts for it including a new driver board. Since I have a couple of free days I went and dug it out from under the workbench. Replaced the filter cap(CE Mfg 80-40-30-20uf), the two electrolytics (56uf 250 volts) on the bias supply, and the selenium rectifier (1n4007) that was open and most likely the reason the amp was not working. Since you said yours sounded great without modifications I decided to give it a listen with the original driver board. I am so glad I did. My response was simply, OH MY GOODNESS! Those original Black Cats, the six dot micas, and the carbon resisters all come together to make this one smooth and sweet-sounding piece of gear. Listening to it right now on my bench speakers (Klipsch KG-3). I can almost imagine what it would sound like on my La Scalas. Thanks for reminding me I even had this jewel tucked away.
    By the way... Does anyone need a new driver board?

  • @kenandbarbie-b6c
    @kenandbarbie-b6c 2 місяці тому +1

    I kind of miss having hifi kits that are a great value, high performance & affordable. It was a reward for the work of assembly.😊

  • @glenjo0
    @glenjo0 2 місяці тому +3

    ST70s are good. I had two of them. You're right, they are a bit of an acquired taste.
    Mine were still using 7199s, but all of the caps in the signal path had been replaced. And good output transformers are real important. Once you have all that - very good amps.

  • @richhudnut5110
    @richhudnut5110 2 місяці тому +4

    I am still using my Hafler 280-xl, it's so good...

  • @rambler5766
    @rambler5766 2 місяці тому +2

    Nice review. Although I swap out components from time to time, my standard system is a slightly modified ST-70, modified PAS-3X preamp, and Vandersteen 2ci speakers. The ST-70 still uses the original circuit board and 7199 drivers, with the mods mostly being in the power supply. (I bought the 7199’s long ago from Kevin Deal when he was still operating out of his house.)
    It sounds very good to my ears. It helps that I have a great listening space. It’s in a second floor loft, with the listening position backing up to the open space above the first floor. Plus, the loft itself has a cathedral ceiling, so it’s very clean acoustically.
    Again, great review, as always. Good listening!

  • @georgecovetskie6717
    @georgecovetskie6717 Місяць тому

    Around 1972 I was walking home from school with just a few books in my hand.
    It was just drizzling lightly so I walked fast to get home.
    Suddenly, I seen at a curb was this big old console system getting rained on.
    I was was an electronics student and of course was curious what the guts were inside, so I had my pocket knife to take the back cover off.
    All tube system and seperate modules for radio, preamp and power amp. The Power amp was the Dynakit ST70. The same one we had at the school. So, I had to take it out.
    I brought it home, hooked it up and the dam thing worked fine.
    I still have that amp. Needs some TLC but it works till this day.
    I have a studio for home recording and I took my Bose 1800 power amp out to try the system with the ST70. YES, It still sounded great and had this special sound desire that made me use it for 2 days. I found some things it actually did better than the Bose. Some recordings I could actually hear slide on the pedal steel and crystal clear tones the bose just barely portrayed.
    I agree with you its hard to let go of something like this but one day someone might convince me they want it more than me. 🙂

  • @davidsallean1166
    @davidsallean1166 2 місяці тому +2

    Love my ST-70 that I have used for years as my daily main amp. I replaced the input board with a new one that uses different tubes than the 7199s and with all new caps should be good for years more service. There are still a few companies out there that offer kits for those who want to make their own.

    • @Audiophile4Lyfe
      @Audiophile4Lyfe 2 місяці тому +1

      Just ordered one I'm so excited to do some mods

  • @julesl6910
    @julesl6910 2 місяці тому +6

    Just bought two of these, thanks for the recommendation. Not too many on the market anymore glad I bought the dip before they get insanely expensive / unobtanium!

    • @orresearch007
      @orresearch007 2 місяці тому +1

      These are in demand?

    • @julesl6910
      @julesl6910 2 місяці тому

      @@orresearch007 Haha they're gone. If you find one now they're going to cost over a thousand. Under $1,000 you'll find rusty or corroded ones and they need a lot of love. It was fun to check reverb and ebay every few hours after this video came out, the pages long list disappeared. I bought two near mint ones right when this video came out for $600ish each.

    • @jimallen1485
      @jimallen1485 2 місяці тому

      Considering somewhere north of 635,000 of them were sold... 🤑

  • @rakitakhan
    @rakitakhan 2 місяці тому +5

    My best friend still has an ST70. Sounds great !

    • @julesl6910
      @julesl6910 2 місяці тому +1

      Omg they're insanely good with old mullard tubes and rectifier

  • @mcgjohn22
    @mcgjohn22 2 місяці тому +2

    A great amp. and you are right, not the most resolution available, but has that ability to hold you in the listening seat much longer than many. Have had 4 of them over the years.
    For those on a budget a great preamp to match up with the dynaco is the Marantz 7 clone from China.

  • @JS-oq2cd
    @JS-oq2cd 27 днів тому

    Major kudos for sticking with the original front end circuit. The 7199 is an excellent tube. Part of the magic of this amp is the selection of tubes used. EL34's can be really nice...especially if you can find a nice quad of NOS Mullards. Another factor is the output iron....those transformers are quite desirable. Another great Dynaco amp is the MkIV's...basically a monobloc version of the ST70. Great stuff there. Go for the musicality....that's what counts.

  • @thanep9667
    @thanep9667 2 місяці тому +1

    Ny first audiophile component was a dynamo kit, built in about 1971. I loved it, especially that when I finally turned it on, it worked.

  • @mdiaz0429
    @mdiaz0429 2 місяці тому +2

    I have an ST70 which I rarely use but when I do it does magic with my Merlin VSM speakers.

  • @orresearch007
    @orresearch007 2 місяці тому

    Good episode, Steve. 20 years ago I got hold of one unit and worked on its restoration for about a year. It has been working together will other restored vintage audio equipment in my library room since then. Planning to do another round of improvement after I retire, it is worth the effort, and I have it with a PAS preamp.

  • @BigBoominSpeakers
    @BigBoominSpeakers 2 місяці тому +3

    I guess these have become extremely popular lately... called my local dealers and they were all sold out.... I swear just a few years ago you could find em cheap... just ordered a good condition one on ebay that ill fix up myself, these are great amps and the sca-35 (el-84) is one of my favs too with some klipsch heresys

  • @Darrylizer1
    @Darrylizer1 2 місяці тому +1

    I have a hot-rodded version of the ST-70, so to speak, that I built from a kit from Tubes4hifi. It has three 12AU7s rather than the Dynaco original two 7199 driver tubes and it will take either KT-88s, 6550s, or EL-34s due to its beefed up power transformer. The EL-34 configuration to me sounds the best, sparkling and 3D. I also have my dad's monoblock Dynaco Mark IIIs he built from kits in the 60s and they're still going strong.

  • @kesm66
    @kesm66 2 місяці тому +1

    Hi Steve. I have a Hafler 75 DAC/HP tube amp (12AX7). I believe it was the last one sold here in the US. It’s now discontinued. It is by far a well regarded HP amp and tube DAC that bears the Hafler name. I’ve cycled through my share of tube gear (Linear Audio, Lab 12, Line Magnetic, Woo Audio, Decware). The Hafler HA75 has stuck around and for good reason.

  • @richardelliott8352
    @richardelliott8352 2 місяці тому +2

    my first attempt at hi fi was buying a later version of a used pair of the ST 70's. The first time I used them , I was playing records for a friend and it started to smoke. A service tech said he had never seen so many cold solder joints before. not an auspicious start, but the neighborhood photo shop took it back with apologies.

  • @bblimediamostlyspeakers
    @bblimediamostlyspeakers 2 місяці тому +1

    I have been anticipating this review for a while! I love my Hafler P500 amplifiers, and enjoyed your review of the Dynaco amplifier. I need to get my lower end Dynaco fixed and test it out. Neat viewer system with Sentry 3's! Those are much better looking than my sentry 4's, but with the same mid and tweeter!

  • @Artguitars
    @Artguitars 2 місяці тому +7

    Well they just went up 500% thanks Steve 🤣

  • @JustLikeGreta
    @JustLikeGreta 2 місяці тому +1

    i had a ST70 years ago that sounded great feeding Quad 57's

  • @briansilcox5720
    @briansilcox5720 2 місяці тому +1

    VTA is a great easy way to do this new. They have refined the ST 70 in various output levels, and mine is very reliable.

  • @Roudaki677
    @Roudaki677 2 місяці тому +1

    I picked up my Dyna ST70 for the sum of $0.50 in 1990 at what was then a monthly get together of tube traders in Dallas. I’ve restored it to an original state with only a brand new chassis.

  • @darrellross8609
    @darrellross8609 2 місяці тому

    S, Years ago I sold my Rogers 3/5a's; so yea an empty spot in my heart. I have had for a short time now the SA LS 3/5a's. They "are" glorious to hear. Thank you for spreading the good news of this afforable speaker. Best, D.

  • @SteveG325
    @SteveG325 2 місяці тому +4

    Great video, love the aMp. Did I miss it or did you not say what preamp you were using for this?

    • @SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac
      @SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac  2 місяці тому +5

      Holo Audio Serene

    • @SteveG325
      @SteveG325 2 місяці тому +1

      @@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac thanks! I’ve heard people say that original dynaco PAS preamps didn’t sound that great and that modern preamps pair better.

    • @keplermission
      @keplermission 2 місяці тому +1

      @@SteveG325 Yeah the modern ones better suit modern inputs because the Far Eastern Audio standard uses a different electrical strength. The old ones are better with old inputs.

    • @dan-sc7fm
      @dan-sc7fm 2 місяці тому

      ​@keplermission Ha, I'm getting better at catching your gibberish within the first sentence. You're going to have to up your game. You're getting way too predictable.

  • @PossibleAudio
    @PossibleAudio 2 місяці тому +1

    The ST-70 is LEGEND. Man I hope to build one soon.

    • @keplermission
      @keplermission 2 місяці тому +1

      If you do build one you know ... we could use your expertise. The original Dynaco ST-70 uses a Selenium rectifier for D.C. bias. That is the model ... Steve ... has and, uh he needs to replace it even although he doesn't even know it yet. How often in New York did we smell the burnt smell in old elevators? Well you know, these old metal rectifiers go bad in time and they need to be replaced using a big wire-wound resistor and a single diode of the 1N4000 vintage. Now we could get Herb to do the work and he could tell us the very values of that wire-wound so we could all just stick one in there. But you know, Herb never did it yet and maybe you'll get there first?

    • @PossibleAudio
      @PossibleAudio 2 місяці тому +1

      @@keplermission It's always a possibility!

  • @marksmusicobsession
    @marksmusicobsession 2 місяці тому

    I have a pair of 1957 MC-60’s in my main system of three. I feed them with an all tube pre. I would never let them go and have never had anything I liked more in 40 years as an audio junkie

  • @AllboroLCD
    @AllboroLCD 2 місяці тому +1

    I just got a Dynakit myself as well, but mine is an ST-70A. For the life of me I cannot find specifics or schematics on this particular model. It has 4 pots on it for adjustment. Cant do anything with it until I get it biased and im told this thing is definitely different than a standard ST-70.

  • @marcparsons1726
    @marcparsons1726 2 місяці тому

    Glad you kept the Dynaco original. Something so primal about tubes. Just listened to the Yanks win/ and Jazz on an old Monarch tube tuner (1961) going to an old Sansui and RCA/Minimus 7 speakers. So delightful! Like the wild kid from Mad Max getting a wind-up music box!

  • @ML-rm3vk
    @ML-rm3vk 2 місяці тому

    Enjoy your your adventure with the dyna you will love .

  • @kowaltoboggan
    @kowaltoboggan 2 місяці тому

    Steve, you appreciate music. Am pleased you stumbled upon the simplicity of the Dynaco Stereo 70. Agree there are better, but it is delightfully effective. Thanks for posting!

  • @dawaynecleckley8673
    @dawaynecleckley8673 2 місяці тому

    I just looked up the FUR soundtrack. AMAZING. The depth in the mix is great! Thank you for the recommendation!

  • @DaleCrommie
    @DaleCrommie 2 місяці тому +2

    Oh Steve, that Dick Evan’s album is one of my favorites for the same reason. The Upright Bass recording is truly 3D, being able to feel and see his fingers go up and down the fret board is a thrill.👍🎃👍

  • @splaff79
    @splaff79 2 місяці тому +3

    I own a refurbished ST70 and it's great. However, my newer Dynakit ST35 blows it out the water. El84 tubes are so much sweeter! Paired with Schiit Freya + or an MP701 mk3 tube preamp, it's hard to beat. Especially with Klipsch heritage speakers!

    • @rambler5766
      @rambler5766 2 місяці тому +2

      Yeah, I love my ST-70, but my Fisher X-100 and Eico HF-81 with the EL84/6BQ5's have a great sound, especially in smaller rooms. I'm running Svetlanas in my ST-70 and Mullards in the other two.

    • @keplermission
      @keplermission 2 місяці тому +1

      You know back in the 1960s tube amplifier era watts were very expensive and the ST-70 (EL34) and ST-35 (EL84) were in different power grades that affects the choice of loudspeaker to be used. So EL84 is sweeter, then your speakers are better with the ST-35. So just sell the ST-70 to somebody with more suitable equipment.

    • @djg6015
      @djg6015 2 місяці тому +1

      I also built a Dynakitparts ST35, which is a very close copy with better PC boards and tube sockets, etc. The ST35 was frequently described as better sounding than the ST70. Heavy little thing.

  • @kentonkirkpatrick5225
    @kentonkirkpatrick5225 2 місяці тому

    A "kick press base" is something you put your kick press on. I believe a kick press is used to fabricate sheet metal, and other parts that will be assembled into a larger machine. The idea is you hold what you're working on with two hands and you "Kick" (activate) the press-mechanism with your foot.

  • @GiguereSylvain
    @GiguereSylvain 28 днів тому

    While you're at older gear, that would be nice to have review of a pair of original Quad II tube amps.. 1953-1970 Peter Walker too had a good ear. I use a pair of these with my Counterpoint preamp. I've owned Dyna st70 too and loved it. I have no idea of how faithtull all the second, third and so on runs of the next edition were..

  • @spacemissing
    @spacemissing Місяць тому

    Some time ago I found a great deal for a guitar amplifier I was working on.
    A 6U8 and a socket adapter for $14 --- you can buy six for the price of one USED 7199!
    No rewiring needed --- just put 'em in. Don't like the result? Yank 'em and put the 7199 back.

  • @ericsousa9365
    @ericsousa9365 2 місяці тому

    Hey Steve, a few week ago i bought a used Herbie Mann chesky recording from the 90s that youve work on , it sounds fabulous, thanks for all the vids and keep up the good work, cheers from Canada.

  • @stinkenstine
    @stinkenstine 2 місяці тому

    I have one on the way from Kenny Russell. Can’t wait! Might pick up the Pas-3 & an ST-35 from Kenny too.

  • @robmurray3914
    @robmurray3914 2 місяці тому +2

    I’ve wanted one for a while now haha

  • @juca23076
    @juca23076 2 місяці тому

    I dream with these kind o things. There would be a very pleasant side there. My desire Is to explore these classical amplifiers to reach conclusiones about the feelings. Thank you once again Steve!

  • @lawrencesommaesq.9944
    @lawrencesommaesq.9944 2 місяці тому +4

    I am aware that there are several dealers selling updated/restored ST70s. Anyone have a recommendation for which of these builders is best?

    • @julesl6910
      @julesl6910 2 місяці тому +2

      Buy one in good condition and take it to an audio technician shop. They'll know the options, these are the most famous tube amps ever made

  • @artyfhartie2269
    @artyfhartie2269 2 місяці тому +1

    I bought a Dynakit in 1971. I am still assembling it. Please let me know where the little blue bubble looking things go and what do I do with the little thin black, red and green wires? Thank you muchly

    • @rambler5766
      @rambler5766 2 місяці тому

      The wires go underneath and the bubble-looking things go on top. You're welcome. ;-)

  • @julesl6910
    @julesl6910 2 місяці тому +2

    Ah you forgot to link Ben's video although I was able to find it. Awesome tech channel!

  • @dankapeller9522
    @dankapeller9522 2 місяці тому

    If you are interested in hearing the ST70 at it's best, look into the Tubes4hifi kit, available now, new and improved. I've owned both vintage and my current tubes4hifi reissue, and the new one is much better. All new parts and chassis, new design driver board that uses 12UA7's. Highly recommended. I just used an inflation calculator, and the price of a tubes4hifi kit is almost exactly the same as a Dynaco ST70 kit cost in 1959. A true value in today's market.

  • @carlespy7470
    @carlespy7470 2 місяці тому

    I own two ST 70s. One is highly modded and the other is an all original, early 1960s vintage factory wired example including the original Mullard EL34s and the original 7199s. It is in museum grade condition and I keep it sheltered in my listening room. I too love their sound. They are special.
    On a separate note, will you review the Schiit Audio Tyr Monoblocks?

  • @christianbolt5761
    @christianbolt5761 2 місяці тому +3

    Have a pair of MK IIIs still great sound

  • @dragonshipva
    @dragonshipva 2 місяці тому

    I have two Van Alsteen modded ST-70's and they are incredible, hard on modern rectifier tubes but amazing nonetheless.

  • @hnphnp1
    @hnphnp1 Місяць тому

    You discovered what thousands of us already know - that the ST-70 is a terrific little amplifier.
    However, the weakest point of that thing is definitely the input circuit. The 7199 is a compromise for sure.
    A far better input that preserves the tube topology is to replace that setup with an EF86 input pentode and a 12AU7 for phase splitting. The difference is remarkable.
    But I get your desire to have "period correct" factory sound.

  • @PCHPete
    @PCHPete 2 місяці тому

    I'm hesitant to write this review because I don't want the secret to get out about Analog Ethos and then I have to wait forever to get a product from Perry when he comes up with something new. If you like the ST70, you'll love Perry's Pacific 63 Hermosa Edition. I have several amps in my collection (Conrad Johnson, Fezz, Carver, Counterpoint, Emotiva, etc.) and 3 of Perry's Amps (Custom AE1-C mono blocks with VU meter on each, Legendarium with 2 VU Meters and the Pacific 63 Hermosa Edition which I'm running with PSVane EL84 Tubes). The Pacific 63 is dead quiet, sounds amazing with my Klipsch Cornwall IV's, and looks super cool. I'm a big fan of using low powered tube amps with my Cornwalls. I'm running the Pacific 63 with my Don Sachs Pre-amp but it sounds amazing without it and I'm only using 2 inputs (one for my turntable and one for my Dac) which it supports . The only thing is without my pre-amp, then I have to get off my lazy butt from my listening position to change the input and volume. Check it out.

  • @tothemax324
    @tothemax324 2 місяці тому

    I had a non-modified st70 and it is a nice tube amp when the bias was stable, the mA would swing out of spec every 1 - 2 listens. Could of been a resistor issue but I sold it and never purchased a fixed bias tube amp again lol.

    • @julesl6910
      @julesl6910 2 місяці тому

      Yeah it needed to be serviced.

  • @OrdinaryAverageGuy-z6w
    @OrdinaryAverageGuy-z6w 2 місяці тому +1

    Hi Steve. Just wondering if you ever had the chance to check out the Magnum version of the Rogue Audio Sphinx V3. They put some serious upgrades into it. I have one paired with a set of Klipsch Heresy IVs and a JL Audio Dominion d110 Subwoofer. The sound is amazing. If you get a chance to listen to this setup, I'm sure that you will be delighted.

  • @tmdillon1969
    @tmdillon1969 2 місяці тому +1

    US3?! That brings back some college memories. Now I have to hop on eBay/Discogs.

  • @stevenstjohn9207
    @stevenstjohn9207 2 місяці тому

    Hi
    As of 10/2024 I have a fully reconditioned ST 70 and am running it w/ a Quicksilver tubed pre. Sounds really nice. 😊

  • @marks89m3
    @marks89m3 2 місяці тому +5

    Man, no kidding!!!!

  • @migueldelaguardia
    @migueldelaguardia 2 місяці тому

    I still own and use my Hafler DH 500 and ESS AMT speakers that i bought new 44 yeas ago.

  • @timmytuneuptooker3543
    @timmytuneuptooker3543 2 місяці тому +1

    Steve it's a 25 W amplifier? I mean you're trying to power these other speakers with a 25 W amplifier and I can tell you when I go from a 500 W amplifier to 1001 amplifier there was a giant difference in headroom and sonics

  • @carlosbauza1139
    @carlosbauza1139 2 місяці тому +3

    I heard various delightful Stereo 70 amps during the 60's, including one at the AR/Dynaco room in NY Central Station. But my favorite is the Dynaco Stereo 35, in my two re-built samples. Lovely sound. The Hafler "Ultralinear" circuit (and "distilled" design) plus their reliability and price drove Dynaco's great sound and succes in their time.

  • @stillaliveandwell5291
    @stillaliveandwell5291 2 місяці тому

    I also built an amp and preamp, l had to send the amp back to Dynaco because l messed up on one channel. Also had the A-25s hanging up in the corners of my bedroom. Dual turntable 604 l think then the 2nd gen Technics DD. I still have the Dynaco solid state sq-70 quad solid state 4 Dimensional amplifier that has sat unused since the early 80s. I hooked it up recently to some made in USA Boston Acoustic bookshelf speakers l've had for 30 years. The woofers have been reconed and they sound great together, although the amp definitely needs to be gone through before any serious use. Someone can have both cheap😊. Also have a pair of the little VMPS model 4 with new woofers looking for a new home.

  • @dougg1075
    @dougg1075 2 місяці тому

    Sweet. I’ve got a pair of those sound Artist LS/35a’s
    Friggin love em

  • @JL-qo7cs
    @JL-qo7cs 2 місяці тому

    I had a Dynaco integrated amp that, I think, was 35 watts. It was a kit.

  • @mikecoffee100
    @mikecoffee100 2 місяці тому +1

    Affordable not in my area but good video as usual and I had a SCA 35 and my friend had an OG ST 70 and a Mod ST 70

  • @michaelgarnett1372
    @michaelgarnett1372 2 місяці тому +1

    PS try quicksilver tube preamp too

  • @billywe331a
    @billywe331a 2 місяці тому +1

    Think that picture was Avery Fisher. And a Stephens Coax.

  • @chrish.4067
    @chrish.4067 2 місяці тому +3

    I've had a ST-70, ST-35, and SCA-35. Good stuff, but i like more modern amps now.

    • @keplermission
      @keplermission 2 місяці тому +1

      You know ST-70 etc don't suit many modern speakers? If you have modern speakers and discover that modern amplifiers sound better with them, then if you have a 1960 year amplifier, try some 1960 speakers. The older it is the more it needs a specially made partnering speaker and inputs.

    • @chrish.4067
      @chrish.4067 2 місяці тому +1

      Are Klipsch Heresy 4 modern or old, IDK. The EL84 based ST35 sounds faster. People like older gear for nostalgia value, not for sound quality ... and that's OK!

    • @jamesdoranto9013
      @jamesdoranto9013 2 місяці тому +3

      @@chrish.4067 new revision, old design. My cornwall iv's kick butt with the dynaco equipment, even 2w decware.

    • @julesl6910
      @julesl6910 2 місяці тому

      @@keplermission That shows an extremely crude and ignorant understanding of electronics, do not spread misinformation. You're acting as if speaker technology has changed at all, which it has not. It's a transducer. High fidelity audio has been around since the late 1930's, which is why we have high fidelity records used on audiophile equipment from that time. If anything, they had superior high voltage amplifiers that sounded better back then but required hand wired circuits. The ST-70 has dedicated outputs for 4-8-16 speakers, the standard is the same and obviously Steve used modern speakers.

    • @julesl6910
      @julesl6910 2 місяці тому

      @@keplermission That's nonsense they're speakers.

  • @LeonardHendrix
    @LeonardHendrix 2 місяці тому

    Thanks Steve. Which do you prefer, the ST 70 or the Decware Zen?

    • @SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac
      @SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac  2 місяці тому +1

      I love both, but right now I have to choose one I would go with the ST because it's more dynamic and the bass is meatier.

  • @jonathanmoore8886
    @jonathanmoore8886 2 місяці тому

    If these were affordable before this video they probably won't be after. And I just got that bill Evans album in the mail today

  • @briancampbell7712
    @briancampbell7712 2 місяці тому

    i have this in 230v dynakit St70 el34...however I wonder if i should get a better quality el34 tube amplifier...❓
    wish i could find a conrad johnson 11 XS, it uses el34 and has teflon caps

  • @Luckiestmanalive-bb1mi
    @Luckiestmanalive-bb1mi 2 місяці тому +1

    The thing for me that I've realised since switching from Solid-state to vacuum tube amplifier is that a Luxkit (or Dynakit in your case) amplifier gave me permission and the open door to shifting from an audiophile that upgrades their amplifier (and other gear) to improve the sound to one that can learn how amplifiers work and mod my amp to do it, instead! It has been so rewarding to learn, making design tweaks as I do, and to test them with my own ears in my own listening space. And it always sounds better if you made it yourself, right?!

  • @rab33
    @rab33 2 місяці тому +2

    Marquee Moon!

  • @beestoe993
    @beestoe993 Місяць тому

    I restored my Sansui AU 517 amplifier, but I have no understanding of tube amps. The only experience Ive had with them was the excellent sound of our old console stereo from the 70's and a little chinese one that I bought, its not too impressive. I assume this dynaco requires a pre-amp?

  • @FMN024
    @FMN024 2 місяці тому

    Does it sound similar or different than Torii mk5 from deckware that has also el 34 tubes in push pull configuration?

  • @bigb2020
    @bigb2020 2 місяці тому

    Hmmm rca outputs in the front 🤔 on-off in the back … interesting

    • @SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac
      @SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac  2 місяці тому +1

      Unusual yes, but when you think about it the inputs are right near the input tubes, and the on/off switch is near the power transformer.

  • @mikeday62
    @mikeday62 2 місяці тому

    We want to see Herb dance too. 👹

  • @maxpower78-15
    @maxpower78-15 2 місяці тому +1

    Awesome

  • @bobsykes
    @bobsykes 2 місяці тому

    Damn it, Steve. You just cost me a bundle buying the MOFI "Village at the Vangaurd" from a DiscCogs seller. Uh... It had better be good!

  • @garymoore3497
    @garymoore3497 4 дні тому

    s still a single channel preamp , where as my stereo amplifier is bi-amp ....
    One octal preamp tube for bass response , in parallel with , two other 9 pin preamp tubes, for the treble response....

  • @TheTrueVoiceOfReason
    @TheTrueVoiceOfReason 2 місяці тому +3

    Barrier strip? No, that's an unshrouded screw terminal strip. Not a blessed thing preventing stray contact between the screws.

  • @robertpeterson8640
    @robertpeterson8640 2 місяці тому

    OK Steve, since you have those OJAS/Klipsch speakers in house, borrow a ST-35 and compare.

  • @philb-ze8sz
    @philb-ze8sz 2 місяці тому +1

    The Stereo 70 I owned for years was an amp that made music enjoyable. I had owned a Threshold A800 class A amp and I thought it was good with my DQ 10 speakers, a friend stopped by one day with the Hafler ST 70 and said would you mind driving your speakers with this amp, you might be surprised, I said how many watts he said 35, but these 35 tube watts, not solid State watts like your amp. Long story short, I put on Jazz at the Pawnshop and listened to the opening track and it sounded great with my Threshold, my friend listened and just smiled, then he hooked up the ST 70 and played the same track, it took no longer than 30 seconds or so to say man that does not even sound like the same track, everything was there but with body, weight and warm of the real live instrument, tone of all the instruments and color sounded so much more real, then he said let me turn up the volume and dam if it could not play as loud as I cared for with no effort on the ST70 and all I kept saying 35 watts vs 200 Class A watts you got to be kidding me, and my DQ 10's loved power. I sold my Threshold, my friend found an ST 70 went over it, freshened up the caps, etc. and I kept that amp for many years, I still wish I had held on to it. It was a teaching moment for me and my friend was a tube lover and could work on any tube gear, in fact, he looked at my audio research SP3A preamp and said I could make it much better they have too much-unneeded stuff in there, let me simplify it for you, when he brought it back I hear sounds from all my recording that I had not heard before or as easy. The ST 70 and the DQ 10 were still some of the best-sounding systems I've owned for musical enjoyment. They built gear back then to sound as close as possible to what instruments and vocals sound live, in fact, the early Opus 3 recordings the Stereo 70 were used for those recordings. My friend then came over and did his thing quickly and turned the stereo 70 into pentode mode of 18 watts only and my god it was even better I used that on my Proac Tablet speakers, the sound was like the band was right in the room. Today gear has none of that Soul and Feel, hyper-detailed, wispy sounding, and priced where only lawyers and doctors can afford it. I purchased Quad ESL 57 and 63 and used the Stereo 70, my dream system for a while. Looking at those pieces of gear, I ask myself how much has really improved over the years, I say we lost more than we gained.

  • @keithhepworth3355
    @keithhepworth3355 2 місяці тому +1

    What pre amp were you using ?

  • @garyalexander5686
    @garyalexander5686 2 місяці тому +1

    Great review, Steve. I thought "barrier strip" terminals had pieces of plastic between the connectors to prevent shorts? I don't see those in your photos.

    • @keplermission
      @keplermission 2 місяці тому

      No Steve you know ... Barrier strips ... Terminal strips ... wire = wire and all that.

    • @julesl6910
      @julesl6910 2 місяці тому

      Some do have them with the barriers. The SCA-35 didn't come with those barriers either. If it makes you feel any better look inside a hand wired Fender guitar amp and see 600v wires millimeters away from eachother. The speaker output terminals are a few volts in comparison, not a problem.

    • @keplermission
      @keplermission 2 місяці тому

      @@julesl6910 Well you know, if it was a Fender then the 600v wires millimeters away from each other probably sounded better. Listen uh ... don't be poking you nose in things you don't understand.

    • @julesl6910
      @julesl6910 2 місяці тому

      ​@@keplermission Wow you sound really smart, I'll take your advice brainiac!

  • @djg6015
    @djg6015 2 місяці тому

    Tubes4hifi / Vacuum Tube Audio for updated ST70.

  • @michaelgreene5703
    @michaelgreene5703 2 місяці тому

    what preamp did you use?