Back around 1972 I was walking home from school and it was a misty damp day. Was looking forward to getting home. Along the way I seen someone put to the curb a big ol console unit like the Magnavox TV and stereo together in this big piece of furnature. I was (and still am) I big sound enthusiest. I learning electronic in school at the time and worked part time in a TV repair shop. So, I ripped the the back cover off and seen the speakers were ruined from the moisture. That is what I was after. However, sitting in the bottom was this Dynakit ST-70. It was in tact, had no burn smell to it so with the only tool I had on me (pocket knife) I got that amp out. Caried home, dried it out and the next day brought it to the TV shop. My boss was impressed by it and we hooked it up. Dam, it sounded good. We let it play for 3 hours, all working well. Best part is I still have that ST-70 and it still freakin works! I recently did a test by replacing my ol Marants power amp for the st70 just to see how it sounded. IT WAS Better than the Marantz! Not as much power but the dynamics, even sounds and listening pleasure was all still there. Yes, that AMP is all it is said to be. Congrats, enjoy it.
Love these videos. I'm making the assumption that you prefer the PAS3>ST70>Klipsch chain over say the PAS3>Vidar2>LRS+ combo. In a time when it is so hard to go hear equipment, you are providing a great service to those of us who are interested in the less-than-mainstream gear. Thanks.
My friend and I are using PlayStation 1 as source component once in awhile ! It’s getting harder to find a good one so, if you can get one, very good , great source. It’s nice to see someone else who knows what they’re looking at. Still holds up well though. Nice review. I want to try a ST70 with a separate tube rectifier stage!
Just put my order in with Kenny. I’ve been eyeing an ST-70 for a long time for my collection but, never pulled the trigger. Now I’m going down the tube hifi rabbit hole. Never owned a tube unit but, I’ve done my research on the Dynaco. I’m glad I waited and found your page. Kenny’s work looks to be unmatched. Until I can get a tube preamp, I’m going to use my McIntosh MA6200 for the ST-70 as a preamp. It’s Solid State. This is a topic with not too much info. Most say the tube preamp is the match which makes sense. Some say it’s fine and will enhance the tube amp. Others say there might be an issue. I’m wondering until I can get the PAS3 from Kenny in the future, how will this combo affect the true tube sound. My vintage McIntosh is very warm. I hope it complements the ST-70. Tube power amp with a solid state preamp. Any thoughts on this topic?
Really glad to hear this. These are amazing amplifiers which I will keep indefinitely because I think I've listened long enough to realize that this is the sound signature I love. Kenny does truly amazing work, his soldering and wiring organization is absolutely impeccable. What speakers are you mating this with?
@@drde4010 I’m going to use my vintage JBL- L 100 centuries. I do have a set of Ohm Walsh 2’s that are 4 ohms. I also have a set of Canton Ergo 70’s @ 4 ohms to roll. However, I really want to use my 1972 Ohm F’s but they take a big amp to make them sing. Not sure if the Dynaco would power them. They would be the perfect speaker for a tube amp however they’re not very efficient. Rated 3/4 ohm. They’re my babies. My pioneer SX-1010 is the perfect match for them.
@@stinkenstine then Kenny’s ST70 will be a nice match for what you have to choose from in my opinion. I was going to suggest the Nobsound volume control for now until you get a preamp. You could do a solid state preamp. I think the PAS would eventually be the best match as it mates perfectly. The Nobsound will lose a few db in gain but it’s super clean sounding.
My friend who is a pro vac valve amp builder has one of these. I really like it. Unfortunately so does he haha. I have a Leak stereo 20 (c 1958/59 myself it puts out enough volume with very sensitive full range 16ohm drivers. The sweet spot in my room is about 85 dbl though. Nice combo for me anyways. I had a really nice rebuilt Marantz 240 power amp for the heavy lifting but it got damaged in disaster level floods here and I couldn’t find a replacement transformer. Worms from the floods got in and ate the insulation! C’est la Vie.
I'm enjoying your videos. New in the exploration of my first tube system. Wondering what's your exprience in the SET realm? These Dynaco's are push pull. While I'm open to the possibility that there's no value in being a purist, but wondering about your take on the SE vs. PP and if you have a current SE amp you like?
It depends on what speakers you are running. I don't really have strong opinions on push pull vs single ended because honestly I've heard great examples of both. If you go through my history of videos, you'll see I'm now happily using ST35 and ST70 builds by Kenny as my primary amps. You can get away with set amps if you have reasonably efficient speakers but trying to find the holy grail is an endless endeavor. I think these Dynakit's are simply amazing to say the least and they can be acquired in reasonable amounts of time. They are also priced extremely reasonable too. You'd be amazed how well they stack up to just about anything as long as you use compatable speakers. I've gotten to a point where I'm quite content with these Dynakit's.
Hello drD! Your set up looks/sounds amazing! I’m half way through my ST-70 rebuild right now and got my PAS-3X working just yesterday. Put it on a scope and it all looked promising. To tell you the truth, I’m a little confused as to what RCA input to use as an “AUX” input. Is it “Special” or “Spare”?
You need to try a Russian Set Tube like 6c33c-b or GM70. There is just something about a big watt set amp. The Dynaco is very nice one of the best push pull of all time. I would not be surprised if Will Vincent and Bob Latino are using the same boards for their builds. Ever try the Heathkit AA-151 with Sam Kim mods?
excellent review...thanks..just liked and subscribed... now I will look to buy one of these amps...what nestone stock tubes are those and how do I set the bias...? i'm using a pair of Spendor S100 but getting a pair of Tannoy Berkeleys soon...one last question...is that a pre amp sitting on the speaker? what brand & model ?
@@briancampbell7712 The NessTone EL34 are provided by Kenny Russell. The provide a warmer tone in my opinion and I love them. The voltage is set to about 145. The process to bias takes about an hour worth of adjusting. Just go back every ten or 15 minutes or so and keep adjusting until it settles.
Love your videos. Just wondering if you can still switch out the solid state rectifier with the original tube rectifier, if you wished to? I'm of the belief that tube rectifiers add dimension to the sound while solid state rectifiers add tighter bass but more 2D solid state sound to the mix. If you feel like experimenting with that idea, would love to hear your findings.
The solid state rectifier has an octal base, just like the glass tube version. It can be removed and swapped at any time. The bias will need to be checked and adjusted accordingly, every time you swap rectifiers. The solid state is more efficient than a tube so if you simply swapped it for a glass tube, the bias would typically be too high.
@@getdynaco Yes I thought so. I suppose it's a little like comparing the tube rectified ST70 with the solid state rectified ST35 to see if the tube rectifier contributes any more dimension to the sound, or not. Thanks for your reply.
I didn't make specific upgrades other than what Kenny suggested which I wouldn't know exactly, however, I did upgrade to a full set of genuine Baldwin tubes all the way around. After hearing the first ST35, I requested another one built identically the same.
Back around 1972 I was walking home from school and it was a misty damp day. Was looking forward to getting home.
Along the way I seen someone put to the curb a big ol console unit like the Magnavox TV and stereo together in this big piece of furnature. I was (and still am) I big sound enthusiest.
I learning electronic in school at the time and worked part time in a TV repair shop.
So, I ripped the the back cover off and seen the speakers were ruined from the moisture. That is what I was after. However, sitting in the bottom was this Dynakit ST-70. It was in tact, had no burn smell to it so with the only tool I had on me (pocket knife) I got that amp out.
Caried home, dried it out and the next day brought it to the TV shop.
My boss was impressed by it and we hooked it up. Dam, it sounded good. We let it play for 3 hours, all working well.
Best part is I still have that ST-70 and it still freakin works! I recently did a test by replacing my ol Marants power amp for the st70 just to see how it sounded. IT WAS Better than the Marantz! Not as much power but the dynamics, even sounds and listening pleasure was all still there.
Yes, that AMP is all it is said to be. Congrats, enjoy it.
It's great when you hear stories like this, provoke memories like that. Thanks for sharing.
Love these videos.
I'm making the assumption that you prefer the PAS3>ST70>Klipsch chain over say the PAS3>Vidar2>LRS+ combo.
In a time when it is so hard to go hear equipment, you are providing a great service to those of us who are interested in the less-than-mainstream gear.
Thanks.
My friend and I are using PlayStation 1 as source component once in awhile ! It’s getting harder to find a good one so, if you can get one, very good , great source. It’s nice to see someone else who knows what they’re looking at. Still holds up well though. Nice review. I want to try a ST70 with a separate tube rectifier stage!
classic beautiful tube amp
Just put my order in with Kenny. I’ve been eyeing an ST-70 for a long time for my collection but, never pulled the trigger. Now I’m going down the tube hifi rabbit hole. Never owned a tube unit but, I’ve done my research on the Dynaco. I’m glad I waited and found your page. Kenny’s work looks to be unmatched. Until I can get a tube preamp, I’m going to use my McIntosh MA6200 for the ST-70 as a preamp. It’s Solid State. This is a topic with not too much info. Most say the tube preamp is the match which makes sense. Some say it’s fine and will enhance the tube amp. Others say there might be an issue. I’m wondering until I can get the PAS3 from Kenny in the future, how will this combo affect the true tube sound. My vintage McIntosh is very warm. I hope it complements the ST-70. Tube power amp with a solid state preamp. Any thoughts on this topic?
Really glad to hear this. These are amazing amplifiers which I will keep indefinitely because I think I've listened long enough to realize that this is the sound signature I love. Kenny does truly amazing work, his soldering and wiring organization is absolutely impeccable. What speakers are you mating this with?
ua-cam.com/video/HY59KUjoxDI/v-deo.html
@@drde4010 I’m going to use my vintage JBL- L 100 centuries. I do have a set of Ohm Walsh 2’s that are 4 ohms. I also have a set of Canton Ergo 70’s @ 4 ohms to roll. However, I really want to use my 1972 Ohm F’s but they take a big amp to make them sing. Not sure if the Dynaco would power them. They would be the perfect speaker for a tube amp however they’re not very efficient. Rated 3/4 ohm. They’re my babies. My pioneer SX-1010 is the perfect match for them.
@@stinkenstine then Kenny’s ST70 will be a nice match for what you have to choose from in my opinion. I was going to suggest the Nobsound volume control for now until you get a preamp. You could do a solid state preamp. I think the PAS would eventually be the best match as it mates perfectly. The Nobsound will lose a few db in gain but it’s super clean sounding.
Here’s a link on the Nobsound and I’ve done videos on the other preamps too. ua-cam.com/video/pImUTtV_ilU/v-deo.htmlsi=1Ija7y670Z2s_rum
For the Heathkit AA-50 and AA-100 there is a gentlemen out there making new boards that include classic mods to make those units sound so much better.
My friend who is a pro vac valve amp builder has one of these. I really like it. Unfortunately so does he haha. I have a Leak stereo 20 (c 1958/59 myself it puts out enough volume with very sensitive full range 16ohm drivers. The sweet spot in my room is about 85 dbl though. Nice combo for me anyways. I had a really nice rebuilt Marantz 240 power amp for the heavy lifting but it got damaged in disaster level floods here and I couldn’t find a replacement transformer. Worms from the floods got in and ate the insulation! C’est la Vie.
I'm enjoying your videos. New in the exploration of my first tube system. Wondering what's your exprience in the SET realm? These Dynaco's are push pull. While I'm open to the possibility that there's no value in being a purist, but wondering about your take on the SE vs. PP and if you have a current SE amp you like?
It depends on what speakers you are running. I don't really have strong opinions on push pull vs single ended because honestly I've heard great examples of both. If you go through my history of videos, you'll see I'm now happily using ST35 and ST70 builds by Kenny as my primary amps. You can get away with set amps if you have reasonably efficient speakers but trying to find the holy grail is an endless endeavor.
I think these Dynakit's are simply amazing to say the least and they can be acquired in reasonable amounts of time. They are also priced extremely reasonable too. You'd be amazed how well they stack up to just about anything as long as you use compatable speakers. I've gotten to a point where I'm quite content with these Dynakit's.
A cheap speaker for set amps - the JBL Baby Butt will work with a 300b set amp
Hello drD! Your set up looks/sounds amazing! I’m half way through my ST-70 rebuild right now and got my PAS-3X working just yesterday. Put it on a scope and it all looked promising. To tell you the truth, I’m a little confused as to what RCA input to use as an “AUX” input. Is it “Special” or “Spare”?
You need to try a Russian Set Tube like 6c33c-b or GM70. There is just something about a big watt set amp. The Dynaco is very nice one of the best push pull of all time. I would not be surprised if Will Vincent and Bob Latino are using the same boards for their builds. Ever try the Heathkit AA-151 with Sam Kim mods?
where can I buy a Kenny Russell
Dynaco ST70
excellent review...thanks..just liked and subscribed...
now I will look to buy one of these amps...what nestone stock tubes are those and how do I set the bias...? i'm using a pair of Spendor S100 but getting a pair of Tannoy Berkeleys soon...one last question...is that a pre amp sitting on the speaker? what brand & model ?
@@briancampbell7712 The NessTone EL34 are provided by Kenny Russell. The provide a warmer tone in my opinion and I love them. The voltage is set to about 145. The process to bias takes about an hour worth of adjusting. Just go back every ten or 15 minutes or so and keep adjusting until it settles.
What makes you like this more than the Allen eaton monos
It has a thicker meatier sound.
Looks really neat.. What are the Red coupling caps on the board?
Those are New Old Stock TRW/Goodall .047uF caps, they test perfectly, better than most new caps do. I have a number of them on hand for future builds.
@@getdynacoThank you.. Your builds looks the business.👌🏼..
I think I may have asked this question on a different video but I can't find your reply. What are the legs on your Heresy speakers.
Just google mid century wood couch legs. Amazon
Interesting , what brand/ series are those 4 big black coupling caps?
Amtrans AMCY Series "Golden Black" - from Japan
Love your videos. Just wondering if you can still switch out the solid state rectifier with the original tube rectifier, if you wished to?
I'm of the belief that tube rectifiers add dimension to the sound while solid state rectifiers add tighter bass but more 2D solid state sound to the mix. If you feel like experimenting with that idea, would love to hear your findings.
The solid state rectifier has an octal base, just like the glass tube version. It can be removed and swapped at any time. The bias will need to be checked and adjusted accordingly, every time you swap rectifiers. The solid state is more efficient than a tube so if you simply swapped it for a glass tube, the bias would typically be too high.
@@getdynaco Yes I thought so. I suppose it's a little like comparing the tube rectified ST70 with the solid state rectified ST35 to see if the tube rectifier contributes any more dimension to the sound, or not. Thanks for your reply.
What upgrades did you make over stock?
I didn't make specific upgrades other than what Kenny suggested which I wouldn't know exactly, however, I did upgrade to a full set of genuine Baldwin tubes all the way around. After hearing the first ST35, I requested another one built identically the same.