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REVIEW: Dynaco ST 70 Amplifier (Tube) Review by roberts@bandstand productions at Audio Asylum

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Since it's introduction in 1959 , about 300,000 of these were avalible in Kit or assembled form.

The main Purpose of this review is to offer insight on vaccum tube electronics, and how to start in vaccum tubes , at an affordable level.

The ownership of an ST70 is sure to lead to more purchases along the signal chain , as this amplifier will expose weakness in other components.

In the beginning, The ST70 needs to be on and ideling at least 2 hours, prior to listening. After a good warmup, I checked the bias (removal of cage for adjustment) and calibrate to 1.56volts via front panel sockets and digital volt / ohm meter.

As far as comparisons go, any of the newbee's that are wondering what all this "tube hype" is all about, it is immediatly apparent in this amplifier.

The first thing you notice is the ability to hear all the sounds, all the time. no more high-hats getting lost in the vocals. Secondly, the dynamics are reproduced authentically. No shrill shounds. My wife amazed me by saying, turn it up. Usually, she has me riding the gain on dynamics because it is too loud on solid state receivers.
Next is the bass extention. The bass notes have very close to the same output, unless the musicians change their dynamics. No more boomyness or
resonant bass. Just fat clean clear bass.
Last of all ,no noise.

I hope anyone who has solid state (transistorized) components, esp. recievers in the 200 to 350 range, that loves music, will consider the leap foward to separates. Their are still many fine examples of this quality amplifier for under 500 dollars avalible in the used market.
Mated up with a good tube preamp, your system will start making you grin again. Given the popularity of tube electronics, a complete retube should not cost above 150 dollars and should last at least 2 years.

The example under review was completely stock, with general electric 7199's and amperex EL 34's (called 6CA7)


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Topic - REVIEW: Dynaco ST 70 Amplifier (Tube) Review by roberts@bandstand productions at Audio Asylum - roberts@bandstand productions 09:48:51 01/6/00 ( 4)