@jjss49 My Dynaco ST70 has been redesigned with an SS rectifier stage, huge storage cap located in the bottom of the case and voltage regulated operation, using the center taps on the transformer so that it is no longer an ultralinear design. The bass is phenomenal compared to the stock unit which had flabby bass. Used with Legacy Signature III speakers.
Desire to try tubes
So I am new to this have no audio contacts, and low budget it seems based on reading forum. I inherited my brothers Heresy I’s (and LP /CD collection) two years ago and started my journey. First bought a Rega P3 and Rega Fono stage running with existing 20 yo Denon 5.1. Then upgraded the Hereseys from Crites with crossovers and new tweeters (46 yo units). Months later after research and savings bought Stellar GCD and Stellar S 300 amp along with Syzygy SLF 870 sub from Underwoodwally. Nice! Next Marantz 6006 CD as transport and Underwood Emerald Physics and Core Power gold power cords and speaker cables. As able Audio Quest entry connects for all. Each move improved sound. Added a Bluesound node 2i as well only listening to Pandora though. I have no reference to options as I’ve only owned Hereseys and never heard a tube amp in a home and am very curious if a tube pre-amp would be a big plus? If I tried one could muster up to 5k. Just looking for the best sound quality I can afford.
Room is 14.6 x 14.10 x sloped ceiling 8-13’ with 5’ flat section at 13.
Room is 14.6 x 14.10 x sloped ceiling 8-13’ with 5’ flat section at 13.
Showing 3 responses by fleschler
I suggest used VAC amps, either old triode or recently deleted 200 phi. The latter was replaced at $14k with auto biasing circuitry, like Prima Luna uses but the used unit I've seen in the $4k range for similar sound and uses fewer, easy to replace tubes for 100 w./side https://www.hifishark.com/search?q=vac+phi+200 . Favorites of mine for older tube amps include McIntosh MC 225 and 240 but they keep rising in price. I haven't heard a 275 (all six versions of them) that I've liked. The modded MC30 monos have superb mids and can work well with your speakers (they put out 60 watts at 1% distortion, drove Martin Logan Monolith IIIs even). They use more tubes though. |
Grover Huffman of GroverHuffman.com He is a cable manufacturer. I also have another Dynaco waiting for him to remodel. His Pharoah cables are SOTA quality at hugely lower prices. I also changed the RCAs and speaker terminals which were inexpensive from Bob's Audio http://www.tubes4hifi.com/ST70.htm The ST70 modified has punchy, deep bass driving 6-10" woofers. It can also drive my Focuses which have 6-12" woofers with a lower impedance of 2.8 ohms in the bass. For my main system, Grover took a chassis and transformers from an Altec 1569A and built 125w. monoblock, voltage regulated amps. After hours of use, you can put your hand around the transformers they run so cool. Unlike the EAR 890 I previously used which is Class A 70 watts and you could cook eggs on after 20 minutes. |