Dynaco ST 70

[teisco]

Restored Dynaco ST 70 thinking of buying and wondered how it sounds compared some other popular tube amps.

 

[vinylkid58]

Really depends on what speakers you have, how loud you listen, what room size etc.

jeff

 

[teisco]

Really depends on what speakers you have, how loud you listen, what room size etc.

jeff

Small room,,small bookshelf speakers,,,not too loud, mostly soft music,,no acid rock,,lol

 

[vinylkid58]

Give it a try. Even if you don't like it, you won't have any trouble unloading it.

jeff

 

[heyraz]

Small room,,small bookshelf speakers,,,not too loud, mostly soft music,,no acid rock,,lol

Should sound wonderful.

 

[heyraz]

How good it will sound also depends on what "restored" means in this case. Restoration can mean anything from 1:1 refreshing of a few key parts, to gutting the amp and installing a different circuit in which case it would no longer be a Dynaco. Someone's idea of restoration could also mean it has been hacked up pretty badly. Photos?

That's very true...
The ST70 was offered as a kit...meaning quality and success depended on the assembler's skills. The wiring job in my ST70 looked like a rat's nest when I got it.

It's a great amp...an American Classic but cost has to be factored into your decision. So many other classic and arguably better amp's are out there for what you might pay for an ST70. My Fisher SA100 is much more detailed sounding than my ST70.
My ST70 is "fuzzy cozy" compared to my SA100. I've never personally heard a Fisher SA16 but it looks like a nice amp and can be had for under $400.
The ST70 has it's strong points...documentation and replacement parts are always available. It's an amp that can be repaired forever.

 

[PastorTube]

Still kicking myself for selling my st70. It’s a great amp in my opinion. As a caution if it still uses the 7199 input tubes On the driver stage you will have a hard time finding replacements if /when needed. does your modified amp have a Modified driver stage? tube or solid state.
Trying different tubes (el34) can also change the sound.

 

[8xlaxx]

Purchase the ST-70. You won't regret it.

Easy to modify back to stock and decent sonics.

Plenty of members here on AK to assist you too.

 

[A23gt]

Be careful with buying an St-70. It's a gateway drug into deeper and deeper tube neurosis. (Some might call it nirvana, but that's the drug talking). Before you know it you will have 11 new, and vintage tube amps, plus a family room shelf full of nos tubes.

I say go ahead and buy it. What could a little taste of tube goodness cost you? If you don't like it someone is always in the market for one. They are just such a simple, clean design.

 

[8xlaxx]

Just decent? Do we need to address anything with yours?

...I love 'em! Just didn't want to be too biased.

Be careful with buying an St-70. It's a gateway drug into deeper and deeper tube neurosis. (Some might call it nirvana, but that's the drug talking). Before you know it you will have 11 new, and vintage tube amps, plus a family room shelf full of nos tubes. .

@A23gt Don't be an enabler,...LOL

I'm drinking the Kool--Aid.

 

[Blackdog61]

I’m enjoying listening to my restored ST-70 driving restored AR 4X speakers. Is The amp the best tube amp available? Don’t know and don’t care. The music is good!

 

[A23gt]

...I love 'em! Just didn't want to be too biased.



@A23gt Don't be an enabler,...LOL

I'm drinking the Kool--Aid.

I'm always happy to help spend other people's money. Still, start climbing in price pretty steeply to beat the ST-70 Price vs sound quality, so I think it's a great buy for a first tube component.
The only thing that comes close on bang for buck is Sherwood tube stuff, and it's a little harder to work on. (Or maybe some of the set console pulls from the big consumer names of the day)

 

[adnick]

Best selling amp in history, which includes tube & SS.....


Don’t think mine will get sold during my lifetime (-;


Andy

 

[teisco]

@teisco what are you thinking at this point? Your questions answered?

Yes, thanks for the replies,,completed