Dynaco ST70

[bonsai]

I would back 100% getting a Bob Latino ST120 amp. I have one and love it. Google "Bob Latino ST120" and check it out. Get the kit and get the capacitor upgrades and the attenuator option and you will be all set and your Klipsch speakers will never sound better.

 

[Khodabear]

Hmmm - why would you suggest the 120 over the 70?
I have Cornwalls and find they need very little power to perform quite well. In fact I barely get my MAC 1900 much above 10:00 before they're too loud.

 

[rockinrob86]

tube guitar amps and tube stereos have basically opposing goals, and because of that are very different beasts.

SS stereo equipment is 1000000000000% better than SS guitar amps.


With that said, the tube stuff adds *a little* bigger sense of space, and "3dness" to the music. It sounds more alive with my st70.

I am currently running mine from the headphone out of my marantz(!) and it sounds really good. I think it will sound even better when I am running it with the right load from an actual preamp.

What kind of sources are you running?

I say this because I think you need to have good sources (either vintage or new) and speakers to be able to really appreciate the finer sound that tubes produce.

I am running a well maintained Thorens TD145, and using klipsch chorus II speakers.

 

[guitarman50]

tube guitar amps and tube stereos have basically opposing goals, and because of that are very different beasts.

SS stereo equipment is 1000000000000% better than SS guitar amps.


With that said, the tube stuff adds *a little* bigger sense of space, and "3dness" to the music. It sounds more alive with my st70.

I am currently running mine from the headphone out of my marantz(!) and it sounds really good. I think it will sound even better when I am running it with the right load from an actual preamp.

What kind of sources are you running?

I say this because I think you need to have good sources (either vintage or new) and speakers to be able to really appreciate the finer sound that tubes produce.

I am running a well maintained Thorens TD145, and using klipsch chorus II speakers.

My sources are a P3-24 with some substantial upgrades and an Apollo. I'm thinking these are pretty good sources for tube. Am I wrong?

 

[Blitzen]

+1 for ST-70 and Klipsch. I'm using a VTA-board (low gain) modified ST-70 and Klipsch KLF-30's. Sounds great with everything! I put an attenuator on the amp and run a CD player straight into it; you DON'T need a preamp unless you're spinning vinyl. If you've got multiple sources, you might consider a "passive" preamp; just something to switch between your sources with an attenuator.
ST-70's really are a great way into tubes; they don't need a lot to make them into something special. I think they're a super match for efficient speakers; even if you like to rock loud you'll be pleased.

 

[rockinrob86]

My sources are a P3-24 with some substantial upgrades and an Apollo. I'm thinking these are pretty good sources for tube. Am I wrong?

Im not in a position to judge at all, and I am not even familiar with what gear you are talking about anyway

I was mostly trying to get across that if you are using a 1990 consumer level sony CD player and an ipod with a 1/8 inch to rca adapter cable, you probably should worry more about improving those sources before you spend the money on tubes.


I find it is best to keep stuff in a similar league. At a certain quality level, system synergy makes you forget about the gear and just listen

 

[Southern]

So can anyone tell me more about the ST70? Do I still need a preamp with this amp? If so, what are the recomendations for a preamp with this amp?

I run my ST70 to the mids & highs on my Forte's and my Pioneer receiver to the woofers. I use a PAS2 pre-amp for the Dynaco and Pioneer. The tube pre-amp gives my Pioneer a "tube like" sound.