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Nicely Updated Dynaco ST-35 or Stock Fisher SA-100?

Dynaco ST-35 or Fisher SA-100?

  • Dynaco ST-35

  • Fisher SA-100

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Benjib

Benjib

Member
I need help.

I am finally putting together my first tube-based system. I have initial budget of approximately $1000 CAD for an amp. In my area there are two amps that I like (but haven't heard). One is a nicely updated but mostly stock Dynaco ST-35 with new boards/components, new tubes, new power cord with an on/off switch - original transformers. I would likely do the EFB upgrade at some point. The alternative is a Fisher SA-100 that is said to be stock but sweet sounding. From photos, it looks perfect (and beastly!). I suspect it would need to be serviced to be brought back to original spec. The Fisher is a few hundred bucks more than the ST-35 but I'm ok with that as I believe to be a sound investment - and I don't even mind having to spend an additional chunk of money on the Fisher updates to end up with a stunning amp. I could even do the EFB mod on it too down the road. So a Fisher SA-100 for $1300 that likely needs updates or a completely updated (to original spec) Dynaco ST-35 for $1000?

My current system is a Pioneer SA-8800 which is paired with KEF 104aB speakers (with fresh caps in the crossovers). I have an modded LAB 400 TT and a Topping D30 DAC that is use for streaming Tidal. 90% of my listening is digital. I am planning to add a set of more sensitive speakers to pair with the tube amp if need be, or maybe dig out my KLH 32s that I keep forgetting I have in storage. I am an apartment dweller so I don't have a huge space. I will be using the Pioneer as a pre to whichever tube amp I end up with, at least for now. Which tube amp would you choose and why?
 

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Hi there, I have a ST-35 which was built by a respected member here on AK. It was my first push-pull amp I got and I have to say it sounds stunning with my K-horns. Haven’t heard a Fisher amp, but they get a lot of respect. With efficient speakers I’m thinking either one will sound great.

Good luck.
 
I have a new from the ground up ST-35 with EFB mods, as well as 5 other tube amps.

My opinion is you would be be better off than spending the money on a tube preamp, as the preamp will affect the sound more than the amp. Also the KEFs could use a little extra power that the Pioneer provides, even though you won’t be listening at high volume in your smaller space.
 
Both have good designs and beefy trannies. I can't imagine the sound to be significantly different between these two amps. Both use 7247 drivers, but the ST35 doesn't use a rectifier - hmm- nice!

I'm an old Dynaco fan and always liked the humble ST-35. Wish I didn't sell mine years ago! Maybe I'll get the Dynaparts kit for Christmas.

The heart of the Stereo 35 is the special Dynaco Z-565 output transformer, a patented design tailored specifically to this circuit. The transformer is free of resonances, has extended frequency response (from 6 to over 60,000 cycles), and is wound by special techniques on a carefully designed core to insure low distortion over a wide frequency spectrum.
 
I’m a Dynaco fan, but have to say the SA 100, it doesn’t take much to put it to work....Dave G. has a thread dedicated to the SA 100, and Hayraz also has an excellent thread on his SA 100. Worth reading.

Updated my SA 100 based mostly on the Thread by Hayraz...



Regards,
Andy
 
Benjib said:
I am finally putting together my first tube-based system. I have initial budget of approximately $1000 CAD for an amp. In my area there are two amps that I like (but haven't heard)..... Which tube amp would you choose and why?
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If you're budgeting that amount of money and they're in your area I would ask if you could demo them so that way your purchasing based on which one sounds good to your ears as opposed to purchasing based on price and anonymous and in some cases biased opinions from folks whose hearing could be completely different from yours.
 
I have a Dynaco SCA 35 and a Fisher 100. I would take the Fisher 100 over the Dynaco without hesitation.

Both are fine amps, but I give the nod to the Fisher.
 
arts said:
I have a Dynaco SCA 35 and a Fisher 100. I would take the Fisher 100 over the Dynaco without hesitation.

Both are fine amps, but I give the nod to the Fisher.
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Avery Fisher will have a present for you when you arrive in heaven for that comment.

Good to hear from people who own both thou!
 
adnick said:
I’m a Dynaco fan, but have to say the SA 100, it doesn’t take much to put it to work....Dave G. has a thread dedicated to the SA 100, and Hayraz also has an excellent thread on his SA 100. Worth reading.

Updated my SA 100 based mostly on the Thread by Hayraz...



Regards,
Andy
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Thank you for your thoughts. I have been ferociously reading about both amps including the threads you reference. It is a particular pleasure reading anything by Dave G; A true scholar and gentleman! It would indeed seem the Fisher is the (slightly) better hardware but I am no tech and I would have to hire out any work it might need, now or later. So part of the questions is, at $1300 CAD, is the stock Fisher a good value? What does a 'tune up' go for on an amp like this?
 
Dswankey said:
If you're budgeting that amount of money and they're in your area I would ask if you could demo them so that way your purchasing based on which one sounds good to your ears as opposed to purchasing based on price and anonymous and in some cases biased opinions from folks whose hearing could be completely different from yours.
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Thanks, yes, absolutely trying to arrange hearing them.
 
Believe I know of the SA 100 your talking about, if it’s the same on on the big auction site, it’s immaculate! You’d be paying a slight premium for that....I even thought about buying it (-;

One only has to replace about 8 capacitors, excluding the can, Of those 3 are highly weighted with the power supply cap being critical...

One of the easiest amps to update I’ve done, if you were close I’d help you out. Less than $100 for all parts including a custom can capacitor from Hayseed....


Any Techs around your area?

Regards,
Andy
 
I am a great Dynaco fan, and recently built a ST35 using original output transformers, but I must admit that Fisher looks to be very nice indeed. I suspect its rarer than the ST35, and so would have a higher collectors' value.

One difference is that the Dynaco outputs are ultralinear (separate taps for the screen grids) while the Fisher outputs are not. On the other hand, the Fisher uses 7189 tubes rather than 6BQ5s. I agree with the suggestion that you do your best to demo them both if you can.
 
My humble opinion. Buy the Fisher and do the recommended re-cap. You can always buy a brand new St-35 from Dynakitparts.com but you can’t buy a new Fisher.

Edit - In addition the ST-35 is on my "one day I have to have this" list.
 
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Gotta add:
I think both amps are grossly overpriced. For $1300, I would expect the Fisher to have a cage with badge.
 
heyraz said:
Gotta add:
I think both amps are grossly overpriced. For $1300, I would expect the Fisher to have a cage with badge.
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Thanks for your thoughts. To be clear, I’m in Canada so those are Canuck bucks. But I still agree they aren’t deals at all
 
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