Tubes Asylum: REVIEW: Dynaco PAS-2 Preamplifier (Tube) by carverjunkie

Model:	PAS-2
Category:	Preamplifier (Tube)
Suggested Retail Price:	$150
Description:	budget intro to tube sound
Manufacturer URL:	Dynaco
Manufacturer URL:	Dynaco

Review by carverjunkie ( A ) on May 03, 2005 at 21:48:44
IP Address: 172.129.82.184

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for the PAS-2

Not truly my 1st tube preamp; I owned a Conrad-Johnson PV5 that had that "tube" sound and (later) a VTL that was too clean for my taste. But I'm getting back into tubes, and heard good things about the old Dynaco's. Models such as the PAS series can be had on ebay in the $100's. Took a chance and got a unit in apparently good working condition, pretty good deal for something about my own age (43). Using the Dynaco forum here at the Asylum, I was able to tweak the amp, doing a few things on my own (bypassed the phono section, so now have 6 line ins); bypassed all controls but the volume (which needed to be replaced.) The unit sounds quite good; to me it is quite neutral, much like my old Carver C4000 transistor pre. Didn't like the appearance, so I spray painted everything black. Now should I hoard the old 12AX7's for a future pre???

Product Weakness: Cheap. No fuse. For me, too neutral, not "tubey" enough sound.
Product Strengths: Cheap, well-built, easy to work on, many upgrades possible. Excellent sound, low noise, comparable to modern solid state pre.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Carver M400t
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Carver c4000
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	brand x DVD, XM, FM tuner
Speakers:	Magnepan 1.6QR
Cables/Interconnects:	brand x
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	jazz, alternative, hard rock
Room Comments/Treatments:	tile and drywall
Time Period/Length of Audition:	2 weeks
Type of Audition/Review:	Dealer Demo

Product Weakness:	Cheap. No fuse. For me, too neutral, not "tubey" enough sound.
Product Strengths:	Cheap, well-built, easy to work on, many upgrades possible. Excellent sound, low noise, comparable to modern solid state pre.