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Model: | Dynaco ST-120 Kit: Wired & Tested |
Category: | Amplifier (Tube) |
Suggested Retail Price: | $995.00 |
Description: | Bob Latino built 60 wpc kit: wired and tested |
Manufacturer URL: | Dynaco |
Review by whiskey777 on January 27, 2009 at 22:06:52 IP Address: 64.252.77.36 | Add Your Review for the Dynaco ST-120 Kit: Wired & Tested |
This review is for the Dynaco ST-120 hand built by Bob Lantino, with the PIO cap upgrade.
I can only say the best things about Bob and the product that he produces. It is obvious the time and care that he has put into the design upgrades that this amp possesses. It is as far from the "budget" Dynaco amps of yesteryear as it can possibly be. The build is spotless and made to last. The sound is REAL, and warm. It has great separation and clarity and runs dead quiet. I am using all JJ Tesla tubes, blue glass KT88's for output. Speakers are Magepan MG-Ic's(86db sens. I believe). They sound better than ever with the ST-120, and have much more tight and focused bass than they ever had with my solid state rig. I am spinning mostly vinyl, but have played a fair share of cd's through the new amp and couldn't be more pleased.
My musical selections have run the full spectrum of styles from jazz of Coleman Hawkins and Miles Davis to Humble Pie, Van Halen, the Eagles, Pink Floyd, The Cars and some CSNY all with results that make it hard to wipe the silly grin off my face. The triode/pentode switch is a nice addition. The amp runs in pentode at 60 wpc and at about 32 in triode. The triode mode really sings sweetly with the Jazz and acapella vocals very warm and rich.
It is my true opinion that you will not, you cannot, find an amp with these features, of this quality, at this wattage, at anything remotely close to the price. If you do any research at all this will become quite apparent. Never mind the fact that you get to deal one on one with a maker who takes pride in his product and will stand behind it. A far cry from dealing with a corporation, or, God forbid, taking your chances on an Ebay special somewhere out of China.
Product Weakness: | None that I can discern. After a month or so of constant daily use sounds better and better to me. |
Product Strengths: | Quality of components and build. The warm analog sound that we all deserve! |
Amplifier: | Dynaco ST-120 Bob Lantino build |
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): | NAD 7100 reciever pre out |
Sources (CDP/Turntable): | Esoteric Sound ATEN table, Grado Cartridge |
Speakers: | Magnepan MG-1c |
Cables/Interconnects: | Monster Cable 16 guage cables |
Music Used (Genre/Selections): | jazz, blues, acoustic, rock, metal, you name it! |
Room Size (LxWxH): | 22ft x 14ft x 8ft |
Room Comments/Treatments: | carpet on floor, no wall or ceiling treatment |
Time Period/Length of Audition: | 1 1/2 months |
Type of Audition/Review: | Product Owner |
I have had one of Bob's "ST-70's" for almost two years now and have used it every day. I think I must have been one of the first ones to get one. I put ST-70 in quotes cause it doesn't have a lot in common with the old ST-70 other than the chassis and opts. It is a really fantastic sounding amp. A lot of people say things like "a fantastic sounding amp for the money" but I personally feel it is a fantastic sounding amp period at any price.
Edits: 01/28/09
The same can be said for his wired ST 70. If you can get by with 40 watts vs. 60., it has the advantage of being able to use a wider variety of output tubes. An amazing little amp for the price.
I highly agree with your review. I built one of Bob's ST-120 amps from a kit. It was the most fun I've ever had building an electronic kit. The instructions are superb, well written, with great photos to help.
I highly recommend this amp in kit form, even if you already have a great amp. This one sounds great too. If you have reasonable soldering skills, it is basically foolproof.
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