Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: Dynaco ST-120 Kit: Wired & Tested Amplifier (Tube) by jimmytamp@yahoo.com

Model:	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 jimmytamp@yahoo.com on July 22, 2013 at 13:26:06
IP Address: 94.59.25.13 Add Your Review
for the ST-120 Kit: Wired & Tested

I just got my ST-120 few days ago.

When I opened the box, Bob did a good job on packaging, no damaged & everything were secured inside the box after it travelled half the globe.

There was a bundle of instruction sheet as well so it was easy for me to put all the tubes.

After I switched it on & get it warm, I started to play some music of mine.
This amp is really bring up more details without I have to crank up the volume and of course less fatigue to my ears after more than 3 hours sitting in front of my speakers (it was in Pentode mode).

When I switch to Triode mode, I play some Sinatra's & Jenna Mammina, and I could hear the vocal was sound bigger & up front ( I played about an hour in this mode). It's well suited if you like Vocal music, but I prefer to have Pentode mode.

Overall, I'm satisfied with my purchase especially I would like to thanks to Bob whom did all upgrade & modification that I asked for (including 230V with UK plugs, etc).

Maybe in future I will try to put some TungSol-120, but at the moment I will enjoy this first.

Cheers all...

Product Weakness:	It's quiet hot that I have to keep the AC on around 20 degrees Celsius.
Product Strengths:	More details on high frequencies & the bass is very clear & not boomy.

Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: Denon 2809
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): None
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Marantz CDP & Apple TV
Speakers: Klipsch RF-62.
Cables/Interconnects: Kimbre Kable 12TC / Audioquest Columbia 72V DBS
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Jazz/Vocal, Smooth Jazz, Classical
Room Size (LxWxH): 4m x 3m x 3.5m
Room Comments/Treatments: Have some Auralex installed on the wall
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner

Amplifier:	Denon 2809
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	None
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Marantz CDP & Apple TV
Speakers:	Klipsch RF-62.
Cables/Interconnects:	Kimbre Kable 12TC / Audioquest Columbia 72V DBS
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Jazz/Vocal, Smooth Jazz, Classical
Room Size (LxWxH):	4m x 3m x 3.5m
Room Comments/Treatments:	Have some Auralex installed on the wall
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner