PAS-3X - "The Last of the Dinosaurs!"

This contains pictures of one LAST PAS-3X preamplifier.
Thumbnail for Original Dynaco-manufactured PAS-3X Epoxy-Glass Circuit boards - Two VERY rare birds! - These are original Epoxy-Glass circuit boards produced by Dynaco toward the end of PAS preamplifier production. MOST PAS preamps had phenolic circuit boards. These are MUCH more durable - (and need I say, RARE!) It is not known if these were produced by the original Dynaco folks in Philadelphia, or if they were manufactured by Stereo Cost Cutters/Sound Valves/Sound Values in Columbus, Ohio. *Probably* the latter. (They owned the Dynaco brand name before Panor.)
Thumbnail for Original Dynaco PAS preamplifier chassis and bottom cover - replated. - This is original Dynaco metalwork for the PAS preamplifier series. It has been re-plated with a silver cadmium finish. Notice a *tiny* bit of "staining" on the surface of the chassis. (Now you see why this plating company didn't get to do more than this preamplifier and the metalwork for an FM-3 tuner.) It's a minor "cosmetic" blemish, but it indicated a "less than completely clean plating bath." Cadmium is hard to get "perfect" but this could have been a *little* bit better.
Thumbnail for Original Dynaco PAS preamplifier rear and front panels - replated. - These are the other two pieces of original Dynaco metalwork for the PAS preamplifier series. These have also been re-plated in a silver cadmium finish. Notice the *tiny* blemish in the middle of the cooling vents on the back panel. Again, it's a "cosmetic blemish", but it too, could have been just a *little* bit nicer. Still, this will make a VERY good foundation for one LAST PAS-3X preamplifier. I call it "The Last of the Dinosaurs!"
Thumbnail for PAS-3X - NOS "Special" Bass Potentiometers - These *can't* be the LAST NOS "Special" Bass Potentiometers for a PAS-3X Or ARE they?
Thumbnail for PAS-3X - NOS AC Receptacles - Yep! These are NOS AC Receptacles installed in the back panel of our PAS-3X build.
Thumbnail for PAS-3X - Initial Mechanical Assembly - Rear Panel Convenience Outlets - NOS - Mechanical Assembly of the back panel of a PAS-3X begins with the mounting of NOS AC convenience outlets.
Thumbnail for PAS-3X - Initial Mechanical Assembly - Back of Front Panel - Switches and Lamp Holder - The Initial Mechanical Assembly of the PAS-3X Front Panel begins with the mounting of the four Slide Switches and the Lamp Holder. These Switches are as good as the originals AND they're available at the nearest Radio Shack! Yes, the Lamp Holder came from Radio Shack as well, but it is no longer available. (Are we going to be looking for NOS Radio Shack parts next?)
Thumbnail for PAS-3X - Initial Mechanical Assembly - Front of Front Panel - Switches - Well, this is where our journey begins. First, mount the Slide Switches in the proper locations. Take care to center them in the rectangular cutouts before tightening the screws completely. (I'll straighten the Tape Monitor Switch before wiring the panel.)
Thumbnail for PAS-3X - Phono Input Jack - Ground Clearance - Notice that the RCA Jacks are NOT grounded to the chassis. This is CRITICAL to avoid hum. There's not much clearance between the "shell" connection lug and the chassis. The right jack is the "Phono Input" jack and it is even MORE important to avoid grounding it to the chassis! There's a little "wiggle room" when installing the jacks. Use it wisely.
Thumbnail for PAS-3X - Initial Mechanical Assembly - Rear Panel RCA Jacks - You can see where Dynaco saved a LOT of money! If they spent more than 75 cents for these jacks, they were ROBBED! But, this was pretty common stuff back in the 60's. (Take a look at a Vintage Fisher or H. H. Scott, or a Heathkit, or EICO, etc.) Actually, a little De-oxit once a year and they do pretty well.
Thumbnail for PAS-3X - Initial Mechanical Assembly - Rear Panel - Complete - This is the completed Initial Mechanical Assembly of the Rear Panel to the PAS-3X preamplifier. Not designed to be fancy, but to simply get the job DONE! Two of the AC Convenience Outlets are switched with the Power Switch. Two are "hot" all the time.
Thumbnail for "Reclaimed" Blend Switch - After initial cleaning of the Wiper contacts. - This shows what a little time and a little de-oxit can do. While there is a small amount of wear, the contact surfaces really look pretty good. When we're finished, the Front section will look just as nice.
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