On 12/14 I asked the question "Why Van Alstine mods" to a dynaco st-70 and got interesting and informative replies and suggestions here on this forum. I sent my dynaco to Frank and got it back yesterday and hooked it up today and it is playing now. I thought I would give a "listening impressions" review now and let forum members know how this project turned out.
I'm using the amp as returned to me with no rebiasing..just hooked it up to an AES tube pre, AE-3, a Pioneer Elite stable platter cd player pd-59, and Klipsch Fortes with updated Crites crossovers and tweeter....playing Miles Davis "The Best of Miles Davis- The Capitol/ Blue note years". This is a random choice and not a favorite..most cd trumpets sound glaring and bright to me..I play vinyl if I can and brass sounds almost unlistenable to me on cd's...I use different dacs, monarchy dip, and tube buffers to tame the cd harshness but just feel that digital is almost unlistenable in my systems. I have several other tube amps and have found that low-powered set amps are the best for my ears but need special speakers to work well.
I immediately found that this amp was smooth and buttery rendering this cd a pleasant listening experience...also instruments were well separated and the music was real and clear. Everything opened up and filled the room..I'm very pleased..This mod is worth every penny!! My audio experience is at a new level...thanks Frank for a superior product and thanks to members who advised me to use Van Alstine audio for Dynaco mods.
