[Bill Thomas]

     At long last, our "Last of the Dinosaurs" PAS-3X preamplifier is finished and is ready for sale.  This is probably as close to a new PAS-3X preamplifier as you are likely to get.  Here is a picture of the completed preamplifier:



     Here is a picture of the back of the preamplifier:



     In case you haven't followed our series of "Build Chronicles", you can see the entire process, from beginning to end, at: http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=58900.0.

     This preamplifier is equipped with four "lightly used" Telefunken 12AX7 tubes and a NOS RCA 12X4 rectifier.  Other features include a "beefed up" Power Supply, MUCH closer adherence to the RIAA equalization curve in the equalized Phono Preamp module, reconfiguration of the selector switch in order to provide a total of five Line-Level inputs in addition to the equalized Phono Input.  All resistors and capacitors are new.  The "Special" tone controls are NOS and have never been soldered into anything until now.  The Balance Control is also NOS.  The Selector Switch was completely dis-assembled and restored and the Blend Switch was also restored.  The chassis was re-plated with a silver cadmium finish prior to assembly of the unit.  In addition, all internal Input and Output wiring was made with shielded wiring to reduce crosstalk between different sources.

     I am going to handle the sale of this one-of-a-kind preamplifier a little differently.  I will be entertaining offers for the rest of this week.  The person who offers the highest amount (OVER a $500.00 minimum) by 12 Midnight Eastern Daylight Time on September 26, 2008, will become the new owner.  (Actual shipping costs to be paid by the person who submits the winning offer.  Shipping costs are in addition to the final purchase price.)  In case of identical offers, the earliest offer will be the winner.  I reserve the right to cancel this offer at any time prior to the deadline.  (This preamplifier will also be offered for sale through a local dealer under the same conditions.)  I will post the current offer amount at least once per day until the close of the offer. 

     The Telefunken tubes alone are worth the minimum price of this offer.  There MAY be other "refurbished" PAS-3X preamplifiers made available later, but this is the CLOSEST you will get to a brand new one.  EVER!  I STRONGLY suggest you review the "Construction Chronicles" so you know EXACTLY what is involved with the build of this preamplifier.  You can contact me at nostubesforyourdynaco@gmail.com

     This should be fun!  (If not a *bit* nerve-wracking!)

Sincerely,

Bill Thomas

[Bill Thomas]

     Just to update the current status, I have received no offers on the PAS-3X as of 11:53 PM on September 22, 2008.  If this changes, I will update the information as soon as possible.  Thanks!

Sincerely,

Bill Thomas

[Bill Thomas]

     Sorry for the delay in "updating" this offer.  My High-Speed Internet provider has been experiencing "difficulties" again.  Still no offers for our "Last of the PAS-3X Preamplifiers."

     To those who think the $500.00 minimum price is "out of line", visit Tom Halfhill's "Inflation Calculator" at http://www.halfhill.com/inflation.html and enter the numbers.  The PAS-3X was introduced in 1966 at a (wired) price of $109.95 (in 1966 Dollars).  Using the "Inflation Calculator", that works out $724.19 (in 2008 Dollars).  That means my "minimum price" of $500.00 (in 2008 Dollars) works out to $75.91 (in 1966 Dollars).  That's less than six Dollars above the "kit price" for a PAS-3X preamplifier in 1966.

     If you have followed our "Construction Chronicles" on this preamplifier at http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=58900.0, you know the amount of care that has gone into this build.  It truly is as close as you will get to a new PAS-3X preamplifier, with the added bonus of MUCH closer adherence to the RIAA equalization curve, shielded internal wiring, and a reconfigured Selector Switch to provide two more Line-Level Inputs, rather than the two (now) useless Low-Level inputs for a 7 1/2 ips. Tape Head Input and a "Special" Input that, for the most part, went unused "back in the day."  The NOS "special" Tone Controls are electrically out of the circuit when adjusted to the 12 o'clock position.

     Here is a review of the PAS-3X preamplifier that was tested by Hirsch-Houck Laboratories in 1966 for Stereo Review, back when they had REAL test reports.  (My, how the mighty have fallen!)



     These are impressive test results by TODAY'S standards.  Remember a "Professional" Ampex 354 Stereo Tape Recorder (VERY common in 1966!) had published specifications of:

          "30 cycles to 15 kilocycles, +/- 3 dB at 15 i.p.s."

     This is a chance to own an outstanding-sounding, truly beautiful piece of audio history (with four Telefunken 12AX7's, no less) at a bargain price.  Sure, you can find USED PAS preamps for less.  (If you just want to "play with one" for fun, I STRONGLY suggest you do so!)  But, if you're looking for a unit that will provide years of trouble-free service and truly outstanding sound quality, this is the one to get.

     This offer ends at 11:59:59 PM Eastern Daylight Time on Friday, September 26, 2008.  After that time, the price will go up to the inflation adjusted original price for an assembled PAS-3X.  Remember, that's $724.19!  In case there is more than one "best offer over $500.00, the earliest offer wins!  So don't wait until the last minute.  All offers are confidential.  I WILL update the price offered so everyone will know what the current amount is.

      Thanks for viewing this listing.  Thanks for all the WONDERFUL comments.  And THANKS for keeping the Dynaco "flame" alive for another generation to enjoy.

Sincerely,

Bill Thomas

[Bill Thomas]

     Well, with less than two days to go, we're still waiting for the first offer.  I'll post another update within the next 24 hours.

Sincerely,

Bill Thomas

[Bill Thomas]

     Well, with less than 24 hours to go, I'm still waiting for an offer for our "Last of the Dinosaurs" - One LAST (mostly) new Dynaco PAS-3X preamplifier.  In less than 22 hours, the price will increase, or the unit will be withdrawn from sale.  Either way, your chance to own a piece of classic audio "history" will either get more expensive, or disappear completely, and THAT would be a shame.  A tube preamplifier of this quality deserves a new home with a new loving owner.  And you WILL absolutely LOVE this preamplifier!  But, let's see how this turns out.  Again, the best offer over $500.00 will take this beauty home.  The cutoff time is Friday, September 26th at 11:59:59 PM EDT.  In case of a tie, the earliest offer wins.

     Somehow, I kinda *knew* this would be a "nail-biter." (lol)  That's OK.  I *still* think this was a "fun" idea.  Let me know if you're interested at: nostubesforyourdynaco@gmail.com.  Thanks for looking!

Sincerely,

Bill Thomas

[Bill Thomas]

     Our 11:59:59 PM cutoff time is less than 8 hours away.  Your opportunity to own "The LAST of the Dinosaurs" - One LAST (mostly) New PAS-3X Preamplifier, for a truly BARGAIN price, is drawing to a close.  Best offer over $500.00 will make this beauty YOURS.  But, if you delay TOO long, you *might* not have this opportunity again.

     I am debating whether to simply withdraw this offer at midnight and keep this one for myself.  If not, I WILL make it available, but the price will go up to the "inflation-adjusted" original price for an assembled PAS-3X preamplifier.  In 1966, that would have cost you $109.95.  But in TODAY'S Dollars, that works out to $724.19.  Act before midnight tonight, OR, you *might* not have an opportunity like this again.

     If you're thinking of "sniping" at the last second, fine.  But what if your offer arrives at 12:00:01?  THAT would be too late!  I will NOT make exceptions.  If your offer comes in past the deadline, I will NOT honor it.

     Just a few things to think about.  Contact me at nostubesforyourdynaco@gmail.com BEFORE the deadline to make an offer.  Or, this opportunity will pass you by.

Sincerely,

Bill Thomas

     

[Bill Thomas]

So much for having fun!

     Our midnight deadline has come and gone with no offers.  You *could* have purchased an OUTSTANDING preamplifier at a truly bargain price.  I have decided to continue listing this item for sale, but the price has now increased to the original selling price for an assembled PAS-3X - adjusted for inflation.

     In 1966 (when the PAS-3X was introduced), you could purchase an assembled unit for $109.95 (in 1966 Dollars).  Using Tom Halfhill's "Inflation Calculator", $109.95 in 1966 Dollars is now worth $724.19 in 2008 Dollars.  If you are interested, e-mail me at nostubesforyourdynaco@gmail.com.

     This price is FIRM and will NOT be reduced later.  Over 80 hours went into the construction and restoration of this unit.  While I would LOVE for someone to enjoy this preamplifier, I have NO desire nor incentive to discount this preamplifier in the future.  It turned out to be a truly BEAUTIFUL preamplifier that sounds as good as it looks.  If no one else wants it, I will be quite content to keep it for myself.  I was a poor High School student in 1966 and couldn't afford one then.  I had to "settle" for Dynaco's SCA-35 integrated amp.  So, if no one wants to enjoy this preamplifier, I *certainly* will!

     Thanks for viewing this ad.

Sincerely,

Bill Thomas

[pardales]

You might do better with an Audiogon auction. Good luck,

[macrojack]

Most people are more interested in remote control than history since most of us are pretty historic ourselves.

[Bill Thomas]

Hi, pardales,

     That is possibly true, but I have a first allegiance to the people of Audiocircle who have been simply OUTSTANDING.  I consider myself EXTREMELY fortunate to have met some of the FINEST people on earth through this forum.  I really wanted to give someone here a chance to experience this beautiful preamplifier.  It's the ONLY reason I am continuing this listing.

     I'm not in this for the money (or I would never have begun this project in the first place).  As many have noted, this truly IS a "labor of love", and the equipment I am restoring is simply my attempt to "spread the love" to as many folks as possible.  But, you can only LEAD a horse to water...

Howdy, macrojack!

     I'm sure that "convenience" *does* enter into it, but I thought (perhaps wrongly so), that our general goal was "sound quality."  I was among the FIRST to transfer my entire CD collection to Hard Drives MANY years ago.  When I began the project, the largest Hard Drive was around 5 GB.  This entailed MANY Hard Drives (of increasingly larger capacity) in order to store many THOUSANDS of CDs UNCOMPRESSED.  It took quite a while to even decide how to *organize* the results.  I was among the first to actually BURN CDR's.  (Somewhere in my storage warehouses, I SILL have my first H-P 1X CD burner.  As I recall, it was the H-P 101, or something like that.)  I currently have around 15 Terabytes of UNCOMPRESSED digital audio that is INSTANTLY accessible.  (Along with another 15 Terabytes of backup drives).  Still, when it came to transferring vinyl to digital, I built a state-of-the-art tube-type Phono preamp and line stage, using a PAS-3 preamp as the chassis.  (None of the original circuit boards or passive parts were re-used in that particular project.)  I never even CONSIDERED the idea of a "remote control" for that project.  Actually, I use the Volume Control as a "trim pot" since I calibrated the standard playback level using a "custom-cut" Apollo lacquer that was cut on a Neumann VMS 70 lathe back in 1983.

     But, if we have come to the point that "convenience" outweighs "sound quality", even for us GEEZERS (who KNOW better), then why bother with high-quality audio in the first place.  Just download those tiny little MP3 files to your Ipod or Zune and be DONE with it.  Most of the youth of the world seem quite content with that idea.

     In the immortal words of Herbert Morrison of WLS Radio on May 6th, 1937: "Oh, the HUMANITY!"  (Or was that Les Nessman of WKRP in Cincinnati's "Turkeys Away" Episode?)

     Well, "As God is my witness, I thought audiophiles could use a Volume Control!"  Seriously though, I KNOW a preamplifier like this is NOT for everyone.  But I DID think there might be SOMEONE who would enjoy and appreciate it.  This certainly WILL change my plans for the other PAS preamps I could make available.  They wouldn't be as nice as this one because more of the original parts would have to be reused, but they WOULD be similar from a standpoint of overall "Sound Quality."  Perhaps we'll never know.  But, I keep an open mind about such things.  I may be a bit disappointed, but I'm not really "crying the blues" over the failure of this one to sell quickly at a bargain price.  If it doesn't sell at all, then *I* get to enjoy it myself, and what could be better than that?

     Additional comments, pro and con, are ALWAYS welcome to ANY of my posts.  My goal is not to "insult or tear-down" people, but simply to offer help and support to those who, like me, appreciate the Dynaco legacy David Hafler left us.  There are few manufacturers today who try to make such high-quality sound available at a bargain price like this.  In the Pro Audio world, Mackie comes to mind, but that's about it.

     In the Audiophile world, most manufacturers seem to be "going for BIG bucks", and pricing themselves out of the reach of most of us.  It's that old "MY equipment is great, YOURS is garbage" mentality that is slowly, but surely causing the eradication of the "Hi-Fi Hobbyist."  Yes, I read Stereophile.  I *sometimes* even ENJOY reading Stereophile (at least John Atkinson's test reports provide fairly useful information).  But the level of "audio snobbery" is simply beyond belief!  And the "pseudo-science" and "voodoo audio" they promulgate is simply endless and mindless!  Still, when someone pays $100,000.00 for a turntable, I suppose it's nice to have ONE publication that tells you you're not nuts!

     Don't interpret this as a "slam" against anyone who WANTS to pay these prices and buy this stuff.  If you've got the bucks, GO for it!  In most cases, this kind of gear WILL sound FINE!  But it comes with dangerous consequences attached.  If the "unwashed masses" (As Stereophile tends to treat "the public at large") really begin to believe that they can't achieve acceptable audio quality for less than 20 year's salary, once the current generation (we geezers again) dies out, it'll be OVER for the real Hi-Fi industry as well.  We've already seen the demise of MANY truly wonderful audio companies, and more are "keeling over and coughing up blood" every day.

     There's a REASON why Dynaco produced the biggest selling amplifier of all time; selling somewhere near 500,000 Stereo 70's.  They made good sound affordable.  Is it the BEST sound on earth?  Of COURSE not.  But for MOST of us "unwashed masses" (of whom I am a PROUD member), it sure was "good enough!"

     Just MY nickel's worth.

Sincerely,

Bill Thomas

[Bill Thomas]

     OK folks, I'm going to give this one last try.  I *really* want someone to get a chance to enjoy this beautiful preamplifier.  The current price is the inflation adjusted price for a WIRED PAS-3X.  For the next TWO DAYS ONLY, (until 11:59:59 PM EDT Saturday night) I'm reducing the price for the LAST (mostly) NEW PAS-3X preamplifier to the inflation adjusted price for a KIT PAS-3X!

     In 1966, a PAS-3X kit would cost you $89.95 (in 1966 Dollars).  Using Tom Halfhill's "Inflation Calculator" (http://www.halfhill.com/inflation.html), that works out to $592.45 (in 2008 Dollars).  Remember, this includes four "lightly used" Telefunken 12AX7's!  New components throughout!  Shielded wiring and MUCH more.  I built this preamplifier as though I were building it for myself.  It is truly worth a GREAT deal more than this, but I need to make room for the next projects.  There are some truly interesting projects coming up, but this preamplifier needs a new home first.

     Just e-mail me at nostubesforyourdynaco@gmail.com if you would like to own a BEAUTIFUL piece of Vintage High Fidelity history.

     Thanks for all the kind and useful comments.  Feel free to reply to any of my ads, or any of the "construction chronicles."  I look forward to talking with you.

Sincerely,

Bill Thomas

[Bill Thomas]

     "The LAST of the Dinosaurs" - our one last (mostly) new PAS-3X preamplifier has now been sold.  I would personally like to thank EVERYONE for their interest in this project.  There WILL be other rebuilt preamps coming, but *this* one was truly the "Best of the BEST" that could be built.  It was a labor of love and I am truly happy to hear it will be "adopted" by a true caretaker!

     Thanks again for all your comments, suggestions, brickbats and everything else.  All comments are ALWAYS welcome, whether pro, or con.  The GOAL is to further the collective knowledge and wisdom for the benefit of ALL of us.  I hope my posts are useful in achieving the goal.

MOST Sincerely,

Bill Thomas