Super PAS 3 or T8

iclark · « **on:** 25 Jun 2009, 05:03 pm »

I need some advice. I have always wanted to run one of Frank's Super PAS 3's with my U70. I have been searching for a unmodified PAS 3 in good condition, without much luck. There is one on Ebay now but it would cost me about $400 shipped. I was doing the math and with the kit, fiberglass selector switch, jack set and new tubes, I am looking at a finished cost of about $1200.
I am starting to think that maybe I should go with a T8 with phono for not really a lot more.
What do you people think? Do I have any other options?
I should have snapped up the unit Frank took to the show last month.

Ian

BrianM · « **Reply #1 on:** 25 Jun 2009, 05:16 pm »

I think I remember seeing a used T8 for sale on Audiogon recently for a lot less than $1200.

martyo · « **Reply #2 on:** 25 Jun 2009, 06:58 pm »

My AVA quest started with a Super PAS 3i. It was impressive enough for me to eventually buy the Ultra 550, Ultra DAC and T8. The T8 is worth every penny and more compared to the "3i". It's a different game........

Wayner · « **Reply #3 on:** 25 Jun 2009, 07:38 pm »

Has anyone run the T8/U70 combo? I haven't heard them both together. With the new upgrade for the U70, this may be very interesting.

Personally I like a tube something running a SS something or vice-versa. I sometimes think tubes running tubes gets a little soft, but I've heard exceptions many times. It may depend on the music, the mood or even the weather. Right now I'm more then happy with my AVA EC pushing my U70/mod. It's awesome and I wouldn't want it any other way.

Wayner

avahifi · « **Reply #4 on:** 25 Jun 2009, 08:59 pm »

iclark I suggest you simply have that Omega III Pat-5 upgraded to an Insight+ Pat-5. Cost, with phono is $699. This is probably the best combination at a reasonable price you can use with your revised U70 amplifier.

Regards,

Frank Van Alstine

mark funk · « **Reply #5 on:** 25 Jun 2009, 09:24 pm »

There are a lot of Dyna Pas 3s out there, yes not to many on Ebay right now, they come and go but the good ones go for a lot of cash. I guess you have to find a real beeter and do all the work your self. I think a T-8 is a much better per amp then a Super Pas 3. Way more bang for your buck. But after saying that I am in the middle of building a Super Pas 3, not for my main set but for the fun of building it and I have some NOS Telefunken and RWN Neuhsus tubes ready to go in when ever I finish it.

oneinthepipe · « **Reply #6 on:** 25 Jun 2009, 09:34 pm »

A T8 preamp with remote sold on ebay two days ago for 810.00.

iclark · « **Reply #7 on:** 25 Jun 2009, 10:26 pm »

So many choices,
Wayner, I am currently running a Omega Pat-5 Preamp, solid state of course and I am more than happy with the sound I get, and I will probably keep it, but I've always wanted to get a tube preamp, I like tubes! I like technology thats as old as I am or older. I'm 61.

Frank, I know that I could get my Omega III upgraded to a Insight, but that would involve sending it to you and I couldn't bear to subject you to the hack job I did on it. A couple of years ago I ordered a gold jack set from you for the PAT 5, Of course you do not offer a jack set for a PAT5, what I received was for a PAS 3. So I used what jacks I could with the intent of doing the rest later. Well last month I ordered some good good quality female rca's off ebay. Of course they were a different size, so I had to enlarge the holes in the ground plane, grind down the nuts so they wouldn't touch, I also had to take the dremmel to the cut out. I also replace all the wiring from the switch and redressed them. The end result sonically and visually is great. But it is for my eyes (and ears) only, It will never leave my home.
By the way my U70 was assembled by me from a bare board, I sourced the parts and the end result was very good, so the idea of buying a PAS 3 upgrade kit from you sounds like a lot of fun.

Oneinthepipe, I could kick my self for missing that T8 on ebay. That was I good deal! I am finding lately that a lot of ebay offering are for the US only, they will not ship to Canada, maybe they don't want that hi-tech equipment falling into the wrong hands.

Ian

Opus Flatus · « **Reply #8 on:** 25 Jun 2009, 11:56 pm »

I think you cant go wrong with Frank's suggestion. I'm listening to the Insight+ & U70 (with choke mod) right now, it is an outstanding combination, my best. It just edges out my Insight 240. Dead silent background, smooth, articulate, and detailed sound. I have the rig connected to NEO2X monitors -

To my ears it an unbeatable combo, beautiful sound!

I have the SuperPas 3 as well, built from a kit. It's a nice preamp but it can't extract the most from your U70. The Insight+ sounds better. More extended at the frequency extremes. I use the Super Pas 3 in a 3rd system mated to a class A SS amp with really good results. If you have to go tubes, get the T8.

rlee8394 · « **Reply #9 on:** 26 Jun 2009, 05:26 pm »

Ian,

I would go for the Insight+ upgrade per Frank's suggestion. But, if you really want a Super PAS 3, I have one for sale. Go here:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=65165.0

Ron

mark funk · « **Reply #10 on:** 26 Jun 2009, 05:35 pm »

That look real nice. Did you build it? I hope I can do as nice a job as that with mine!

rlee8394 · « **Reply #11 on:** 27 Jun 2009, 12:12 am »

Mark,

Ye, I built it. It has a new power transformer from Triode Electronics, new selector switch and ground plane jack set from Frank, new knobs and a new faceplate designed by me from Front Panel express and wired with Teflon 20ga and 22ga wire. No magic there, just nice to work with. The faceplate costs $40-$50 with shipping. If you want the file, I'll send it to you. I also have a new faceplate on the way for my Dyna FM-3 that I rebuilt using FM3 Zone's new motherboard. Photos soon as it gets here.

Ron

sueata1 · « **Reply #12 on:** 27 Jun 2009, 12:34 am »

Iclark,,,,

The reason Ebay sellers don't ship outside the US is they have to Insure the Parcel for their protection,,,any losses and guess where the refund comes from,,,ya got it, The Seller.. Paypal and Ebay are Useless for Seller protection,,,trust me I know with over 2700 Positive transactions...Also when you Insure for International the shipping rates Triple!!! Why?? That's to cover the Incompetent PO...Did you know the PO losses over 6 million++ parcels a year!!!
So don't take it to bad ,,,by the time the Seller figures the Shipping cost coupled with the Insurance (for their protection) the Buyer thinks your gouging them and refuse to pay

,,,,
Happy listening,,,
Mel

mark funk · « **Reply #13 on:** 26 Aug 2009, 09:22 pm »

If you are still looking for a PAS-3, this one looks like new!

http://cgi.ebay.com/DYNACO-PAS-TUBE-PREAMP-pre-amp-12AX7-12-AX-7-MINT_W0QQitemZ230370132706QQcmdZViewItemQQptZVintage_Electronics_R2?hash=item35a32142e2&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

This one looks so good I wish I had some cash.

iclark · « **Reply #14 on:** 27 Aug 2009, 11:45 pm »

Thanks for the heads up Mark. Funny you mentioned it, as I have just taken delivery on a Pas 2, absolutly stock, from a seller in BC. I am just about to order the Super Pas kit from Frank with the fiberglass selector switch and the jack set from Frank. My wife and I will be visiting the Finger Lakes in Up State NY for the first 2 weeks of September. so I may hold off untill we get back. The Pas 2 has the brass faceplate which looked pretty horrible, but when you buff it up looks amazing. Nothing like the look of polished brass! When I am done I should Clear Coat it to preserve the finish.
Thanks again for the heads up.

Ian

boycephoto · « **Reply #15 on:** 28 Aug 2009, 12:38 pm »

Good morning Ian,

I have noticed several aftermarket Dynaco PAS faceplates on ebay. Black, maybe brass and silver? Not sure on all the colors but they look pretty nice and I think they include new knobs. It could be a way to kick your Super Pas 3 up a notch or two. You will Enjoy.

Dave

mark funk · « **Reply #16 on:** 6 Sep 2009, 08:53 pm »

Here is one all ready done,

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220476630798&ssPageName=ADME:B:SS:US:1123

avahifi · « **Reply #17 on:** 6 Sep 2009, 09:01 pm »

1992 date code on this one, pretty old. It would be nice to see it cover off to see if it has new AVA circuit boards or was built on the original Dyna boards.

Frank

Tom Alverson · « **Reply #18 on:** 7 Sep 2009, 03:55 am »

Quote from: avahifi on 6 Sep 2009, 09:01 pm

1992 date code on this one, pretty old. It would be nice to see it cover off to see if it has new AVA circuit boards or was built on the original Dyna boards.

Frank

They added a photo of the insides showing the AVA circuit boards. Looks pretty good.

mark funk · « **Reply #19 on:** 7 Sep 2009, 04:17 am »

I just saw the new pic. It looks like this one has the buffer cards too. See those two other cards standing
on there sides. Looks like a nice one.