Dynaco PAS2 sells for $460 on ebay Wow!

[Clay]

I like the Dynaco PAS2, yet did not know it was worth this much.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3049008115&category=50593&rd=1

It actually makes for a nice system when paired with the Dynaco ST70.
My expert buddy said he never really liked them, yet I found it sounded better than a high end transistor pre amp.

Anyone using this preamp currently?

[Joel Cairo]

Well, this is actually a PAS-3 body, though **originally** the inside circuitry was the same as the PAS-2. This one appears to be a bit hot-rodded (modiifed) by a previous owner.

I currently use a stock PAS-2 with Telefunken 12AX7's inside, and it's a perfectly fine little performer. Particularly for the $100 that I spent on it. (Naturally, I want to upgrade to a Grover at some point, but for now, it's great...)

You can find them much cheaper than that eBay auction price if you look, and once you take care of any cold-solder joints that might be inside, and put some good vintage tubes in it, you should be **very** happy with the sound. Their circuitry is simple, but nicely warm and direct. Properly restored, they'll make some of your music **really** come alive.

Our resident Dynaco king, Sckott, will probably want to throw in his $.02 on this subject, too... :D

-Kevin

[chrischross]

I've got an opportunity to buy one of these from a friend for cheap. Currently, I'm running an Audiolab 8000S solid state in pre-amp mode to feed two Manley 50W monoblocks. Would the PAS-2 be a better way to go??

[Joel Cairo]

Well, I feel that the nicest thing that you can do for **any** amp is to feed it a nice sweet tube signal to begin with, so that would be the way I'd go.

There's a noticeable difference in sound, though-- and if your ears are acclimated to a "solid state" sonic signature, it may take you a bit to appreciate the mid-rangey warmth of a tube signal... but if you love vocals, there's no substitute. On my system, Nat King Cole comes alive when I pop in those DCCs...

And it's a (relatively) cheap way to experiment and get your feet wet in tube sound... :)

-Kevin

[chrischross]

Joel,

I've got tube power amps, and love what they do -- but I think I've got an issue where the Audiolab SS design feeding the power amps is lacking.

The Audiolab 8000S was my "starter" purchase -- good solid integrated amp that can act in pre or power mode. My decision point is that I either live with the Audiolab and get a phono-stage, or go in a completely different direction, as the lust for vinyl is getting overwhelming.

The cost of the PAS-2 from my friend would be about the same as the cost of a Creek OBH-8 phono-stage. It would need a tune-up. Or should I just wait until I have $$$ for a higher-end tube pre-amp ala Rogue, VTL, etc???

[Joel Cairo]

Chris:

I would still go with the Dynaco, for the simple fact that for the same money you not only get the phono stage in the pre-, but you get the sweet mid-rangey tube circuitry (and sound) to feed to your amp as well.

The vintage equipment tune up shouldn't be bad-- I think I paid someone $40.00 to do mine, and I considered it to be well worth it.

And after you'd auditioned it for a while, if you find you really don't care for it, you can always re-sell the Dynaco pre- on eBay, and fund whatever the next choice is... :)

Just my $.02...

-Kevin

[pinkchry]

Would $160 be a reasonable price for a PAS-3 with original tubes and in dusty condition?

[Gary]

Make sure it works - you don't want to spend another $160.00 or more fixing it up!

[The Viking]

AS I have stated before I have a Pas 2 with complete Joe Curico mod. Quiet and true. Uses 6922's . Any tubes that will switch with these?
Dale

[indy mike]

Originally posted by The Viking
AS I have stated before I have a Pas 2 with complete Joe Curico mod. Quiet and true. Uses 6922's . Any tubes that will switch with these?
Dale

The 6922's are a member of the 6DJ8 family; the 7308 is an ultra tight spec version and Amperex made killer diller versions (our host has given a thumbs up to that particular beast) - expensive if you can find genuine Amperex originals, but they are gooooooooooooooood! :thumbsup: