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The Dynaco Tube Audio Forum

Dedicated to the restoration and preservation of all original Dynaco tube audio equipment - Customer support for Tubes4hifi VTA tube amp and preamp kits and all Dynakitparts.com products


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Wharfcreek
ggnarley
CNCfan
aguaazul
pedrocols
cci1492
bennytehcat
11 posters

    I finally finished my ST-70 kit!

    bennytehcat
    bennytehcat


    Posts : 11
    Join date : 2018-08-28
    Location : Philadelphia, PA

    I finally finished my ST-70 kit! Empty I finally finished my ST-70 kit!

    Post by bennytehcat Fri Sep 07, 2018 2:52 pm

    Hello Everyone!  This is my first post here and I'm hoping to share my journey of building an "ST-70".  I put "ST-70" in quotes, as nothing on this build is original from an ST-70.  About 8 years ago, I wanted to get into tube amps and had pretty much zero knowledge on the subject.  After a few months lurking around in forums, it seemed like the Dynaco ST-70 was a solid option for a first-time owner/DIYer.  The next step was trying to figure out where to get parts, which found me on eBay for quite a while.  At random, I stumbled upon one of Mr. Latino's auctions for a new blemished SS 16 gauge chassis and VTA board - the project officially began.  I purchased all components new, from online retailers and other eBay sellers.

    The first step I had was assembling the VTA board, which was straight forward.  All components were purchased from Digikey or eBay and were soldered in place with no issues.

    After this, I hit a long stall when I returned to school.  Three degrees later (expecting 4th shortly...yeah..I know), I emerged ready to continue on the project by searching for transformers and small mechanical components like jacks and switches.  It seemed like I could spend a bunch of cash on new Dynaco transformers, roll the dice on used ones, or take an alternative path.  Alternative paths are always more fun...so...for a power transformer, I went with a Tomiko PT-ST-70 Mk III toroidal.  Now, I originally sourced this thing back in 2010..ish as a Mk II version.  However, since the project was shelved, all I had was a dead bookmark on eBay and the seller's name.  I reached out to the seller who was able to sell me the newer version off-site, which was really cool.  Another eBay purchase from overseas was able to supply a nice cover for it which required two additional holes to be drilled into the chassis. The output transformers are a pair of Edcor CXPP60-4.2K with 4/8/16 ohm taps.  For tubes, I went with matching JJ EL34II, 12AT7 and a GZ34.  I then opted to get everything gold-plated that could be: tube sockets, jacks, binding posts.  The local hardware store was well stocked with brass hardware, so all components are attached using brass pan heads which included removing the original hardware on the Edcors and swapping it with equivalent brass.  

    Assembly took place at work after hours.  We have a nice electrical room with all the wire and tools you need.  I also have access to a fully equipped machine shop, which made things much easier.  To start, I needed to find a way to mount the toroidal.  I found a piece of scrap aluminum and machined it to shape, leaving room for the wires to pass through.  

    I finally finished my ST-70 kit! C0xHShq

    The wires were separated and passed through a flexible PVC conduit which also prevented rubbing on the aluminum panel or steel chassis.  The toroidal was then mounted to this plate using the supplied hardware.  Two holes needed to be drilled into the chassis to allow mounting of the toroidal cover (the back is kinda free floating).  

    I finally finished my ST-70 kit! V0Sm2Fw


    Backing plates for the jacks were laser cut from black acrylic.  The binding post plates were etched at a lower power on the outside to indicate 8/4 ohm hookups.  The etching was filled with white paint to give a clean label.  

    I finally finished my ST-70 kit! H49LDVt

    I finally finished my ST-70 kit! AQZ8xH5

    I finally finished my ST-70 kit! AHGOd59

    Assembly instructions basically followed the VTA guide to a tee, while taking care to make sure the correct wire colors on the new transformers were correct. I didn't have any of the original pieces, so instead of the whatever-lug terminal strip, I installed a ground bar where all ground connections could be screwed into place.

    I finally finished my ST-70 kit! GKP8BPn

    I won’t lie.  Initial start-up was absolutely terrifying.  I realized after finishing that I still lacked thorough knowledge on the EE side of things, but had some faith that I followed the instructions and translated wire colors correctly.  I expected to flip the switch and see a large arc and my project go up in smoke.  Accordingly, I plugged the unit into a power strip, then grabbed a 3 foot wooden dowel and clicked the power strip on....nothing...no sounds, no magic smoke.  I then used the dowel to flick the switch on the back of the amp...nothing...silence, no magic smoke.  Then, the 3 tubes on the driver board began to glow faintly.  Eight years folks!  Eight years I waited for this moment!  With a grin going ear-to-ear, I called an Uber and shuffled this thing home.  

    I finally finished my ST-70 kit! FPDvoic

    Following Bob's instructions, I installed the EL34 tubes, set the bias, and sat back with a giant...GIANT grin.  It works.  It actually worked!

    The next thing was plugging this thing into a source and speakers.  The speakers in this case are a pair of Paradigm Monitor 7 V1. I lack a solid pre-amp and my previous NAD 3155 has quite a bit of hum.  Maybe a PC?  That was horrific, the ST70 was humming in sync with the PC fan. The cleanest signal I could get without a hum was an old Samsung Galaxy S3. *sigh*.  I plugged that into the front jacks, and it was dead silent until I loaded Spotify up.  

    I finally finished my ST-70 kit! CF1MYsN

    I'm not going to sit here and report nonsense feelings of openness or tone over my setup.  So instead, I'll simply say that it sounds amazing.  There is zero hum, zero noise, no distortion.  I'm absolutely blown away.  If it wasn't for the faint glow, you'd have no idea this thing was running.  My first step into the world of tube amps could not have gone any better.  Bob, thank you for selling me the chassis in 2010 and answering my random questions over the years.  If it wasn't for your support this thing would still be a pipe dream.

    I finally finished my ST-70 kit! 4oENetR

    Edit: I got the NAD to simmer down!  Now using the 3155 as a preamp with tone control and phono hookup  cheers

    I finally finished my ST-70 kit! Tmdvskz


    Last edited by bennytehcat on Sat Sep 08, 2018 7:24 pm; edited 2 times in total
    cci1492
    cci1492


    Posts : 331
    Join date : 2016-05-09
    Age : 63
    Location : NJ

    I finally finished my ST-70 kit! Empty Re: I finally finished my ST-70 kit!

    Post by cci1492 Fri Sep 07, 2018 4:56 pm

    Looks beautiful, nice job! You do good work.
    bennytehcat
    bennytehcat


    Posts : 11
    Join date : 2018-08-28
    Location : Philadelphia, PA

    I finally finished my ST-70 kit! Empty Re: I finally finished my ST-70 kit!

    Post by bennytehcat Fri Sep 07, 2018 5:10 pm

    Thank you! Do you work for tubes4hifi? I think I may of bought a few things from there, or called for advice on something. It would of been about 9 months back.
    pedrocols
    pedrocols


    Posts : 162
    Join date : 2014-11-24
    Location : Western MA

    I finally finished my ST-70 kit! Empty Re: I finally finished my ST-70 kit!

    Post by pedrocols Fri Sep 07, 2018 9:44 pm

    Nice job!
    aguaazul
    aguaazul


    Posts : 136
    Join date : 2012-07-08
    Age : 63
    Location : Livermore, CA

    I finally finished my ST-70 kit! Empty Re: I finally finished my ST-70 kit!

    Post by aguaazul Sat Sep 08, 2018 1:54 am

    Good looking build. The gold screws look really nice, same with the output transformers.
    Love the signatures on them.

    Enjoy!

    Aguaazul
    bennytehcat
    bennytehcat


    Posts : 11
    Join date : 2018-08-28
    Location : Philadelphia, PA

    I finally finished my ST-70 kit! Empty Re: I finally finished my ST-70 kit!

    Post by bennytehcat Tue Sep 11, 2018 5:09 pm

    I was a bit curious as to how it was operating. After one hour of running I snapped the following picture with my FLIR. I don't quite trust the temperatures due to the sensitivity of the device (poor) and the range of temperature in that field of view.

    I finally finished my ST-70 kit! MvE5nKm

    In a more accurate measurement (leaning over and isolating that part), I found that the top center of the toroidal cover was 129 F. Top center of either OT was 88 F.



    CNCfan
    CNCfan


    Posts : 30
    Join date : 2018-08-13
    Age : 76
    Location : Houston Texas

    I finally finished my ST-70 kit! Empty Re: I finally finished my ST-70 kit!

    Post by CNCfan Tue Sep 11, 2018 8:09 pm

    Nice looking build, like the brass screws on everything.
    ggnarley
    ggnarley


    Posts : 18
    Join date : 2018-05-11
    Location : Columbus, Ohio

    I finally finished my ST-70 kit! Empty Gorgeous Build

    Post by ggnarley Tue Sep 11, 2018 9:26 pm

    Definitely a first class job, and the underside is as fine as the top.

    avatar
    Wharfcreek


    Posts : 43
    Join date : 2017-07-15

    I finally finished my ST-70 kit! Empty Re: I finally finished my ST-70 kit!

    Post by Wharfcreek Wed Sep 12, 2018 8:41 am

    Hey Benny,

    Ya got to luv it when a plan comes together!!  Clearly your 'skills' have been well-honed elsewhere over the years, as that is a might-nice job you did with that build!  Nothing beats the feeling of turning it on and having it 'not' blow up!.....except maybe when you hear the music!

    So....... I gotta ask:......   That 'Bennytehcat' name of yours; is that a 'mis-spelling of the word 'the'?  If so, I certainly have to chuckle......as it's nice to see a guy with 4 degrees hiccup once in a while.........lol

    Anyway.....all in jest my good man!   Again, nice job, and good choice for 'starter' project.  In reality, this is the kind of amp that can be both 'starter' and 'finisher'....as the ST-70, in virtually all it's iterations, is one of the finest amps ever made!  Unfortunately, once you build something like this, it's kind of like being exposed to some disease.......as you end up with '...the bug'....!!   I would not be at all surprised to see you on to project #2 in the not-too-distant future!!

    Good luck!!    WC
    Danner
    Danner


    Posts : 16
    Join date : 2012-09-27

    I finally finished my ST-70 kit! Empty Re: I finally finished my ST-70 kit!

    Post by Danner Wed Sep 12, 2018 9:02 am

    Looks very good. The torrid is very cool.

    Enjoy your amp.
    bennytehcat
    bennytehcat


    Posts : 11
    Join date : 2018-08-28
    Location : Philadelphia, PA

    I finally finished my ST-70 kit! Empty Re: I finally finished my ST-70 kit!

    Post by bennytehcat Wed Sep 12, 2018 9:33 am

    Thank you for all the kind comments!  This was my first 'major' project...everything else has been small tasks in the lab here and there (little circuits and there occasional strain-gage) or car stuff when I was younger...you learn a few things when one of your first cars has a melted fuse panel.

    My username is a typo by my cat.  His spelling is horrible.  

    As for a second project, I am looking at building a preamp/attenuator/switch/tone control box.  Need to finish my defense before I get into that project though...so 2019ish.

    I'm going to hook this thing to a function generator with our digital scope at work to see how it performs.  I'll post those results by the weekend.  I'm afraid our scopes can't do a spectrum analysis, but I can certainly use the function generator to create a few transients and see how the input/output compare.
    Peter W.
    Peter W.


    Posts : 1351
    Join date : 2016-08-07
    Location : Melrose Park, PA

    I finally finished my ST-70 kit! Empty Re: I finally finished my ST-70 kit!

    Post by Peter W. Wed Sep 12, 2018 10:19 am

    Excellent work and nicely done!

    <-------------- Murphy also approves, however his spelling (so far) is excellent. He does have a bit of a catnip problem, on the other hand.
    avatar
    eickmewg


    Posts : 103
    Join date : 2014-08-29

    I finally finished my ST-70 kit! Empty Re: I finally finished my ST-70 kit!

    Post by eickmewg Wed Sep 12, 2018 3:20 pm

    Looks like you have a full complement of JJ tubes. How are they working for you?
    bennytehcat
    bennytehcat


    Posts : 11
    Join date : 2018-08-28
    Location : Philadelphia, PA

    I finally finished my ST-70 kit! Empty Re: I finally finished my ST-70 kit!

    Post by bennytehcat Wed Sep 12, 2018 6:40 pm

    They work...I mean, they turn on and off and bias just fine.  Outside of that I have no baseline or anything to compare it to.  

    I'll be doing a frequency analysis this weekend and will upload the results here once I process it all into an easy to digest format.  Waiting for my dummy-load resistors to arrive and need to bring home the function generator and scope.  Amazon said I should see them by Friday.

    I see Murphy is the guardian of the stairs. Excellent position to take for sending a human to the hospital.
    Peter W.
    Peter W.


    Posts : 1351
    Join date : 2016-08-07
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    I finally finished my ST-70 kit! Empty Re: I finally finished my ST-70 kit!

    Post by Peter W. Thu Sep 13, 2018 2:09 pm

    bennytehcat wrote:

    I see Murphy is the guardian of the stairs.  Excellent position to take for sending a human to the hospital.

    Murphy would never threaten the "magic fingers" that pull the can tabs. But he does often take the banister rather than the steps - it is a three-story house. He is a 20# Maine Coon, and so his paws are very nearly 3" across. Lots of grip.
    crkohut
    crkohut


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    Location : Sudbury, Ontario, Canada

    I finally finished my ST-70 kit! Empty Re: I finally finished my ST-70 kit!

    Post by crkohut Sat Sep 15, 2018 6:41 am

    Nice build!!

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