by Bob Latino Mon Apr 18, 2011 9:56 am
Another note ... I sent the following Email to Robert Harley, the editor of TAS ..
"Hi Robert,
I read with interest the TAS article that rates the Dynaco ST-70 as the "most significant amplifier of all time". I could not agree more with your rating.
I do have to take issue, however, with the statement on page 27 which states "There is nothing quite like it today, because there is nothing at such a comparatively low price that can compete without excuses against today's Big Boys the way the ST-70 could against the Marantz 9s and McIntosh MC275s"
The Dynaco ST-70, in various incarnations, is alive and well and still competing with the "Big Boys" at a "comparatively low price". There are no fewer than three companies selling their version of the original Dynaco ST-70 in KIT form. Dynakitparts.com sells the ST-70 in kit form with the original driver circuit and a stainless steel chassis. Triode Electronics has an ST-70 kit with an upgraded driver board and a more modern chassis. Tubes4hifi.com has an upgraded ST-70 kit with a heavier stainless chassis, upgraded driver board and triode/ultralinear switches. Tubes4hifi also sells a brand new wired ST-70 as does Frank Val Alstine of Avahifi. Due to the fact that reportedly over 350,000 original ST-70's were sold from 1959 to the mid '70's, there are a multitude of vendors still selling parts for the original ST-70 on Ebay.
Any reports of the death of the Dynaco ST-70 have been greatly exaggerated ...
Bob Latino"
and received the following reply from Mr. Harley ...
"Dear Mr. Latino,
Thanks for the note. I was not aware of those other companies selling complete kits and assembled ST-70s (other than Van Alstine).
Best regards,
Robert"
Bob