Real cost of Dynaco ST 70 Kits

[gni]

Here are two Dynaco ST 70 kits and the cost with shipping and tubes. It seems like a good deal until you add in all the extras. . .
Shipping is only going to get worse!

$650.00

Dynakitparts
ST70K-B ST-70 KIT TYPE (B)
30 lbs = $41
35 lbs = $47


Tube Complement # 1 for Dynakit ST-70 Stereo Amplifier includes the following tubes
Winged C 4 each - EL34/6CA7 matched
SOVTEK 1 each - 5AR4/GZ34
NOS 2 each - 6GH8A*

*Requires two Dynakit socket adapters (#SA-6GH8A) sold separately from Dynakit
$91.95 +$2.50 for orders under $99
$10.25 shipping for 2 lbs.

Cost

$650 Amp
$45 Shipping
$92 Tubes
$13 Shipping & Handling
---------------------------------
$800

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Complete Dyna-Clone ST-70 Tube Amp Build Kit.
http://store.triodestore.com/st70buildkit.html

TriodeElectronics ST-70 Tube Amp Complete Build Kit st70buildkitpad $585.00

30 lbs = $41
35 lbs = $47

(1) 5AR4 Rectifier $15
(1) 12AU7/12BH7(dual triode) $12 ea
(2) EF86/6299(mini pentode) Phase Inverter $16 ea
(4) EL34 Outputs $18 ea


$585 Amp
$45 Shipping
$131 Tubes
$11 Shipping
----------------
$772

 

[Hotsauce]

Those both still look like excellent deals to me.

I don't know of any other tube amp of that much power, kit or not that offers such an excellent value, and support.

The ST70 is a well known design, and both vendors as well as many other tech are very familiar with the product.

There is zero doubt that if the amp ever needed service at some time in the future that someone would be able to fix it.

John C.

 

[speakerfritz]

both prices look fine to me.

if you buy a used st70, figure restoration costs, retubing, etc.

there are other kits out there. fellow has what he calls an st-120 tube amp which is basically two mark3's on an st70 chasis. he has a lot of plus up's over the traditional design.

 

[gni]

I guess my point is that each kit requires between
$150 to $190 worth of shipping and tubes to get
them up and running. . .

For someone wanting to get into tubes this is a little
discouraging. Just when I though I had enough $$$
I still need almost another $200. . .just depressed about
waiting many more months and telling the wife why so
much more will be charged on the old credit card.

I do think the kits are good values and a blast to put
together. I will look into the ST-120 kit. . .

 

[Burnedfingers]

Requires two Dynakit socket adapters (#SA-6GH8A) sold separately from Dynakit
$91.95 +$2.50 for orders under $99
$10.25 shipping for 2 lbs.


Why is it necessary to waste $99 plus shipping on these? Replace the driver board with something better or look for a better amplifier.

I do think the kits are good values and a blast to put
together. I will look into the ST-120 kit. . .

For the money that you would spend on the ST-120 kit I think you would enjoy a pair of mono block Quicksilvers.

There are a pair of Quicksilver mono block amps on ebay right now.

 

[speakerfritz]

""For the money that you would spend on the ST-120 kit I think you would enjoy a pair of mono block Quicksilvers.

There are a pair of Quicksilver mono block amps on ebay right now."""



some of the quick silvers use 8417 output tubes which are no longer made and very difficult to find and pricy.

check into that before pulling the trigger....there's no substitue for 8417's.

 

[boywonder]

I have a pair of Quicksilver mini-mites 25w 12ax7 EL34's PP that are wonderful. They can be had used for $600-$650 on audiogon, etc. Auto bias, can use EL34's, KT88's, 6550's.

Stepping up a little, Quicksilver mid monos are around for about $1000 used. EL34 50W PP

Of course you don't get the pleasure of building them, but they would make for some fun upgrading.

 

[Burnedfingers]

some of the quick silvers use 8417 output tubes which are no longer made and very difficult to find and pricy.

There is a VERY EASY conversion so that you don't have to use the expensive and hard to find 8417 tubes. I have converted a number of the 8417 mono blocks to use KT88's, KT90's, and 6550's. They work fine and sound great.

http://www.triodeel.com/8417.htm

 

[speakerfritz]

""There is a VERY EASY conversion so that you don't have to use the expensive and hard to find 8417 tubes. I have converted a number of the 8417 mono blocks to use KT88's, KT90's, and 6550's. They work fine and sound great.""


do you know where I can download a schematic of the 8417 version mono blocks so I can review these changes?

 

[Burnedfingers]

I'll post a schematic

 

[speakerfritz]

thanks, I'll review the schematic.

looking to make simular changes to the attached.

 

[speakerfritz]

lets try that again

 

[speakerfritz]

it's amazing how simular the quick silver 8417 and mark6 really are.

 

[Burnedfingers]

Actually I think the Quicksilver is a rip off of a Bogan. The exception being the better transformers and chassis. The Bogan being a typical commercial amplifier has a somewhat limited low end.