ST70 "Imposter"

[tubelab.com]

So why call this a Dynaco ST-70 "Imposter"...?

How many of the "ST-70" kits out there bear any resemblance to the original ST-70. Some do, some have redesigned driver boards, and some just have shiney plated chassis.

And speaking of ST-70's, which one? There were two audio amps called ST-70 in the 1960's. One was a Dynaco, the other was an Eico. So.....will the real ST-70 please stand up!

[20to20]

Originally Posted by tubelab.com

How many of the "ST-70" kits out there bear any resemblance to the original ST-70. Some do, some have redesigned driver boards, and some just have shiney plated chassis.

And speaking of ST-70's, which one? There were two audio amps called ST-70 in the 1960's. One was a Dynaco, the other was an Eico. So.....will the real ST-70 please stand up!

Would you go see a KISS tribute band that plays their own stuff but does wear the costume? Or maybe you'd like to buy some DisneyLand tickets ..oh but it's not really DL it's the petting zoo in my backyard but I'll be wearing a Mickey Mouse hat and be your guide.

Wagon hitching for attention.

[HollowState]

Originally Posted by 20to20

So why call this a Dynaco ST-70 "Imposter"...?

Because that's exactly what it is! An amplifier with the same chassis layout and same OPT's. A look-alike. I understand perfectly what wrenchone's meaning is. But I don't understand why you're so bent out of shape over it. He's not claiming it to be anything else then an imposter. Could it be that the original ST70 holds a special place in your heart? Remember, imitation can be the sincerest form of flattery.

I also like it, and I own two of them. But IMO most of Haflers stuff of that era were cheap and dirty designs that became very popular and have acquired almost cult status. One couldn't build an amplifier like that with fewer parts and have it work as well. And with a few simple modifications they become much better. That's probably why so many people began modifying them, both for fun and performance.

[20to20]

Originally Posted by HollowState

Because that's exactly what it is! An amplifier with the same chassis layout and same OPT's. A look-alike. I understand perfectly what wrenchone's meaning is. But I don't understand why you're so bent out of shape over it. He's not claiming it to be anything else then an imposter. Could it be that the original ST70 holds a special place in your heart? Remember, imitation can be the sincerest form of flattery.

I also like it, and I own two of them. But IMO most of Haflers stuff of that era were cheap and dirty designs that became very popular and have acquired almost cult status. One couldn't build an amplifier like that with fewer parts and have it work as well. And with a few simple modifications they become much better. That's probably why so many people began modifying them, both for fun and performance.

The kit clones that at least try to duplicate the ST-70 are the real "imposters", the real "impersonators", they try to pass themselves as duplicated Dynaco but they are only "imposters." Genuine imposters.

All the rest are just different amps using the heritage of the ST-70 as a surf board. They're just dune buggies.

[Triodethom]

I will agree that David Hafler made it as cheap as he could . Triode electronic fix some of that by offering trans that are built up to the task. Over 500,000 unit where sold so it did have a following . Power transformer is marginal at best . the rest is a cheapened copy of DTN Williamson work . This much like kit car they are not the real thing nor cost as much but the best are fun to drive.

[tubelab.com]

Would you go see a KISS tribute band that plays their own stuff but does wear the costume?

I personally never went to see Kiss, nor would I go see a tribute band. I have seen Pink Floyd a few times, and when the Aussie tribute band comes to Miami, I might go see them.....Why? Because they are GOOD.

I had a Dynaco ST-70. I got it at a hamfest for $50 played with it for a while and sold it at another hamfest for $200. Why, because it didn't sound any better than the amps I was making, and I didn't want to hack up an unmolested classic. Unfortunately the guy I sold it to did.

I also had an Eico ST-70. I was very underwhelmed, so I sold that one too.

If someone makes a Dynaclone, does that upset you? Would it if he represented it as an original? That kind of crap goes on in the classic car world all the time. There are more Hemi Cudas in existence today than Plymouth ever made. Some of them must be fakes. Socks for a car that can fetch half a MILLION bucks.

Make whatever you want as long as you represent it as such. Wrench man clearly calls this an imposter, and that is a perfect description. If I mounted some black transformers and PC boards to one of those shiney chrome chassis and called it an ST-150 would that be a crime?

[Original Burnedfingers]

My thought is this... since he started the thread he can call it what ever he likes...big deal. Can we get back to the driver board design now?

[vinylkid58]

Originally Posted by Original Burnedfingers

since he started the thread he can call it what ever he likes...big deal.

Exactly! Thanks for hitting the reset button.

jeff

[20to20]

Originally Posted by tubelab.com

I personally never went to see Kiss, nor would I go see a tribute band.

I didn't want to hack up an unmolested classic. Unfortunately the guy I sold it to did.

If someone makes a Dynaclone, does that upset you?

Would it if he represented it as an original?

That kind of crap goes on in the classic car world all the time.

Make whatever you want as long as you represent it as such.

When someone mongrelizes a classic and uses a refrence to the original it's the same as the tribute band analogy I made.

That's an A for the classics.

I'm all for anyone who tries to create reproductions without false claims, exagerations. My objection is about the folks who take an original, mongrelize it and stand back proudly and say, "Look at my wonderful ST-70 I've done so much to to improve... It's SO much better now. The bass isn't so flabby, and mids really punch through. The soundstage is so much wider." They simply have a real vested interest to support to themselves.

"That kind of crap goes on classic car world all the time."

A+. Couldn't have said it better, TL.

"Make whatever you want as long as you represent it as such."

Remove the Dynakit badge from the cage, please.

[Original Burnedfingers]

Can we please get back to the thread now? Since I also make "Imposters" I would like to hear more and see more on the driver board. Hell, I would purchase one if the price isn't excessive.

My suggestion is this.....if you don't like the name of the thread then don't comment on it. If you don't like what wrenchone has done or is doing then don't comment. Lets see if we and work and play together today, ok?