2. amps-preamps
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Dynaco owners please comment

I recently bought a Dynaco 120c and wondered is there any differences in the models. I have noticed some with the A series on them.Also I'am very impressed by the quality of these vintage amps and wondered why I have spent more money and not gotten the sound quality of this 60 wpc amplifier.These little amps are not embarassed by SS amps in the 3K to 4K range IMO.Since I have owned a few in this range I think it's a fair judgment.Also what do you guys use to keep the chrome on these amps looking good ? I think I'am hooked and will have to have the whole dynaco setup.Anybody looking for a SS or tube amp owes it to themselves to try one of the dynaco models out before spending more! David Hafler rest in peace! Thanks for any and all comments!
gmood1
rockvirgo
587 posts
 
The Stereo 120 originally came as a kit or assembled. The A stands for assembled, meaning it came that way from the factory. I've no idea what the C stands for.

Use 0000 steel wool to de-rust the chrome and chase it with a clearcoat-safe car wax like Meguiar's Cleaner/Wax. The car wax alone works great on the outside of the crusty rca jacks too. Hey, if you like the Stereo 120 wait til you hear its successor, the Hafler DH200. That's the path I took and enjoyed them both. Love live retro!
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pbowne
75 posts
 
Another path to take is to check out Frank Van Alstine at Jensen Stereo Shop in Minnesota at

http://www.avahifi.com

for upgrades to the Dynaco equipment. I have a modified 150 amp and it's great!
dekay's avatar
dekay
5,600 posts
 
Just a guess, but your 120C may be an upgraded or modified unit (or perhaps a later version). I recall Panor (sp) selling various revised Dynaco models in the past 10 years (tube amps/preamps and something based on the SS 150, I think).

I am not familiar with a "C" version of the 120.

Could also stand for chrome VS nickel plate.

Let us know if you find out further info on the 120C.

I was not impressed with the original 120 amp, though it did receive positive pro reviews. For SS I liked the sound of the Citation 12 and the little Marantz amp (may have been the model 12).
eldartford
4,262 posts
 
The Dynakit stereo 120 was the first solid state amp that I owned, replacing a 40wpc Eico tube job.

The ST120 circuit was very different from just about every other transistorized amplifier (including later Dynaco units) in that it did not have a complementary transistor output stage, but rather the output was coupled through an enormous electrolytic capacitor. The circuit has been described as a preamp on steroids.

The later Dynaco Stereo 150 had a more conventional circuit and was touted as a big upgrade. Many bad things were said about the ST 120. Specwise this was true, but I always found the ST 150 less satisfacory overall. Lately the reputation of the ST 120 has been rehabilitated.
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