Preamp choice for a Dynaco ST-35 amp


Hi all,

I am new to the forum and just getting into hifi gear. I have Dynaco ST-35 amp freshly restored by Blackie Pagano in NYC, and I am wondering what preamp to pair it with.

I am considering the Dynaco PAS 3X tube preamp (around $500), but also am tempted by a Mcintosh C32 solid state preamp going for around $1000. Generally I'm wondering if anyone has experience with using tube / ss preamps in combo with a tube power amp and any thoughts about these specific preamps or others...

Also, I plan on using the setup with my turntable and some sort of aux input for an iPhone / Mac... Do I also need some sort of a DAC for the aux stuff? I am new to all this TBH.

Any advice would be much appreciated... Thanks!
128x128wesleysmyth
Things designed by the same design team always seems to work better together than with "strangers".
I built my PAS 3X and am pretty sure it had a phono section...(this was many years ago and I might have misremembered)
You best off stickin’ with a tube preamp. There is a nice Conrad-Johnson PV-12A listed here for $995. It has a phono section included!