Dynaco PAS-3 (Vintage) Preamplifiers
Dynaco PAS-3 (Vintage) Preamplifiers
USER REVIEWS
[Apr 13, 1999]
Gabe Zashin
an Audio Enthusiast
Here I am reviewing the vintage Dynaco PAS-3 tube preamp. These were made from kits or assembled at the factory during the 60's. thus there can be a wide variation in quality, and even features as the kits allowed for some options in input. Also, many people modify them or sell kits to do so. You can check the web for more info, i recommend www.audioman.com as a place to start. That said, you should be able to find a nice condition, fully operational unit for $100-$150. The PAS-3 is a full function tube preamp. The one I have has line inputs called Spare and FM-MPX. Ther is an FM mono input and AM mono, also Phono, and tape head (which is high gain like phono i think). Don't connect a line source to a non-line input, it will be very loud! Note also that the PAS-2 is the same as the PAS-3 except for the faceplate. The PAS-3X has better tone controls (in the PAS3 they are always in the circuit, in the 3X they are out when set flat). PAS 3 can be modded to PAS-3X. The PAS-3 uses 4 12AX7/ECC83 tubes, and a 12X4 rectifier. The preamp has volume, balance, separate treble and bass controls for each channel, a blend switch (a stero-mono type thing) and some other features. Sound is pretty good for a $100 preamp. Obviously quite tubey - rolled off highs, not a great soundstage but I like the line section pretty much. CDs sound good. I don't like the phono stage much on my unit. I think it might be worthwhile to modify it so all the inputs are line or something and using a separate phono stage. I basically keep it around as a backup in case my main preamp breaks. Great value though and good for tweakers/modifiers. |
[Apr 13, 1999]
A. Malick
an Audio Enthusiast
The "blend" feature on the Dynaco preamps was used for three-channel audio. The left and right speakers were placed far apart and a third identical speaker was placed in the center. A speaker wiring diagram was furnished to show how to wire the three speakers from the two channel output with the use of the blend control. |
[Apr 19, 1999]
Dr. Allan M. Hunchuk
an Audio Enthusiast
Ahhhh...the venerable Dynaco Pas 3 Valve Preamplifier!! A clear-cut winner in the budget used tube preamp market. I got an excellent plus Pas 3 for around 150 bucks in an EBAY auction. This is a full function preamp with oodles of inputs including phono, the input that I can't live without. |
[May 04, 2000]
Jon
Audio Enthusiast
Strength:
Quiet smooth tube sound
Weakness:
Looks, although I kinda like it. This little brown box (Dynaco PAS 2), which can be had for around $100 sounds terrific when teamed with the Dynaco ST-70. Mine was factory wired (1963) and looks spotless on the inside, although the outside has seen some wear. Has plenty of inputs, treble and bass for each channel and a 6 position blend switch which goes from full stereo to completely mono. Also includes loudness and a scratch (high) filter but the sound is what makes this piece such a bargain. A great value in vintage audio equipment! |
[May 30, 2000]
David Harris
Audiophile
Strength:
Warm sound, low cost, nice collectable
Weakness:
Aging components need replaced, loss of detail Got to admire them for their longevity. Still usable Similar Products Used: Audio Research, Parasound, Sonic Frontiers |