Is it Real?

Or is it Memorex?


Surely everyone remembers this commercial. If you don’t you’re probably too young to be reading my blog anyway.

I just finished restoring/rebuilding an all tube, circa 1962, Dynaco PAS-3 pre-amp and ST-70 amplifier. Actually I finished them almost a year ago but there was an electrical bug in the ST-70 I couldn’t find and I just now got around to enlisting professional help. The culprit? A bad ground. DUH!
Well I fired her up this week and OMG the sound is awesome.
Here’s a couple of photos of the finished ST-70.



When I bought this stuff a year ago my research told me, even though it was 47 years old and broken, it had the potential to put modern solid state systems to shame and was considered a “poor man’s” McIntosh. The PAS-3 was in working condition so all I had to do with it was have a tech go through it just to make sure I wasn’t going to burn the house down when I plugged it in.

The ST-70 however was a different story.


The unit was rough but the purchase price was pretty low so I bought it. First thing I did was completely disassemble the unit. I then replaced everything except the original transformers and power supply with new parts. I had the choice of upgrading the unit or keeping it stock and I chose to replace the old parts with new stock parts. I figured this was one of the most popular stereo amplifiers of all time why mess with a good thing. After spending a week or so trying to polish the rusted nickel finish on the unit I decide to have it sandblasted and powder coated. I then began re-assembly; it took me about a month.
Here’s a before and after of the restoration.


So... how's it sound?
Effing incredible!

For the techies The system is a Dynaco Pas-3, Dynaco ST-70 and Polk Audio Monitor Series 4 speakers. I am using a borrowed CD player and my iPod for input but will soon add a turntable (mine is broken beyond repair), an all tube FM tuner and a permanent CD player to replace the borrowed one.

Here's a photo of my listening room.


So you tell me, "Is it real? Or is it Memorex?" All I know is it sounds awesome.

Enjoy!

Billy!

Billy Mays, one of America's great, died Sunday, he was 50.

I became a fan of Billy back in his OxiClean days, The product amazed me because, during his "Wow!" demo, I could never figure out where all that red dye went when Billy dumped the OxiClean in the fish bowl. He went on to enlighten us with the Awesome Auger, Zorbeez, Mighty Putty and countless other must have products.

This Spring Billy and Anthony Sullivan invited the T.V. viewer behind the scenes of their world on The Discovery Channel's Pitchmen. It was awesome and I was an instant fan.

Last night I read his son "Little" Billy had requested fans wear a blue shirt today in memory of his father.


Billy Mays, 1958-2009
I'll miss you Billy.

Dirty!

I know they are just doing their job but it looks so pervy.