info needed on Dynaco PAS 3X pre amp

pglbook

I have been looking for a good pre amp to match with a recently-acquired Parasound HCAA 1500A.
It is strictly for a 2CH system - to drive a pair of Polk SDA 2B TL speakers and a Rotel RCC 1055 CD player.

There is a Dynaco PAS 3X tube pre amp local and I was wondering if anyone could share some information about it as I do not know anything about it although I have heard that a tube pre and ss power amp make a great combo.

Would the Dynaco pre be a good match for my Parasound HCA 1500A?

Is $275 a good price (that is what Seller is asking for it)?

Please let me know if there is anything else I should be aware of.

Here are the details from Seller:
Dynaco PAS-3X Preamplifier
Restored/Recapped, Excellent condition, lettering in great shape.
(4) Sylvania 12AX7 and (1) RCA 12X4 tubes.
Nice warm tube sound!!


Thanks.

George Grand

At one time, Dynaco had sold more of those preamps than all the other tubed preamps in the world combined. The same could be said for the tubed ST-70 power amp. With the resurgence of tubes over the last 15 years or so, I'm not sure those claims are still valid.

I don't think $275 is out of line with the recent work it has seen.

laotzu61

I have also been looking into the dynaco pas 3 as a pre for a parasound hca-1200. what initiated it was reading laura Dearborn's book
"goodsound." a tube pre matched with a ss amp is supposed to be the cat's meow. like anything else, it's worth whatever anyone's
willing to pay. I've seen them on the auction site for 475.00 in excellent condition.

newbie308

I picked up a Dynaco PAS2 preamp about three years ago for just under $300. It was a basket case, but I love working on rebuild projects, so I didn't mind. Actually it included Amperex Bugle Boy 12ax7 tubes, so I'd say that I did pretty good. If this is an original kit, then I'd see if you can hear it play before dropping the cash! Some people simply can not solder, and that can lead to intermittent issues due to cold joints. If you are comfortable with DIY projects, then go for it! I highly recommend replacing the old volume pot with a new one from Alps. It is definitely money well spent! There is a ton of information available online for upgrading and repairing that preamp as well as several companies that sell replacement parts. I like the Sylvania tubes personally, but they can be found NOS for about $12 each, so I'd try to leverage a slightly lower price for the unit based on that. Last thing, always turn the volume down before turning the input selection knob! Otherwise you will hear a loud POP in your speakers! Not good!

tonyb

The price in certainly in line, same one on my local craigslist for 100 bucks more. As far as sound goes, been way too long that I've heard one to comment.

pglbook

Thanks for all of your feedback.
After looking into this and doing some more online research, I decided not to get it.
But I appreciate all of the comments.