Time to let the Dynaco PAS4 preamp go

Well, I don't know anything aboutthem. I read good things about them, though.

I am mostly wondering about what could be up with the PAS-4. I haven't ever encountered a PAS-4 (that was a Panor-era "Dynaco" product, wasn't it?), but the PAS-2 and 3 are pretty darned simple. Not much to go wrong with them - and they shouldn't eat tubes.
Static & distortion randomly sounds like a connection (e.g., pins in a socket), dirty switch or pot, PCB trace crack, or a cold solder joint -- that sort of thing. Is the P/S up to snuff? Old carbon comp resistors, of course, can get noisy, but the PAS-4 might not even have any carbon comp resistors in it(?).

EDIT: ooh. looky.
https://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/dynaco-pas4.700923/#post-9393758
(heh -- you're part of that thread, too! )

Someone was selling a Rogue amp on the marketplace here recently. Send them a PM maybe!

I have a CM3. I was fortunate enough to have a friend (who’s on here, too, actually @charley96) who let me borrow his low-hour CM1 last fall when I started getting back into 2-channel listening. I will try not to ramble, but I was never quite happy with the sound of my RTA 15TLs. Always seems too bright and edgy and not much bass extension. Updated tweeters to RDO-198s. Nope, still the same. Borrowed the CM1, and within a couple hours I’m taking notes because I can’t believe what I’m hearing over my solid state Denon 1025-RA reciever. Smooth, clear top-end, very revealing vocals and piano and tight, well-controlled and punchy bass.

Now that is all, or primarily all, going from solid state to tubes, I know. But, again, to make a long story short, I started researching Rogue Audio because I knew zero about them. At the time, I really could not find any bad reviews, at least on the Cronus Magnum. In fact, most were carrying on about the sound AND the customer service.

So, I reached out to them directly with an inquiry about the nearest dealer to me, which ended up only being about 75 miles away. Had a very personable back-and-forth in a few emails emails with their CS rep, Nick, just about the dealer and some other background info on the amp, which got me feeling good about the company and backed up what I had read.

During my visit to the dealer, who also sells several other tube amp brands, he said he “wasn’t going to tell me not to” get a CM3. Said they are great products and they never come back for service. While I was there he called and actually talked to Nick about availability (with me standing right next to him in full transparency) and as it turned out, the CM3 had just been reviewed in that month’s Absolute Sound magazine. So, Rogue had built an inventory in anticipation of increased sales and in less than a week, I went back to pick up my new amp. I have probably averaged close to 3 hours a day of listening since getting it last November and it has been 100%. Responds very well to tube changes, even in the two AX positions, despite what I’ve read in some comments across the ‘net.

I subsequently added a new Technics 1210-G turntable and I fine the phono stage has a strikingly similar sound signature to my digital sources since I upgraded my DAC, which is to say I like it quite well. Since you looking at used, it’s worth mentioning that the upgrades to the various Cronus Magnum models (I, II and III) have included upgrades to the phono stage, which BTW, is solid state. I do not have any first-hand knowledge about the differences in sound from one to the other, but have seen some mention that the upgrade to the CM3 phono stage was audible.

Rogue has the upgrade paths and costs on their website, so you can see what it costs to go from a 1 to a 3 or 2 to a 3, etc. If it were just the amp you were using, I don’t think it would be justifiable since the CM1 I auditioned sounded every bit as good as the CM3 I now own, but the phono stage upgrade may change that for you.

If you are on FB, there is a Rogue Audio group that is pretty good. Also, I’d have to stop and think if I’ve ever heard a bad word mentioned there. Can’t recall at the moment.

The dealer also said the CM3 would drive any speaker in the store, Magnepans included. So, that along with the upgrade paths Rogue offers makes me think it could be the last amp I buy … unless I go up in the Rogue line one day.

Edit: Well, I guess I rambled, anyway. Hopefully, it helps.

pitdogg2 wrote: »

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Keep scrolling, my good man.

Jeez, Brian, way to use up all the internet! Save some for other people!

Great info, very insightful.

How far is Austin Tx. from you?

Well my bad I thought you lived in Texas.

Yes.

Always sad to hear of a situation like that one, @muncybob ;(

pitdogg2 wrote: »

I remember when the TV repairman came to your house, set up his gadgets and 45 minutes later your TV was back in tip top shape.

Jeff Spicoli's dad?