Dynaco ST-120 Tube Amplifier

[Penatr8tor]

I know this is way way off topic but there are a good number of parallels with building a 3D printer, at least from an electronics perspective.

This kit is available at Tubes4HiFi and can cost from $1200 US to $2K depending on what extras you add on. I got mine with basic tubes and I added Pentode-Triode switches and 2 matched pairs of NOS Russian paper in oil coupling caps.

[Penatr8tor]

This is the way the kit comes...

And we'll need some tools...

 

[Penatr8tor]

First part is to populate the driver PCB.

Components were nicely bagged and labeled.

And here are those matched PIO coupling caps

[Penatr8tor]

Next up is chassis build and transformers.

...and a martini 

 

Lots of flipping the chassis over so I protected the transformers from getting scratched up with some bubble wrap.

[Penatr8tor]

Connecting tube sockets to the main transformer.

[Penatr8tor]

Next up is wiring the Pentode-Triode switches. This will let me run the amp as either double ended (Class AB) or single ended (Class A).

Quad cap wiring.

Next up is the driver PCB.

 

 

[Penatr8tor]

And lastly, we test and set the bias for the output tubes.

All done... Sounds awesome!

 

 

On top is a Bottlehead tube preamp. It's been retired for a while now, but it was also a fun build.

 

Figured I'd throw a couple photos of the Bottlehead Foreplay III preamp as well.

 

[claudermilk]

Nice! Those are a whole world of rabbit holes.

BTW, gorgeous table that it's on in the first photo. Seems a shame to cover it with the electronics.

[Penatr8tor]

47 minutes ago, claudermilk said:

BTW, gorgeous table that it's on in the first photo. Seems a shame to cover it with the electronics.

You're right about that. I need to get myself a replacement and put that table back in service. That table is from Syria and hand inlayed. It's a gaming table. The top rotates 90 degrees and you open it up.

 

 

Inside is an insert that has a chess board on one side and a felt mat for cards on the other.

If you take out the insert completely... There's a backgammon board.

And underneath the table is storage for all your gaming supplies.

Goes great with my Elephant (carved from soapstone)

Edited May 16 by Penatr8tor
Forgot something...

[mvdveer]

8 hours ago, Penatr8tor said:

...and a martini 

or single malt.....

[Simon2.4]

wow that's impressive. Thanks for sharing

[claudermilk]

 Stunning table. Yeah, it needs to be displayed all on its own. Ima come over and steal it...and my wife is going to be my accomplice and steal your elephant. 

[Penatr8tor]

@claudermilk Best let the wifey steal the table and you steal the elephant. That thing must weigh at least 60 lbs. 

[claudermilk]

LOL, that would work, then we swap loot afterwards. 

[Penatr8tor]

Exactly... One must always consider the distribution of labor.