August 25, 2019
#323
Dear reader,
I began my forty-plus year journey seeking excellent sound reproduction around 1975 after seeing/hearing my new friend's kick ass stereo. I began by researching. Back then, there were libraries, no Internet and I started reading Stereo Review magazine.
In the back was an ad for a book called The Audio Alternative by Mark Tobak. Audio Alternative | marktobakmd
He wrote an unbiased study of stereo and quad equipment. No ads, no input from makers. He tested many components from the day and prior and gave opinions as to sound, build quality and value.
In the back was an ad for a book called The Audio Alternative by Mark Tobak. Audio Alternative | marktobakmd
He wrote an unbiased study of stereo and quad equipment. No ads, no input from makers. He tested many components from the day and prior and gave opinions as to sound, build quality and value.
As a result of reading it, I built a Dynaco PAT-5 preamp kit and a pair of SWTPC Tiger 01 60 watt mono power amp kits. I bought a pair of demo Dynaco A25 speakers and a B.I.C 940 turntable.
NOTE: If you are viewing this on a computer, clicking on any picture will open a second window over this one. You click through or use your right and left arrow keys to look at the photos. They will be larger than seen here. If you are viewing it on a device such as a phone or tablet, I do not know if that works the same way.
NOTE: If you are viewing this on a computer, clicking on any picture will open a second window over this one. You click through or use your right and left arrow keys to look at the photos. They will be larger than seen here. If you are viewing it on a device such as a phone or tablet, I do not know if that works the same way.
Back then, Quadraphonic sound was the new thing and Dynaco built a device called a Dynaquad. Image below is from the Internet.
There were at least three competing Quad systems that decoded the rear channel's sounds from record grooves.
Dynaco's idea was simpler and passive. It did a pretty good job of simulating quad.
In the 1990's, Panor Corporation bought the rights to the Dynaco name and began building high end audio equipment. They also updated the 1970's circuitry and added a center channel. The QD-1 Series II was their least expensive item. I bought it directly from Panor.
They updated it a couple times and the QD-2 (rear seen below) was the final iteration and it, at last, included three-way binding/banana post terminals.
They also added a shiny black chrome faceplate that sadly shows every fingerprint. "In situ" below.
When I first got the one above, I wrote about it here:
As you can see above, I have two other Panor-era Dynaco components, their PAT-6 Preamp/Tuner and ST-200 power amp. Both purchased used. I considered the twice as powerful ST-400 Series II power amp, but while playing 3 dB louder, it only has one set of speaker terminals and no controls.
The first time around, I used my Dynaco A25XL speakers as surrounds. The room was quite crowded. I soon had them on stands shown below.
You have no doubt realized that the room has changed. The huge record shelves now sit where the stereo rack/shelf sat.
Because of the Tannoy C-88 speakers I found and upgraded: Tannoy C-88 Twin Tweeter Transplant Step By Step the Dynaco speakers were just sitting in the back of the room.
Since I do not collect equipment and thus is not being used, I decided to move the A25XL speakers to the living room. "Better to ask forgiveness...", (she said no when I proposed the move), I waited a week or so and moved them anyway. She accepted that they looked okay there, what with all the wooden things we have in that end of the house.
Since I do not collect equipment and thus is not being used, I decided to move the A25XL speakers to the living room. "Better to ask forgiveness...", (she said no when I proposed the move), I waited a week or so and moved them anyway. She accepted that they looked okay there, what with all the wooden things we have in that end of the house.
But now, I had the Cambridge Soundworks speakers on stands from the living room just sitting where the A25XLs had been. That would not do.
Since the room was airier now, I decided to hook them up via the QD-2 (thus also having IT also out of the closet and working) and placed them as seen flanking my much loved and threadbare old reclining wingback chair.
Yes, you keen eyes have detected that the Klipsch KG4 speakers are no longer in the listening room. The Tannoy C-88s flank the shelf and Cerwin-Vega! LS-12s are on the outside.
Explained: Klipsch KG4 OR Cerwin-Vega! LS-12 Speakers?
Explained: Klipsch KG4 OR Cerwin-Vega! LS-12 Speakers?
The Tannoy had become my favorite speakers since I upgraded them and I rarely used the Klipsch. And I found that I was using my Cerwin-Vega! LS-12 speakers way more than the other pairs of speakers in THIS room.
Plus everything else in the listening room is black, so I did the swap. And boy are those C-V's heavy!
Plus everything else in the listening room is black, so I did the swap. And boy are those C-V's heavy!
Many poo-poo Cerwin-Vega speakers, these are the only ones I have ever found in the wild, but I think they sound great. Having the largest woofers and highest efficiency of any of my speakers, they are great for when I play Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture, especially the Telarc SACD or the Mercury Records version. Both of which have the best cannon shots.
I toyed with the idea of having the small speakers turned to face me/the chair. But as they have a good dispersion and in this case are meant to augment the stereo sound from the front speakers.
I found that they are just audible enough to really expand the sound into the room.
Have you ever stood between your speakers when the music is playing, in my case in front of the record shelf?
If not, try it. You will immediately feel like you are standing on stage. The dispersed sound is a wall all around you.
With the rear speakers, the high frequencies (being directional and thus less obvious so close to the shelf) are still heard since they are pointed to the front of the room.
I recommend looking for one of the Dynaco QD components, either one of the 1970's originals or a QD-1 Series II or IIL or if you can find one a QD-2. Give it a try. No power needed. Just a couple or speakers for the rear and wires for them.
I really appreciate your taking the time to read my humble words and view my images. It is your kind words and comments that keep me writing and shooting.
Scott
August 25, 2019
#323
I toyed with the idea of having the small speakers turned to face me/the chair. But as they have a good dispersion and in this case are meant to augment the stereo sound from the front speakers.
I found that they are just audible enough to really expand the sound into the room.
Have you ever stood between your speakers when the music is playing, in my case in front of the record shelf?
If not, try it. You will immediately feel like you are standing on stage. The dispersed sound is a wall all around you.
With the rear speakers, the high frequencies (being directional and thus less obvious so close to the shelf) are still heard since they are pointed to the front of the room.
I recommend looking for one of the Dynaco QD components, either one of the 1970's originals or a QD-1 Series II or IIL or if you can find one a QD-2. Give it a try. No power needed. Just a couple or speakers for the rear and wires for them.
I really appreciate your taking the time to read my humble words and view my images. It is your kind words and comments that keep me writing and shooting.
Scott
August 25, 2019
#323
