Great read, 4play. thank you. I am inclined to agree with you about the st35 vs the st70..a matter of taste for us, of course
Quoting Harvey A Kader "The frequency response of the ST-35 is rated at +-1 dB 10Hz to 40kHz. The frequency response of the ST-70 is rated at +-0.5 dB 10Hz to 40kHz. In listening tests, it became obvious that the ST-35 produces less bass than the ST-70. The EL84 output tubes in the ST-35 are smaller in size than the EL34 tubes found in the ST-70. They characteristically do not have the bass response of the EL34 tube. So, although bass is present in the sound produced by the ST-35, it just can’t compare to the thunder of the ST-70. This in spite of the fact that the ST-35 has solid state rectification. Solid state rectification by its nature tends to yield more bass than the vacuum tube counterpart. For example, the bass response of the ST-70 can be made greater by the switch to solid state rectification as in the Dynaco ST-70 Series II(see previous articles on original Dynaco ST-70 versus Dynaco ST-70 Series II in TNT Audio).
The ST-35 has a wonderful sound with fantastic midrange response. The human voice in singing comes through very smoothly. The ST-35 really shines in the midrange. The midrange is exactly where the human voice is positioned on the frequency scale. So although bass response is subdued, midrange come through almost lifelike. Even more so than in the ST-70. The sound of the ST-35 is sweet and smooth. It is mellow and laid back. "Easy listening" are two words which aptly describe the personality of this amplifier The volume capability was less than the ST-70, but this was expected since the ST-35 is rated at one-half the wattage of the ST-70. Nonetheless, there was sufficient volume to fill a medium size living room, and even then the volume control was set at only the twelve o’clock position.
Although the ST-35 has the power to fill a living room, it is best at home in a smaller room. In such an environment, it can produce ear splitting volume if needed, especially with CDs which have a relatively large dynamic range.
The Dynaco ST-35 is rare and difficult to find. Demand has outstripped supply, so when an excellent to mint example is offered for sale, the price escalates on internet auction sites. If you come across one that meets your approval, it is probably a good time to purchase it. You will be rewarded with a sweet pure sound like none other, and you will have the satisfaction that you are listening to the rarest of the Dynaco amplifiers. Good things do come in small packages."