WiredState Audio Community

Hi guys I've only heard the ST70 driving a pair of Spendor ls35a's and the combination was magic. Unfortunately, ls35a's are hard to come by here as are s3/5's and SE's. What sort of speaker character/qualities should I be looking for that will bring out the best in the ST70?

Music selection is eclectic although mostly jazz, soul, female vocals, ambient. Room size is about 3.5m long, 3m deep with low cathedral ceiling (attic type space).

Any NO NO's when pairing with the ST 70? Thanks for any inputs/insights you guys might have.

A stock ST-70 will usually have a fat, tubby bass with roled off highs. So it is necessary to restore any ST-70 before one can really appreciate its capabilities.

A properly restored (or modified) unit can match most speakers. Some people take the "restoration" route while others "modify" the unit with new driver boards & other "tweaks".

Read more about it here:
ST-70 Mods

Generally for this amp, I would try to stay away from speakers with a forward sounding or overemphasized midband, especially those with rolled off lows at the same time.

Thanks Grant. Any brands/models come to mind for both a good match and for ones to avoid?

Hi ganjaman.
I use my ST-70 with a pair of Epos ES 14's and the sound is just amazing. Why don't you drop by one of these days and listen to them? Txt me at 0917-4801403.

You have a great vintage amp! I've recently heard a modified Stereo 70 with Triangle Titus speakers. This was an outstanding near-field setup. What preamp are you using? What tubes in the 70?
Dan

docmike wrote:Hi ganjaman.
I use my ST-70 with a pair of Epos ES 14's and the sound is just amazing. Why don't you drop by one of these days and listen to them? Txt me at 0917-4801403.

this indeed is a good combo...unfortunately, the es14 has long been out of production. i have one unit with a busted woofer and i can't find a replacement.

another good speaker to match up with the st70 is the spendor s3/5, even better i believe than the epos.

Thanks for your inputs guys. Not actually an owner yet of this legendary power amplifier but I hope to be. Future planning lang. V_D i should have tried with your Spendor when I was there last Sunday.

BTW, I've listened to it with a Coincident Triumph Signature improperly placed and played with a Samsung DVD player and I'm at a loss for words. The detail, resolution, soundstage...Would welcome more suggestions or leads...

Docmike, i would like that very much. Thanks for the gracious invite...

I don't know if you guys are familiar, or have come across with this one, but I am using a Spica TC50 for my ST70.

Lacks that home theater/sub-woofer type of bottom end, but I'm happy with its mids.

my brother has that speaker before (pyramid shape, yellowish finish). he used to bi amped it with tube pre amp, tube amp for the highs and s/s/ amp for the lows using dalhquist xover and ofcourse used a tt for front end. if you can have that setup you'll be rewarded with the best imaging i've heard so far.

m_shoe_maker quotes:

I don't know if you guys are familiar, or have come across with this one, but I am using a Spica TC50 for my ST70.

Now thats the grand daddy of the Wilson WATT the Spica TC-50 was Wilson's monitor
speakers when he was still involve in recording.
These are some classic speakers and the Angelus.

The ST 70 I'm currently using was built by Hypertriode himself. What's so different about this unit is that it's hardwired - no PCB's! Am now using Siemens EL34's. I tried using a Foreplay based preamp, but I finally partnered it with Hypertriodes passive attenuator using an Alps blue potentiometer. For me, this was a better match.

Sounds really good with the Epos 14's. I also tried to partner the ST70 with Triangle Antal XS floorstanders, and I was overwhelmed with the sound! The Antals are partnered with my JE Labs 300B monoblocks, but these floorstanders prove to be a good match for the ST70. I'd really like to hear how the Triangle Titus would sound with the ST70.

Im using my ST70 with B&W 603. Very easy to drive

Thanks again guys.

Levi, you might want to consider DocMike's route with regard to a preamp. I myself have listened to the ST70 with another type of ALPS pot and the simplicity of the setup enhances what the power amp is really all about.

Is there a triangle dealer in town? Has anyone tried with a Signet SL260?

DocMike, hardwired huh? Another good reason to drop by for a short listen.

ambel wrote:Now thats the grand daddy of the Wilson WATT the Spica TC-50 was Wilson's monitor speakers when he was still involve in recording.
These are some classic speakers and the Angelus.

Yup, that's the one. These are pretty old speakers. I'm happy to hear that botching and ambel are familiar with these. Audiophiles who started the hobby only during the 90s normally ask me: "What are those weird looking speakers " I'd say: "Spica". They would say: "Spica Ano yun "

marty_e wrote:Thanks again guys.

Levi, you might want to consider DocMike's route with regard to a preamp. I myself have listened to the ST70 with another type of ALPS pot and the simplicity of the setup enhances what the power amp is really all about.

Is there a triangle dealer in town? Has anyone tried with a Signet SL260?

DocMike, hardwired huh? Another good reason to drop by for a short listen.

I think you are right. The more I listen to the ST70 with Hyper's attenuator the better it gets. Im very busy now so I dont get a chance to really use my amp. Thanks

im using my stock st70 with b&w 302. pre amp pas3 guapo ang dating ng sound para sa kin.

hey m_shoe_maker, in case you want to let go of this spica anytime, just let me know

botching wrote:hey m_shoe_maker, in case you want to let go of this spica anytime, just let me know

I think Lito Gelano still has a pair for sale.

what's his phone no? i'll ask my brother to see him. ive dealt a couple of times with him way back in early 80's before i became an ocw.
thanks

Hey botching, sent u a PM.