Before I switched to the Paramounts as my main amp I was using a Dynaco and was thinking about getting a quad. I don't have any personal experience other than to say I read all of the posts on these I saw on Audioasylum. There was not one negative review that I remember. Everyone wo bought a set said they were the best output tubes of all new production and most thought they rivaled, if not surpassed, NOS.

I really, really love mine. And the ability to convert it 6SN7 (or 7N7 and 7AF7 and others) makes it fun to own.

An out of the box suggestion, consider a DAC plus a transport. I bought an Ack Dac (1.something) and haven't looked back other than to upgrade the transport and digital interconnect. I think that the DAC is top notch. Generally it is the transport part of the CD player (drawer, etc.) that dies. This way you can spend a larger part on the DAC and then upgrade other parts as you see fit. A really nice, used DVD player makes a fantastic transport. I bought one that retailed for over $1,500 for less

I have to agree it is an entire project that is very involving and very enjoyable. Plus it is a great value propositiong and it allows you to interchange parts with boutique parts and experiement. A good used preamp that you then upgrade, I don't know, but it might be more expensive due to the base price of the used pre versus a scratch build. I would be interested to see a comparison. Lastly, for those of us that can solder and follow directions but are still learning to read a schematic, unless

Apparently this is a rather special amp and I am trying to find what would be a reasonable price. Nothing on ebay and not a single amp for sale on the net. Any help would be appreciated if you have seen one for sale. Thanks! Paul

I go the all tube route myself but whenever I see hybrid it is a tube pre and any discussion of mixing the two always centers around a tube pre and solid state amp. I have never even seen a discussion where anyone seriously considering the reverse.

I love my Paramounts, don't get me wrong, but I also love my Dynaco ST-70. And the thought of finding a mess of MK III, which I have been lusting after just for the sheer joy of rebuilding something new and different, is awesome. And Genelex to boot! I am sure you know all about the dangers of leaving those can caps in and what the old tube sockets can do amongst other things that need to be updated. It looks like you probably have some soldering in your future! Don't forget the Dynaco Doctor

I upgraded from EH 12at7 to CV4024 in my Paramounts. In that application the Mullards are worth every penny. On the EL34 front when you get the itch again I would highly recommend EH 6CA7. Love those tubes, and they glow really well! If you can find a good, reliable dealer who can sort out the rejects and small pin issues the JJ KT77 are some of the best tubes I have ever heard. Enjoy!

Those tubes if Genelex, and it looked like a Mullard GZ34, might be more expensive to replace than the amps. Nice find, I am truly jealous.

Then of course you can upgrade to Magnequest output transformers and chokes. Then you will want to hear what a pair of Paramounts can do. You're just getting started.