Funny how that's happened.

I bought my first stereo in 1970 when I was 18. I bought a used Dynaco PAS-2 pre-amp and a used Dynaco 70 Power amp because the sound quality was good and they were cheap, $50 for the pair! Both had tubes during a time when transistors had taken over the audio world. Only those massive chrome and black MacIntosh tube amps held any value.

By 1981, when I bought this tube pre-amp used for $250, tubes were on their way back.



This is the first generation Conrad-Johnson pre-amp. The block of lead that you see on top of it was my way of damping the chassis. Otherwise a noticeable vibration-induced hum could occur at higher volumes. I recently sent it back to Conrad-Johnson for refurbishment at a cost about 1 1/2 times what I originally paid for it. I'm afraid it is probably the last piece of tube gear I will be able to afford.

Brent