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Update My Dynaco Store

Everything you need to update
your Stereo 120, SCA-80(Q), Stereo 80, PAT-4, PAT-5, FM-5, or AF-6, and now the GT-102 Power Amplifier Kit!

PAT-4 Preamp PAT-5 Preamp Stereo 120 Stereo 80
SCA-80(Q) Integrated Amp FM-5/AF6 Tuner Hafler DH-101 Stereo 400/410/416
Big Capacitors RCA Jacks For Vintage Equipment Speaker Jacks Miscellaneous Hardware
Soldering Practice Stereo 150 PAS-3X Stereo 70
Pay Pal Logo

Visit the Akitika Store if you'd like to buy the sub-modules from a GT-101 for your own special projects

Selling separate components from the GT-101 began when a customer wanted to build a seven channel amplifier. He bought 7 amplifier modules, 3 power supply regulators, and 3 power transformers. The light-bulb over my head went on...Maybe lots of other DIY'ers would like to build special amp configurations in their own custom enclosures. By offering the modules and parts, everyone wins.

Do you have a custom amplifier project in mind? This is the place. Have questions? Send email to dan@updatemydynaco.com.

Visit the Akitika Store to see the GT-102 Power Amp or PR-102 Preamp!


PAT-5 Preamp Enhancements


PAT-5 Preamp Line Stage Kit (PAT5LS) $92

PAT-5 Preamp Line Stage Kit

If you have an old PAT-5, the capacitors are probably pretty well shot. You could replace them, and that would help, but with this kit you'd be doing better. Instead of electrolytic caps, all the caps in the signal path are film caps. That's as good as you can get. It's hard to get a lot of capacitance with film caps, so we've used lots of them in parallel to get the needed size while preserving the linearity.

But that's not all! (Sorry if this is starting to sound like a late night UHF TV commercial...It's just really cool!) The PCB design is double sided, with a ground plane. It's completely compatible with all the existing controls, pots, and push-buttons. It uses modern low-distortion, low noise opamps, better than anything available when the PAT-5 was born. This will take a PAT-5 from darn good, and bring it all the way to crazy-good.

The kit contains parts and PCB's for both channels, as well as the niceities you've come to expect...wire labels to make the installation go smoothly, keps nuts to make reassembly easier, and a manual that lays everything out in a clear, step-by-step fashion.

The kit is in-stock and shipping! Order your kit today...and be sure to look further down the page...We supply the kit with NE5532 Opamps, used everywhere in recording studios. Still, you can even take this further, and choose different opamps, and install sockets if you want to do experiments.


PAT-5 Phono Preamp Kit (PAT5PHONO) $89

PAT-5 Phono Preamp Kit

The PAT-5's original phono preamp can be greatly improved upon. We've made a new kit that drops right in to replace the original phono preamp PCB's. It has lower noise. It has more accurate equalization. It has gold-plated jumper-selectable capacitive loading, gold-plated jumper-selectable gain (30, 33, 36, 39, and 42 dB at 1 kHz), and gold-plated jumper-selectable high-pass filtering. It has all the great things that have made the PHONOZ preamp for the PR-101 a favorite of audiophiles the world over.

Each kit contains two circuit boards and all the parts you need for both a right and a left channel of moving magnet phono preamplification. These boards fit on the same mounting brackets as the original phono preamps, so they'll drop right in. You will need to use Rev E (or later) of the Updatemydynaco upgraded power supply for the PAT-5. If you have Rev D or earlier, please also order the PAT5EUP kit listed below.

Installing this upgrade for the phono preamp will give you a world-class phono preamp at an amazing low price. Combine it with the PAT-5 line stage upgrade, and you'll get multi-thousand dollar sound at less than a tenth of that amount. Like all Akitika/Updatemydynaco products, we've tried to hit the sweet spot. But we know that some of you like to go even further.

To that end, we offer the following optional upgrades

The kit is in stock. Order your kit today!


Improved Power Supply Kit for the PAT-5 Preamplifier (PAT5PWR) - $50.00

PAT-5 Upgrade Power Supply

This is the original improved replacement power supply for the PAT5 Preamplifier. It's completely compatible with the original preamp, providing both +/15V and +42 supplies. It can also be wired for either 120 Volts or 240 volts. A good power supply is critical to good sound, and the original PAT-5 power supply could be greatly improved. This new power supply has 100 times better regulation and 100 times less noise. You can find more information on the PAT5 Pages.


Efficient Power Supply Kit for the PAT-5 Preamplifier (PAT5PM15) - $50.00

PAT-5 PM15 Power Supply Is More efficient and cooler running

PAT5PM15 – Compared to the PAT5PWR, the PAT5PM15 power supply runs cooler, saving about 3 Watts. Here’s how. The stock PAT5 uses +/-15 volts for the line stage and +42 volts for the phono stage. If you replace the original phono stage with the Updatemydynaco phono stage, you only need +/-15 volts. That lets you re-wire the power transformer, letting everything run much cooler. The only downside? This power supply only runs on 120 volts. If you need to run on 240 volts or need 42 volts for an original phono preamp, then use the PAT5PWR.


PAT-5 Preamp Power-on/Power-off Mute (PAT5PM) $21.95

PAT-5 Preamp with power-on/power-off mute kit installed

PAT-5 preamps are perpetually powered. Yes...there's a power switch, but it only controls the convenience outlets.The preamp circuits are always on! Dynaco changed to the always-on power wiring shortly after the PAT-5 was introduced. It was the cheapest way to avoid power up and power down pulses. Unchecked, these pulses, passed through a 200 Watt per-channel amplifier like the Stereo 400, could turn woofers into toast.

Updatemydynaco makes the power muting board that the PAT-5 should have had all along. Just follow the directions in the manual as you build and install the PAT-5 Power Mute Kit into your PAT-5. The kit keeps the preamp's outputs quiet until the turn-on transients have passed. At turn-off, or any loss of power, the kit mutes the outputs quickly, before the power supply voltage sags enough to cause problems.

The kit is in stock and ready for delivery.It's compatible with Updatemydynaco modules. Assembly and installation are quick and easy. Order your kit today, and you'll have a great project for the next rainy day.


Replacement RCA Jacks for PAT5 Preamp(PAT5RCAJ)-$21.00

PAT5 RCA Jack Kit installed into a PAT-5 Preamp

PAT-5 with the new jack kit.

This kit is for the PAT-5. Its RCA jacks can get pretty oxidized and just plain crummy with time. The picture below shows an SCA-80 with original, oxidized jacks. That oxide makes it hard to get a good low resistance connection, which can lead to lots of extra noise and distortion. You can replace all your RCA input and output jacks with this kit, get great connections, and great sound. Check out the pictures above or below to see the beautiful gold plated RCA jacks that are part of this kit.

At just $21 plus shipping, the price is practically a give-away!

Note: It's easy to change the jacks if yours are held in by screws. If they're held in by rivets, think carefully before purchasing this kit. The rivets can be drilled out, but it's a lot more work!


Great Ground for PAT5 and SCA80 (GREATGND) $1.99

Great Ground Kit for SCA80 and PAT5

The original connection for the phono wire ground was a sheet metal screw into the chassis. The "cheese" factor is a bit high on that arrangement, and you can make it a lot better for just $1.99. Remove the original screw, and possibly open the hole a bit. Then insert the 1/2" sem screw from the inside of the chassis. The built-in lockwasher grabs the chassis to make a good ground connection. Now install the keps nut from the outside. Once again, the built-in lockwasher makes a good ground connection. Top it off with a knurled brass thumb-nut and you have a great ground. Why is it great? Because now you can securely connect your turntable ground to your amp or preamp without having to find or fiddle with a screwdriver!


PAT-5 Preamp Line Stage or Phono Stage Gold Plated Sockets $4 for 4 sockets (GPS4)

Some audio guys love to experiment, swapping opamps and listening to music far into the night. This kit provides 4 high quality, gold plated, 8 pin DIP sockets so you can indulge your desires, and swap till you drop. Warning: Although it's MUCH easier to swap socketed ICs than soldered IC's, it's still tough to do when the Line Stage or Phono Stage PCB's are installed in a PAT-5. However, if you want to preserve that option in the realm of the possible, then get this kit. Later kits on this page offer popular alternative opamps to populate these sockets.


LME49720 Opamps $16 for 4 Dual Opamps (LME49720X4)

LME49720 opamps are very well regarded. Do they sound better than the NE5532's that come stock with the PAT5 Line Stage kit? Find out when you buy this kit. It contains 4 of the famous LME49720 dual-opamps in 8 pin DIP packages. Plug them into your PAT-5 Line Stage or Phono preamp boards, and see which ones you like best. Will it be the stock NE5532's, these LM49720 opamps, or something else? Note that you can also use these opamps in the high level positions of the PAT5PHONO kit.


OPA2134 Opamps $24 for 4 Dual Opamps (OPA2134X4)

OP2134 opamps are also very well regarded. They have JFET inputs, rather than the bipolar transistors you'll find in the LME49720 opamps. Do they sound better than the NE5532's that come stock with the PAT5 Line Stage kit? Find out when you buy this kit. It contains 4 of the OPA2134 JFET input dual-opamps in 8 pin DIP packages. Plug them into your PAT-5 Line Stage or Phono Preamp boards, and see which ones you like best. Will it be the stock NE5532's, these OPA2134 opamps, or something else? Note that you can also use these opamps in high level positions of the PAT5PHONO kit.


OPA1611 Opamps $19 for 2 Single Opamps pre-assembled to adapters (OPA1611X2)

The 5534's that are stock in the phono preamp kits are amazingly quiet and low distortion single op-amps. Quite frankly, it's hard to find a quieter opamp. However, there is one. The OPA1611 has even lower noise voltage and current than the 5534. However, the OPA1611 only comes in surface mount. Because of that, we've pre-assembled the OPA1611s onto surface-mount to thru-hole adapters. You can use these in either the PAT5PHONO kit, or the PHONOZ kit for the PR-101. These opamps are pretty expensive, but they are a little quieter than the 5534. Quite frankly, the difference isn't big, so I thought it best to let you see it for yourself. The following figure compares the noise with a 5534 to that of the OPA1611 in the PR101 circuit. In the range from 100 Hz to 2 kHz, the OPA1611 is between 0 and 6 dB quieter than the 5534. Below 100 Hz, the 5534 is still quieter. Since noise is integrated over frequency, the OPA1611 will overall be quieter.

PAT-5 Preamp Line Stage Kit

Please note that the pins for these adapters are too big to insert into a socket. Because of this, you'll have to insert these directly into the PCB. Note that these can be also used in the PR101 phono preamp.


PAT-5 Preamp Tone Control Pots (PAT5TNPT)

Quantity
PAT-5 Preamp Tone Control Pot works for either bass or treble control

The tone control pots for a PAT-5 seem to be made from pure unobtanium. It's a dual pot, with dual concentric shafts, and a special taper. They just don't make them anymore! But, I have commissioned a supplier, and worked closely with them to get all the details right. The result? These are drop-in replacements for PAT-5 tone control pots. The PAT-5 uses the same kind in both the bass and treble controls. We've set up special pricing for you, where you get a break when you buy two pots. Make your PAT-5 operate as smoothly as it did just after you built it with these beautiful new tone control pots.

This item is in stock, but quantities are limited, so order now!


PAT-5 Preamp Balance Pot [PAT5BALPT] $12.00

The original PAT5 balance pot is a custom value that is no longer available. The replacement kit we offer does a pretty good job of replacing the original balance control, although the replacement has about 3 dB more attenuation. This is typically never a problem as the PAT5 has a lot more gain than anyone ever needs. The replacement gives you a quiet, accurate, low distortion replacement for the original control.


PAT-5 Preamp VolumeControl Replacement [PAT5VCR] $10.00

PAT-5 Preamp volume control replacement installation

The original PAT5 volume control pot is a custom value (15K) that is no longer available. The replacement kit we offer provides the same high quality dual audio taper pot used in the GT-102/104/108 power amps, along with a pair of 4.99K 1% metal film resistors to make the adaptation complete. The replacement process is quite straightforward, described in the PAT5 Volume Control Replacement manual.


FM-5/AF-6 Tuner Enhancements


FM-5/AF-6 Stereo Volume Control and Power Switch(FM5VCAS) $21.99

FM-5/AF-6 Stereo volume control with power switch

The FM-5/AF-6 combined the stereo volume control and power switch in one control. Fully counterclockwise turns the power off. Just a bit clockwise and the switch turns on, and then the volume increases as you go further clockwise. The pots both have the 20K audio taper called for in the manual. The part drops right in, a perfect replacement for the original. And most importantly, it's in stock for immediate delivery!


FM-5 Tuner Replacement RCA Jacks (FM5RCA)-$9.99

comparing new and old RCA jacks for an FM-5 tuner

The picture (above) shows how bad the RCA jacks can get. The bottom row of RCA jacks (for the RIGHT channel) are the original ones. The top row of RCA jacks (for the LEFT channel) are gold plated and new.

This kit contains

This is a quick and easy kit to install, assuming that your RCA jacks are held in with screws, not rivets. It will make a dramatic difference in the quality of the connections between your tuner and the rest of the system. Order your kit today!


FM-5 and AF-6 Tuner Replacement Cartridge Lamps for Front Panel (FM5CLR)-$15.00

original cartridge lamp with end-caps removed, and a new LED-based lamp with recycled end-caps

An original cartridge lamp with the end caps removed. Make sure to save the end-caps. New LED-based lamp uses recycled end-caps

The original dial lamps for the FM-5 were completely custom. Their form is what is generally know as a "cartridge lamp". It looks like a 3AG fuse, but it's longer and thinner, and it's a light bulb, not a fuse. Of course, these original lamps are totally unavailable. This kit recycles the old end-caps. You'll combine your old end-caps with a brand new pre-built small surface mount PCB that has LEDs to replace the original lamps. The kit includes 2 assembled PCBs, enough to replace both cartridge lamps. The LEDs should last much longer than the original incandescent lamps. They'll restore your FM-5 or AF-6 front panel to its original luminous loveliness.

The surface mount PCB comes pre-built and tested. You'll add one thru hole capacitor (supplied) as you finish the assembly by transferring end-caps from your old cartridge lamp. This kit provides a set of two replacement lamps.

Limited quantities are now in stock!


Stereo 120 Power Amp Enhancements


Two Single Channel Amplifier Module Kits (TCK2) - $123.00 gets you both channels! (Stereo 120 Power Amplifier)

IN STOCK!

TI is shipping LM3886 power amp integrated circuits, and we are shipping the most popular upgrade kit for the Stereo 120.

Assembled Pair of amplifier modules.

A Pair of Assembled TCK2 channels. Please note: the TCK2 comes unassembled...it is a kit!

The kit comes with thermal compound and the lugs and wire you need to make your Stereo 120 better than new.

The kit that started everyone Updating their Dynacos is now better than ever. It now comes standard with the technology that makes the GT-101 so popular:

Here's the story...practically everyone who ordered the original TCK kit was upgrading it with the 10,000 uF capacitor option. So now, it's included in the TCK2 kit.

The kit includes circuit boards and parts, enough to build a left and a right channel amplifier module to replace the original amplifier modules in your Stereo 120. We supply everything you need, electronic components, PCBs, thermal compound, new hardware, and new wire (you'll also recycle some wire from your old amp modules).

The Assembly Manual can be found here.


Two Assembled and Tested Single Channel Amplifier Modules (TCA2) - $173.00 gets you both channels!

In Stock! LM3886's are available!

two assembled kits

You get two assembled and tested updated amplifier modules (with 10,000 uF output capacitors and 0.1% gain setting resistors. You still need to remove the old amplifier modules from your Stereo 120, mount, and wire in the updated modules. We give you all the components and hardware you need to complete the job.

This link lists the Assembly Manuals for the various possible final assembly options. Select one of these manuals to guide you through final assembly, e.g. wiring the assembled modules into your Stereo 120, depending upon whatever other options you may have ordered.


Stereo 120 Replacement/Upgraded Power Supply Kit (PSUG)-$39.00

replacement power supply kit

Does your Dynaco Stereo 120 have power supply problems? Our kit may be just what you need. The original Dynaco Stereo 120's power supply was a classic, clever, Dynaco design. Unfortunately, its performance depends upon unpredictable parameters in the transistors. As such, it has a reputation of being a bit temperamental, and a bear to repair.

Our new design drops right in, replacing the PC-15 regulator board and Q9 pass transistor. It re-uses the existing capacitors, power transformer, and heat sink. It has slow start, predictable current limiting, short circuit protection, accurate output voltage, super low output impedance, and low noise. It's compatible with both the original Dynaco Amplifier Modules, and the Updatemydynaco replacement amplifier modules.

The kit contains everything you need to get your power supply into tip top shape...

The picture shows an assembled power supply, but remember...you will receive this as a kit. The kit is easy to build. It uses all through-hole components. The circuit board has been specially designed with generous spacing between all the soldered points, making assembly easy. P.S. - I'm sure that some buyers of this replacement power supply will do so in the search for superior sound, even if their existing power supply works fine.

dashed line

Assembled and Tested  Stereo 120 Replacement/Upgraded Power Supply Kit (PSUGA)-$79.00

This is an assembled and tested version of the PSUG kit shown above. You still have to install it into your Stereo 120, but buying in this form may be the right choice for some. We build and test each to order, so shipments happen about 1 week after your order is received.


Stereo 120 Complete Rebuild Kit Level 2 (ST120CRKL2) -$251.99

In stock! We have LM3886's, TI is shipping!

Side view, cover removed, of full Monte Stereo 120.

This is the full monte Stereo 120 Complete Rebuild kit. Since introducing this kit, the ST120CRK and ST120CRKL1 sales have gone away. Everyone Has chosen the ST120CRKL2 owing to its increased performance and value. The ST120CRKL2 kit has: