Vintage DYNACO Stereo 120A two-channel power amplifier, c. 1972-superb condition
Friday, February 27th, 2026
Offered for your consideration is a vintage DYNACO STEREO 120A two-channel power amplifier, USA-manufactured c. As you may know, the Dyna Company, later DYNACO, was founded in 1955 by David Hafler and made its name producing quality, affordable vacuum tube amplifiers in factory-assembled and partial kit form. The STEREO 120, or ST 120-the first solid-state amplifier from DYNACO -was introduced in 1965, several years after the technology had become widespread in the audio marketplace. The ST 120 was released after a few years of developments and testing, and only when Hafler felt that it performed as well, and was as dependable, as their venerable tube amplifiers. A 1966 review in Stereophile saw noted audio writer Gordon Holt praise the ST 120, comparing its sound favorably with earlier Dyna tube amplifiers, and also a pair of the renowned Marantz 8B mono tube amps, which put sales of their newest unit on the fast track. Like their tube amps and preamps, the ST 120 was available in partial kit form, and also a factory-wired 120A like the unit shown here. It features a handsome, modestly-sized chassis of chrome-plated steel with fully-perforated, black-enameled steel cover. As on their earlier amps, the 120 model name had meaning; 120 total watts, or 60 watts per channel, which was a significant output level when it was introduced in the mid 1960′s. So, please see my large photos, the specification scan, and read the remaining description to decide if this exceptional DYNACO power amp should be yours. This ST 120A amplifier is in very clean, excellent condition. Adult-owned since new and used sparingly, there are no dents, dings, or scratches on the enclosure. Plus, the chrome shines brilliantly without the tarnish, oxidation, pitting, and even rust seen on many other 120A’s. Also, the lettering is crisp and the power toggle switch works smoothly, glowing a pleasant orange when on. Overall, this DYNACO amp is exceptionally well preserved and presents very nicely. In addition, the original power cord was stiff and cracked, so it was replaced with a new, two-prong grounded plug cord. The interior received a careful dusting and wipe down, and a 1972 date code was noted on one of the huge capacitors giving the likely manufacture date range for the amp. And, since the cover was off, I took the opportunity to take photos of the amp’s interior for your review. Most importantly, the amplifier has been fully tested, receiving signals from my trusted, silver-faced DENON PRA-1000 preamp. Plus, the convenient, side-mounted +/- output terminals are sturdy binding posts, able to accommodate banana plugs, pin terminations, and, of course, raw speaker wire. Lastly, the ST 120A’s durability is legendary with Gordon Holt famously trying to break one during his review testing, and couldn’t! Needless to say, it’s not daunted by driving the most challenging 4? Speakers to their limit. In closing, you’d be hard-pressed to encounter a finer example of the ST 120A. As pictured and described, this splendid DYNACO STEREO 120A power amplifier is offered at a competitive price. What’s more, I don’t know how the unit will be put to use by the new owner, their degree of experience with audio equipment, or the quality/condition of the equipment it will be connected to. This is a well-built amplifier, so I don’t foresee any problems, but nevertheless needed to state the above. And, I’d like you to be the next one! A sturdy box, perhaps two, lined with dense foam panels (and/or other protective materials as I deem fit), will be used to ensure no disappointments upon arrival. Local pick-up is fine, actually preferred, for those in the Chicago-Milwaukee metro area (or farther if you’re willing to make the drive). We’re located about 35 miles north of downtown and some 20 miles south of the WI State line at Kenosha. For international buyers that use a U.
