I am running KLH Model 17s (sometimes A25s) with a small sub on my Fisher 400.

Would a restored ST-70 w/ PAS-2 be an upgrade or just 'different?'

Has anyone compared both setups?

I know there seems to many mods for the ST-70 available. Is there one that would make the comparison much more in favor of the ST-70?

I am listening to vinyl - mostly classic rock and jazz in a smaller room.

Thanks:)

I've never heard a 400, but I would guess that it would be "just different," and not really worth the change. But then again, I don't know much about the sonics of the 7868.

Not an upgrade; just different (without heavy mods to the Dynaco preamp and poweramp). For me, the ST-70 in stock form pretty much defines tube sound in the way its detractors portray it. The PAS-2 is OK stock (better than many give it credit for) but pretty uninspiring.

A 400 refreshed with decent parts (just Illinois caps or Orange Drops) is pretty respectable sounding in my experience.

I have a 90's production ST70 Series 2, basically the same circuit with modern parts and a few changes from experiences with the original. I upgraded the caps to MIT's. I also have a Fisher 400 restored/upgraded. Both sound very good with my ST70 having a bit more detail and a bit more power but I honestly can't say better. The Fisher 400 is a fantastic receiver and unless you have a very good tuner it will be hard to beat a properly operating 400's FM section, and I'm still not through with tweaking my 400. Keep in mind that's a stock type ST70 circuit. Combined with my Mac MX110 as a pre, that's a great combination but I would never sell my 400. Different is probably what you'll notice with each one having their own benefits. The phono section is ok in the 400 when compared to a good modern pre or my MX110.