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Time for the Dynaco to go, Affordable Integrated or Separates for Wilson's Under $2.5K?

Hi Everyone can it be done?, At the recommendation of a few nice members here, I decided to head in a different direction and find Pre-Owned separates or a nice integrated for my Wilson Audio Watt3/Puppy 2’s. The room is 20x25 but I stit close and do not play loud, I live in a Condo. I am replacing Dynaco MK3’s and like a Musical non-Analytical sound. I am like the idea of VTL, Mcintosh, Rogue, Hegel, and AR. But open to anything. The problem is my budget. How the heck am I going to make Wilson’s sing with so little cabbage. I would like to spend up to $1,000 for the Pre and $2,000 for the Amp. The less the better. Or under $2,000 for an integrated. I have no idea why I want to spend less on an integrated. HELP, I can’t decide. The members here are awesome! Kind and willing to help. All your experience is greatly appreciated!! John
128x128johnwahl
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
12,059 posts
 
Do the amps not have enough power?

Did you get them refurbished? On another thread you asked if you should be concerned about their age and the answer is yes.

MkIIIs can work quite well if in good condition! But if they've not been refurbished (new filter capacitors in the power supplies at a minimum) then they won't be showing you what they can do!
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,512 posts
 
Get a second hand Parasound Halo Integrated at 160wpc@8 ohms and 240wpc @4 ohms. They can be found for $1500-1800.00. 
rodman99999
6,206 posts
 
Mk III's can be upgraded, to perform as well as much of what's currently available.    Of course; that depends on how far one takes the, "upgrades".      The most critical components, in tubed equipment, are the transformers.     Dynaco's were excellent.         Ralph didn't mention, whether he's refurbing/upgrading the Mk III, but- if so; you wouldn't regret the move.    If not; there are others, that do.
johnwahl's avatar
johnwahl OP
13 posts
 
I haven't touched the Dynaco's, Was thinking not to modify them and maybe just do the power supply filter capacitors (where are they?) because they are "survivors"  I just dig the period-correct look and the perfect minor patina.  Can I replace some bits to improve the sound and keep them as is?  The main reason I want to upgrade it to try more power, most of what I read says if you step up the "current", Wilson's will really sing.   Also, I am not experienced, but I can use a soldering iron and I'm not afraid to dig in and do the work myself. 
johnwahl's avatar
johnwahl OP
13 posts
 
Crazy, So many opinions online I have my head spinning.  I think I want to compare the new against the vintage, decide and keep the ones I like the best.  I'm not into modifications for some reason, I like most things original.  Maybe this is foolish thinking?  The strange thing is I feel as with my current set up I hear glimpses of what the Wilson's can do. Could be the DAC, Could be the Pre or the Amps.  I just don't have enough listening experience to know.   But I need to pick a place to start and I figure I will work my way from the speakers upstream, trying to improve each time along the way
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