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

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

Why, indeed. That is the question. I never have been able to figure that one out. Anyone with any experience can see integrated amps are by far the better deal for the money. For the simple fact that you never can get the most out of any component without a good power cord and interconnect, at a minimum. So by the time you add those to your pre amp and amp you are always way over budget for way less sound than if you had just bought an integrated.

The obvious answer is you should if anything be willing to spend more on the integrated, for the simple fact that it buys you more for the money.

So this puts you right at $3k only now in a frame of mind where you can see why if there's one thing worth a stretch its an integrated. And boy are you in luck because there is an awesome match made even better by your particular situation (close, not loud, incredibly detailed revealing speakers that NEED a musical source to sound good) and that is the Raven Nighthawk https://www.ravenaudio.com/product/nighthawk-mk3-tube-amplifier/

Totally the way to go.

Far as upgrading the Mk III, unless you’re fond of the original sound: consider replacing those Black Cat coupling caps and carbon-comp resistors.      They’re masking the music.      Modern caps and wire wounds are easy to install and (most) will be more transparent.     I’ve always found it easy, to replace the old RCA input and speaker terminal strip, with newer/much improved pieces, using the original holes(no chassis butchering).     If you really want to step up; there are kits that replace the entire power supply (obviating the unreliable, 525V, Quad cap, etc).     Also; kits for replacing the driver board, allowing the use of tubes, better for audio, than the 6AN8 (ie: 6922/6N1P/etc). 

johnwahl OP10 posts04-24-2020 12:01pmHow did you like the X250? I just missed one that sold and would love to try one, if I can find one I can afford.

From where your at to where you would go..You would be blown away simple.

Remember though, X250 is getting older. But in most cases, if there was a good power source, they would probably last 30 plus years, his stuff is built simply and with good parts, not a boutique, kind of guy Nelson Pass. Longevity, and simplicity, into a cost effective, machine...Great sonics. I’ve yet to hear one I didn't like...
They like it warm though.. lol..toasty. Can sound bad if it hasn’t warmed up a hour or so..Day or so if it’s sat a while. let it idle...

Regards

I like the Yamaha integrateds.  Now that the A-S2200 is out, good deals can be had on an A-S2100.  Solid.

Good luck on your quest.  So much fun to do the research knowing you get to pull the trigger soon.

Try a used Parasound integrated in the used market.