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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
johnwahl

Showing 5 responses by johnwahl

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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
johnwahl's avatar
johnwahl OP
13 posts
 
That is very good advice, thank you.  I will defiantly be getting the filter caps replaced, and the amps refurbished.  I would still like to compare it to something else and keep what sounds best to my ears.  I like the Dynaco's and I believe they will only get better, all that said I do want to compare and contrast a little for fun.  What else should I replace on the Dynaco's other than the power supply filter capacitors?  I trust your opinion and thank you!
johnwahl's avatar
johnwahl OP
13 posts
 
How 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.  
johnwahl's avatar
johnwahl OP
13 posts
 

Thank you, everyone, really great stuff here as usual.. The Condo and set up are so important. And you are correct, these speakers sound great the louder you play them. I have a large listening room and plenty of space to move the speakers wherever I want. 23x26" open room with high ceilings. What type of speaker would you all recommend for low and medium listening levels in my environment? I sit 6-8 feet from the speakers. High Efficiency, Low efficiency, Horns, Magnepans, Towers, Large Bookshelves, Large Woofers, Small Woofers? etc...I would like to get a little bass and a nice full sound at the levels I can play (low-med) without a visit from the cops.  I don't know enough to pick the right type for my space.  If you recommend a specific brand,  Size doesn't matter and,  looks are important to me I like ZU?  And others with good materials and build quality.  Under $3,000 used, the less the better.  Buchardt?

Best,

John


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