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

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. 

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

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.

@johnwahl

This is a truly bad move when dealing with older electronics!!
**They will not survive long if the filter caps are not replaced (they will eat the power transformer) and they won’t sound right as well.** One of the filter caps is that aluminum


Your speakers are asy to drive and don’t need ’current’ (which can’t exist without voltage, the two together are called ’power’); our local dealer demonstrated your speakers at his store with our M-60s as they made the speakers sound better than any other amps in the store, and the M-60s don’t have a lot of that ’current’, although they easily made power into the Wilsons.


You really need to get your amps refurbished before you send them down the road, or else be alright with the knowledge that you have no idea how they actually sound or how well they play the Wilsons. Its that simple.

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!

I have a question. Can you borrow an amp or two. Have any nutty friends with a shop full of unused equipment? (self reflection). High current SS amps are everywhere, CHEAP.. You don't need a new Pass to see if more horsepower is a good idea. I know it is..

I have a few NP designs here, Threshold, Adcom, and I sold my X250s
I think you might be very pleased with the results, for 500-1000. Great amps with, TONS of power.. They will light those Wilson right up, and sound quite a bit better than the MK3

If your gonna go valves then take care of them, they do require maintenance. The MK3 are good units, until their NOT.
Truly you are playing with fire...

Are you sure valves are the way you want to go? I can't see it with your budget. I do see spending less and being a lot happier though.
Amp first, then look at the preamp. Or go integrated and spend 3,000 or so.. and forget about it.. Sell your stuff and recover a few quid..or take it to the nutty friends house and store it...

Enjoy, great speakers...

Regards