The Dynaco Tube Audio Forum

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The Dynaco Tube Audio Forum

Dedicated to the restoration and preservation of all original Dynaco tube audio equipment - Customer support for Tubes4hifi VTA tube amp and preamp kits and all Dynakitparts.com products


4 posters

    Looking at Mark IIIs

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    Tom


    Posts : 217
    Join date : 2011-04-04

    Looking at Mark IIIs Empty Looking at Mark IIIs

    Post by Tom Sun Feb 07, 2016 9:55 am

    Hi All,
    Pair of Mark IIIs on the local craigslist.
    Guy says the they "work perfect" but know nothing else about them,
    except that they're tube gear so worth big $$ Razz

    Have not looked at them yet, they don't seem to be going anywhere due to price -

    What should I look for when I go check them out?

    Any help appreciated,
    Tom
    DynakitParts
    DynakitParts


    Posts : 215
    Join date : 2008-11-30

    Looking at Mark IIIs Empty MK III Amps

    Post by DynakitParts Sun Feb 07, 2016 11:01 am

    Hi Tom,
              Since this guy is local and I assume you will be personally picking these up....Ask the buyer to have these setup so you can listen to them to confirm they are in good working order. Telltale signs you should be concerned with...Low to high level Hum at either amp our through either channel speaker. Output tubes that appear to be glowing "RED"....
    Also ask the seller measure the bias to confirm that the output tubes can be biased within a suitable range of let's say 1.3 to 1.56 vdc. Ask the seller if these amps are stock and if modified request some documentation or at the least an explanation of what modification were made to the units.
    Keep in mind that issues such as Hum can often be nothing more than a failing capacitor which can be replaced.
    Meeting the seller in person and having the opportunity to listen to these amps is a much better situation than purchasing items like this on Ebay.
    By the way...What is the asking price for these MK III amplifiers?

    Kevin @ Dynakit
    peterh
    peterh


    Posts : 1823
    Join date : 2012-12-25
    Location : gothenburg, sweden

    Looking at Mark IIIs Empty Re: Looking at Mark IIIs

    Post by peterh Sun Feb 07, 2016 11:19 am

    Tom wrote:Hi All,
    Pair of Mark IIIs on the local craigslist.
    Guy says the they "work perfect" but know nothing else about them,
    except that they're tube gear so worth big $$ :P

    Have not looked at them yet, they don't seem to be going anywhere due to price -

    What should I look for when I go check them out?

    Any help appreciated,
    Tom
    Any signs of mods : half price, or jump it.
    screws worn : be aware
    Smells burned : stay away unless you identify something cheap.
    Never touched : go for it

    don't care about the tubes, it's time to replace anyway.( never pay premium price because "fine tubes", better to let seller keep the tubes)
    avatar
    Guest
    Guest


    Looking at Mark IIIs Empty Re: Looking at Mark IIIs

    Post by Guest Sun Feb 07, 2016 11:52 am

    caveat emptor!
    Still, yes, seeing them in person is the way to go. If they've been on the local craigslist for a while, because he's asking way too much, make him a reasonable offer, providing of course they've not been butchered too much over the years!
    avatar
    Tom


    Posts : 217
    Join date : 2011-04-04

    Looking at Mark IIIs Empty Re: Looking at Mark IIIs

    Post by Tom Sun Feb 07, 2016 12:27 pm

    He's asking $650. For a couple hundred more I could have a nice new VTA120....

    Very Happy
    peterh
    peterh


    Posts : 1823
    Join date : 2012-12-25
    Location : gothenburg, sweden

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    Post by peterh Sun Feb 07, 2016 12:36 pm

    Tom wrote:He's asking $650.  For a couple hundred more I could have a nice new VTA120....

    :D

    This very much set's the limit. If they are pristine, go. If damaged be careful.
    A new amp is always a "known starting point".
    Maintarget
    Maintarget


    Posts : 227
    Join date : 2013-02-10

    Looking at Mark IIIs Empty Re: Looking at Mark IIIs

    Post by Maintarget Sun Feb 07, 2016 2:25 pm

    IMHO you answered your own question, Old used equipment=work/part replacement or New known condition that if assembled properly will provide years of trouble free operation and sound excellent right from the start.
    Either way let us know and enjoy!
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    Tom


    Posts : 217
    Join date : 2011-04-04

    Looking at Mark IIIs Empty Re: Looking at Mark IIIs

    Post by Tom Sun Feb 07, 2016 3:01 pm

    ^to a certain extent, cost, yes that questions I had an answer for Wink

    what I was looking for was any experience in what sort of clues
    might tip me on what shape these amps are in
    and/or any known troubles to check for

    Kevin and peterh's posts - that's the info I'm needing

    Thanks!!

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