Looking at Mark IIIs

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 $$

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

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

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)

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!

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

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".

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!

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

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!!