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Dynaco MK IIIs


Erik Mandaville

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Cornman:

All I can give you is my own opinion, but I haven't heard the MKIIIs, only the ST-70 -- one, a well-made (in terms of construction) home-made version of the amp with what were described as improved HF response and other upgrades. It was so bright and crisp on the top-end that I honestly couldn't listen to it for very long, at least with Klipschorns (or maybe we had La Scalas then...can't remember). The current stock circuit of the ST-70 we have is a completely different amplifier. Very nice.

The above doesn't answer your question, but I can say that I have heard some say they prefer the MKIIIs to the ST-70, and others who thought the ST-70 was much better of the two. Again, I can't speak to that, because I have no experience. Even if I did, it would just be my opinion. One would have to listen for oneself to really get a handle on what ultimately, like with anything audio, is the better of the two.

Erik

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Off topic just a bit, but I have to share a picture: These are a pair of Autospec monoblock Baldwins (rare!!!) that I myself missed by one day. :( Very, very, very fine quality work from someone who is interested in helping people experience tubes, not make enormous profit. The paint work is all powder coat, and just have a look for fun and at the detail, kind of hardware used, etc. Push-pull parallel. What a balancing act of art and functional electronics, at least in my opinion. The cost included shipping, too.

I would have loved them! :)

Erik

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstube&1195043899

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Well HERE is an example and some specifics of what he does to an ST-70 so I imagine his MKIII rebuild is of a similar nature. I thought I had an email from him from a few years ago that every detail of the rebuild listed but I just can't seem to find it. I have had ZERO problems since I've had them and I've had them on 24/7 for 2 years now. Never a single pop, crackle, I mean nothing. I just bias every few months and even then they're only off .03-.05. By the way the vid doesn't show my PrimaLuna preamp but

one does :-)
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Those revamped Baldwins would be cool to own...like when my dad restores yet another antique tube radio for a customer, bringing it back to life once again...it's nice to see these classics come back to daily use once more. Sure beats the landfill!

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Okay, it seems essentially stock, save for the increase in that coupling cap value. I think his MKIIIs, from what I remember from those I've seen listed, are the same, just the chassis redone and new boards and parts like his ST-70s.

Do you like your Prima Luna? I don't think I've read a single poor review about them, and the wiring is always so nicely done.

Jim: No doubt your dad is right up there with the best. The Baldwins are nice; I agree with you there.

Erik

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