Your question poses the same sort of dilemma one might find themself in when choosing between buying a new car or having elective surgery. What one has to do with the other has minimal value other than they both cost money.

You don't say whether you like the sound of the MkIII's, whether you've ever even listened to them or if you are now using them. To that end, we don't know whether you like the sound of a tube amplifier with the Dyna's strengths and weaknesses vs. preferring "solid state sound" or you really want HT sound. To be sure, we don't even know whether you've made a decison on whether to have a two or five channel system or two separate systems. We certainly have no idea what you desire in a system other than some amount of channels.

Do you know what the cost would be to bring the Dyna up to your expectations? Is that what you consider reasonable for what you expect to get from the Dyna? Do you know you can sell the Dyna and get enough cash to make a down payment on some transistor equipment? Or, some new tube gear.

My opinion is you need to do some serious consideration before you expect us to give any suggestions. I would suggest you develop a "pro" and "con" sheet listing the advantages and disadvantages of each route and begin making some decisions on your own. After you've got it clear what you want in the way of equipment and what you want the system to do in terms of sound quality, you can provide us with a better road map to follow so we can make pertinent suggestions on which route to follow.

Checkout out www.avahifi.com Can't go wrong with anything there.

Hi, mcwho -- Many dealers actually encourage your bringing in your own amps for comparison. They see it as a sales opportunity, if they are confident in their wares. It can't hurt to ask. Just pick a slow day, because the tubes need time to warm up. Of the transistor amps you mention, my experience suggests the NAD is the smoothest, the most tube-like in timbre and texture. What are you using for a preamp? If you are using a tube preamp, make sure there is an electrical match (impedance, etc.) with any transistor power amp you use with it. Many music-lovers like the tube preamp/solid state power amp combo. MapleShade (who started out selling high-quality blues and jazz CD's) sells their own Scott and Heathkit tube integrateds, claiming (of course!) that their refurbished models outperform more expensive modern amps. I noticed they use passive preamps in their integrated designs, which is intriguing. Has anyone out there heard the MapleShade Scotts and Heathkits? I haven't. Van Alstine will do an outstanding job modding your Dynas, as DUP suggests (God help me for opening the door for another diatribe, but one has to acknowledge the truth...). He has been doing this for many years and is a reliable businessman who will fully guarantee his work. Good luck. Clifton