will
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Hello Lance.
There are several things I can think of to look at in this comparison.
First, consider if you want to transfer the MKIII warranty. If so, then it needs to be sent to Decware and they check it out carefully with all new tubes. So this carries additional costs, but you then get the life-time warranty.
Then of course upgrade modifications costs as well.
Looking at fundamental differences between the MKIII and MKIV, I am guessing there are some MKIII upgrades that may or may not be as much of a priority as others ...like the whole set of electrolytic power supply caps. Where others might be more obviously worth considering, like Jupiter signal caps over Wimas. But these are things you would have to discuss with Steve. See what he thinks would be possible and most relevant. Replacing the Type I Jupiter coupling caps in my MKIV, I moved them into my MKIII and really like how they sound in the MKIII....a nice synergy. I have not tried the more costly Type II Jupiters in the MKIII, but thought the Type I's we're really good.
A subtler but meaningful addition to the MKIV (to me) is the reconstructive feedback circuit, probably worth asking Steve about. I always leave mine on, so if I were getting my MKIII upgraded including it (in my systems anyway), I would not care if the circuit were always "on" and without a switch like the MKIV has. But I think I recall that it can potentially create issues with some speakers??? Another potential upgrade to ask Steve for his opinions on.
Also, I would strongly consider the 25th modifications on either amp. I have not heard Steve's mods, but have done similar modifications and more, including bypassing the power supply. To me power supply bypasses were pretty profound. Using more transparent resistors was also quite notable for me. The 25th mods include a choice to upgrade the signal resistors to glass, something I would definitely check out with either amp also.
Another thing to consider with the MKIII you are looking at....the earlier MKIIIs had no bass adjustment pot (something I thought was a worthy tool), where the later ones had both treble and bass pots. If I were not into direct EQ on the music files, I would want a bass adjustment just in case your speaker/Torii blend and room would benefit from bass tuning. The MKIV does bass adjustment differently. So if the MKIII does not have a bass pot, I might talk with Steve about options there as well.
The MKIII and MKIV are definitely "family," and to me the MKIII is a really nice amp. Upgraded and adding 25th modifications, if economical, I think it could be really good.
Hope this helps some in your deliberations.
Will
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