2. amps-preamps
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Dream Speakers = landed. Now I need to feed them!

So I scored a pair of Belle Klipsch (1987 models, AB crossover).  I would have gone for Khorns, but the room they were going in just wasn't going to work.  RIght now, I'm running a cheap little Sony (STR-DH190) stereo receiver on them, and even that sounds amazing, but I know I've barely scratched the surface of what they're capable of.  The dream is a pair of SET monoblocks (probably 300B type), though I'm worried about not being able to drive the bottom enough.  I listen to a wide array of music from classical and opera to extreme metal, though my wife is decidedly more of a rock person, so I definitely need something that will push those woofers proper. 

Due to lifestyle and logistics, a big piece of my source audio is going to be HQ feeds from my laptop via Bluetooth.  I know, not an ideal source, but until I build my HTPC, it's just going to have to work.  I also need to run optical out from my Sony Bravia (which I can't do right now because the receiver doesn't have optical in and the TV doesn't have analog out).  

Here's the hard part: Right now, I can't really spend more than $1k for the whole shebang.  So I started hunting.

At first I was sniffing around looking for a tube preamp that can handle both Bluetooth and Toslink, but all that seems to be out there are suspiciously cheap Chinese integrated amps that have no pre out for later use.  I also looked at some dedicated DAC's such as the Cambridge Audio DACMagic, that I knew I could pair with a BT-capable tube pre.  But I'm still sketchy about the cheap Chinese kit.  I've heard positive things about Dared, though, and I was thinking their 5BT would be a good foundation alongside the aforementioned DAC, because I could use its power stage for right now, and if I can't stay in the right now budget to get a good pair of monoblocks, then I could wait for a while and buy the right ones later. 

Thoughts? Opinions?  Alternative ideas?  


jerkface
scchengmus
93 posts
 
@millercarbon  
my budget is roughly a hundred times yours and am I using separates? No! https://systems.audiogon.com/systems/836
I've followed your system for years; guess it's time for me to applaud your design theory.


timlub
2,041 posts
 
If you can get this for under $500, its a no brainer.... Of course unless everyone that see's it on here bids against you.  

Audio Refinement Complete Integrated Amplifier: Silver Version | eBay

mwjones's avatar
mwjones
37 posts
 

This is the second thread tonight that says "buy reputable Chinese, like Woo Audio..."

Woo Audio is from New York!

Woo Audio
Long Island City, NY 11101

1-917-773-8645



As to the OP,  I think he is on the right track with a 300b system. Plenty of bottom end on my LaScala IIs.
BTW, at shows, Klipsch frequently demos their Heritage speakers with  Cary SLI 80 (or whichever upgrade is current).

https://www.caryaudio.com/products/sli-80hs/



jerkface OP
73 posts
 
Then again, if you're expecting audiophile equipment to be sold by those platforms it's probably worth looking online elsewhere (i.e. Audiogon to start

Which is why I went first to the Klipsch forums, then here, after the shock of trying to sort out what the hell I was looking at in terms of new tube options. 
geof3
1,129 posts
 
I’m with MC on this. When you are looking at a limited budget, an integrated is the way to go. You can put money you would spend on interconnects, PC’s etc. into a higher quality Int. For your source, see if you can find one with an onboard DAC. If not, add an inexpensive DAC for now. You’ll be way happier, and a good tube flea watt Int. can drive those 104db speakers just fine.
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