2. amps-preamps
  3. 187418-186655

I am looking to upgrade - looking for advice

So I am the guy who recently asked if a Rotel 1572 preamp would work with a Parasound A21+ amp. So I was asking because I was thinking of upgrading my current amp which is a Rotel 1552. The rest of my system is Yamaha CD player and project turntable (both approx $400 each), Bluesound Node, and B&W 705 S2 speakers. Right now I primarily stream my music through the node. So I was interested in the next step to improvement and I thought it would be what the amplifier. After reading some of the posts on my original question (would the A21 work well with my Rotel preamp I am now thinking that I need to look at both the preamp and amp. Of course that is you agree with my assessment. Here are a few of the amps I was looking at: A21, Vincent  SP-332, and Bryson 3b3. The preamps that were suggested all look outstanding: Benchmark LA4, Backert Labs Rhumba 1.3 and the Audionet Pre 1 G3. It looks like with these I would need to also get a DAC, not sure about the phono stage. Any advice is appreciated. I am knee to this.

tjraubacher
mesch
3,510 posts
 

What is budget? 

Would you consider an integrated amplifier? 

Vincent makes a tube/SS hybrid integrated that has a DAC onboard. They also make a hybrid preamp that mates with the SP-332. I have owned a Vincent integrated and it sounded wonderful at the price point. Would sound less clinical, not as dry with more air, than the Rotel gear. Great soundstaging.

Another thought, given that streaming is your main source you might think about getting a DAC to pair with the Node. There are threads on this forum that address that option.  If your cd player has digital out the DAC could also serve it.

If you enjoy your B&W speakers keep them. There is much you can do to get more out of them.

vthokie83
886 posts
 

Price range for all upgrades? Can't recommend an upgrade without knowing what you are comfortable spending

boxcarman
424 posts
 

Everything starts with the source components.  I always attack my weak points first.  I would look into upgrading that streamer first.  Then see if that makes a diffo.  Lots of good streamers also have a decent DAC built in.  

loomisjohnson
1,949 posts
 

you haven't specified a budget, but without spending a ton i'd go for a good integrated w/dac--the hegel and vincent suggestions above are good ones.

grislybutter
3,124 posts
 

@vthokie83 budget is what he listed he is interested in, I assume - 4-5K

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