2. amps-preamps
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Moving to separates

Finally willing to make the jump to separates.

Live in apartment setting: have managed to sell off most of my "consumer electronics" to fund purchases of first separates equipment.

Have been attentively reading this site's postings for some time. While I am not ready to jump into the high-end side of the pool, are any of you able to recommend some reasonably priced separates to consider first? I realize that they won't be, and shouldn't be "cheap", though I am admittedly not yet willing to take the plunge on extraordinarily high priced goods.

I haven't yet bought speakers; I'm currently auditioning several pairs.

Thanks so much for your help in starting me off with a list to use while traveling about, listening!
ivyinvestor
shersta
140 posts
 
Given your needs/budget, perhaps you might look into something like a Music Hall Mambo. It's an int. amp. plus DAC (coax and toslink inputs). 1300 new. Worth investigating. Good luck and have fun.
ivyinvestor OP
37 posts
 
Me, again!

Does anyone have any opinions on Channel Islands Audio vs. any of the others mentioned herein?

Thanks!
newmanoc
295 posts
 
In the price range you give you should audition a Linn Kolector preamp and LK 140 power amp. I personally haven't found anything better for the money (especially if you use the Linn Silver interconnects). The two pieces can easily be had for $1300 on the used market ($450 and $850, respectively). If you have a Linn shop in your area, check the combination out with your current source and speakers and see how they fit.

If you use a turntable, you will ultimately want a better phonostage than that in the Kolector, but it is perfectly serviceable as a place to start. As for the line stage, I've had to go upwards of 3 K to find one that starts to embarrass it in an A/B comparison. It also has quite a good headphone out, if that is important to you.

P.S. Where do you live? If you have good shops in the area, listen to everything they have. That is actually the best advice I can give.
newmanoc
295 posts
 
Dhoperos gave excellent and generous advice.

Now that I've read the thread a little more closely I need to add that the Linn Kolector has an RS232 port, which would give you flexibility for digital connections. (Note to self: next time read thread, THEN post).

A few added words on buying used:

I would differ from Warnerwh only in saying that if you really want to be safest in buying used, make sure the people you buy from have good feedback for *selling*, not just for buying. Also check out escrow.com. This is a near fool-proof way to buy safely, though it costs a bit more.
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