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Need advice on upgrade path

I have been set on an unexpected need to upgrade after an unfortunate feline induced short circuit. Apparently my cat took offense to my Plinius 8200 and used it instead of the litter box. lucky the house didn't burn down!
My remaining system is: 

  • Technics SL 1700 w/ Nagaoka MP110 and Cambidge Audio 640p phono preamp.
  •  Bluesound Node 2i and Schiit Modi mulitbit dac, 
  • NAD 2100 amp
  • Vandersteen 3A speakers and SVS SB 1000 subwoofer.

 I mostly listen to streaming digital with Spotify and Tidal hi fi and the rest to LPs. I think I would like to go the separate route. Have been considering: Schiit Freya+ preamp and Schiit Vidar amp, or Conrad Johnson PV 10A preamp and CJ MF2275 amp. Can anyone help with this choice of new vs vintage equipment in terms of sound quality and reliability? Also, are there better options to consider for the preamp and amp new or used that outperform my choices and have better synergy with my speakers? Are my amp choices powerful enough to properly drive my speakers? And before you all say it, I am keeping my eye out for an upgrade to 3A sigs.  

jplunkettj
12 responses Add your response
mrklas
441 posts
 
In my opinion, I think new vs vintage is really about the sound.  I believe there is such competition for strong high end equipment you can get great value for the dollar either new or used if its truly all about the sound.

I'd focus on the source items, go to the preamp then amp (and consider an integrated) then look at speakers in that order.
arcticdeth's avatar
arcticdeth
1,572 posts
 
Peed on the inside of the Plinius?
 Or the side?

 Speechless. 
WHICH IS WHY WE HAVE GOOD DOGGIES. 
Had the amp price checked for a repair? Or not worth it?
  Rest of your gear is great!
 Get a repair quote, and keep checking the Gon for a good deal.

 I feel for you, no animal peed on my amps, I had an incident with an old onkyo m504, 2 pairs of C vegas, melted the right binding posts, to the point of they were literally liquid plastic, out of warranty, etc, 

 I moved on, but I can’t compare an Onkyo to a top tier plinius. 
The CJ is a great amp!

 Look used first, I did,and found my amp. 
Sorry to hear that!
im sure many of us feel your pain when a great amp is ruined.   

 
willgolf
936 posts
 
Take a look at the Raven Audio Website.  They have a variety of options that meet any budget.   Call Dave Thomson, one of the owners.  He has a wealth of knowledge.  Great integrated tube amps.  I owned the one and powered Sonus Faber speakers.  
soix
9,456 posts
 
What sound characteristics do you value most and what would you like to improve upon over what the Plinius provided?
jplunkettj OP
58 posts
 
I will focus on preamp first.The Plinius (it was a Galbo modded)added some clarity and bass power over the previous Adcom GFP 555 and NAD 2100 amp .  I would like to improve on that if possible with the new equipment. I have never had tubes in my setup before, and it was suggested that a tube preamp would make a significant difference. I rarely listen over 90 db but am interested in extracting all the sound and dynamics presented by the sources.  I will look at the Raven products, Prima Luna, Aric, Conrad Johnson, Schiit, and Don Sachs preamps and see what advice they have. My budget for preamp is $1800 max. Thanks for everyone's input.   
limomangus's avatar
limomangus
1,426 posts
 
Good luck cleaning, I know first hand .Well did but I don't have any pets anymore. 
mr_m
1,900 posts
 
Did the cat survive???
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,318 posts
 
Add Modwright to your list.  And perhaps Rogue.
jplunkettj OP
58 posts
 
Yes the cat survived.  The tech said "there was liquid in the bottom, do you have a cat?",they had not seen such a thoroughly burned and melted amp in many years.  I will add Rogue and Modwright to the list.  Has anyone had a chance to compare any of these to a new Schiit Freya+? I am not opposed to spending more for a preamp than the Schiit, but not at the expense of taking funds away from a replacement amp, unless it really makes a noticeable difference.
soix
9,456 posts
 
I’d agree with trying to add tubes somewhere.  There is a Linear Tube Audio MZ2 tube pre with upgraded power supply for $1300 at US Audio Mart that’s really good and is also an excellent headphone amp if you ever go that way.  There’s also a nice demo Unison Unico Due hybrid integrated here for $2250 that I suspect would really pair well with your Vandys.  Hope this helps, and best of luck. 
jplunkettj OP
58 posts
 
Soix thanks for the tip. will check them out. I have heard that the Belles Aria integrated is a great match for my system but i still think i want to try seperates instead. Any opinion on Conrad Johnson PV 10a with phono  vs  the Linear Tube vs Audible Illusions M3a factory refurbished vs Prima Luna Prologue? I have never heard any of these and am hoping someone can assist in narrowing down the choices.  
mountz's avatar
mountz
132 posts
 
Second person tonight to have a cat sabotage a system.  We went to dogs, but there are other issues.  Depends on what you are looking for in your new pre or amp.  I have lusted after Plinius equipment, but never took the plunge.  Tubes are a great way to get 3D dimension and great timber. SS will be sterile but can be an open book, in they will reveal what is lacking in your chain.  What is the most important thing that you want to hear in a new pre?  FWIW I am going with a SS amp and a tubed buffer between the pre and amp and have never been so happy.
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