2. amps-preamps
  3. 988566138

Power Amp/Pre-Amp

I am considering upgrading my sytem. I have Snell E V's and an Arcam DIVA CD92. Cables are currently up in the air.
The system resides in a living room 28x17 feet. Previous amplifiers have run the gamut from Luxman, NAD and Primare.
I liked them all, but lean toward the sound of the Primare (A 20)and on the integrated side am thinking of the Primare 30.1 but am still auditioning others.

While I have had integrated amplifiers in the past, and may get another, I also want to look at seperates. This is as much from a desire for future flexibility as for sound quality. I am budgeting approximately $4,000 and may buy one or both componants used. I am looking for advice in two areas. First, do the Snells rate this upgrade (I think so, but would appreciate other opinions). Second, in light of the number of componants on the market, I don't quite know where to begin. I would appreciate help in developing a list of pre- and power amplifiers to check out.
hinde
sdcampbell
2,136 posts
 
With a $4000 budget, you have a lot of good choices. You might start by considering the Bryston BP-25 preamp and Bryston 4B-ST. Both can be purchased discounted for about $3300. If you are interested, drop me a personal E-mail and I will give you the name of an Internet-based dealer that has good prices. (I have bought several items from him, and he is very prompt and professional.)

If you stick to solid state gear, you should also look at Rotel, Adcom, Aragon, B&K, and Musical Fidelity (sold by the Audio Advisor).
lev335
220 posts
 
Go high end. If you dont now you will later and have to sell what you just bought take a loss and invest once again. Buy a Mark Levinson 331 power amp for about 2,500 used list was 5,000 and buy a Mark Levinson 38 Preamp for about 1,700 used, list was 4,000 That will blow your mind trust me I have been there. And Levinson Is the best company I had ever delt with. Good luck if you need more help please call me.
halifax
51 posts
 
I really like my Musical Fidelity A3CR Pre/Power combo, they are beautful sounding, and you'll still have money left over for a good DAC all of that together and you will be at a new level.

halifax
51 posts
 
Blue Circle makes excellent sounding amps and pre-amps.
;)
chstob
140 posts
 
I second the Bryston, second the Blue Circle. Also try Simaudio Moon amp/pre, and McCormack (either the new style or the old). You might also want to look into Audio Research. Don't know about the Musical Fidelity, but undestand it's the big value play. Proceed amps are worth a look too. And of course, there's always Classe.

A resource to look at is Audioreview.com's pages where you will find lots of amp/pre reviews. If already initiated, ignore the suggestion. If unitiated, I urge extreme caution, everything can't be 5 stars, and the truly objective report is the exception rather than the rule. Overall the mood is 'I-listened-to-it-sounded-unbelievable-can't-do-better-for-the-money!' (drunk from hookupitus).

I respectfully disagree somewhat from the implication above you're in need, possibly, of another DAC, as that CD player does digital about as well as any unless you are aiming for the outer reaches of the audio solar system. Certainly anything can be improved upon, but you might just as well be happy on the front end.
Enjoy the search.
Chris
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