2. amps-preamps
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pre and amp ideas 10-12K Budget

Currently I've been on a mission to upgrade my system. Currently I have a modest system consisting of:
Pre- Golden Tube Audio SEP-1
Amp- Adcom 5802
CDP-Esoteric DV-50
Turntable-VPI Classic
Phono pre-Jolida JD9 (doing mods)
Cables AVT series by MIT
Speakers-Carver Amazing Silvers

Not to long ago I asked about Pass and Bat. Biggest problem I have with this is there are no places for me to demo gear, etc any where local to where I'm located. The only BAT dealer nearby (over 2 hours away) is still a dealer but doesn't carry anything. next cloest is about 5 hours. I know hearing something at a dealer isn't the same at home, I understand that. But I would like to hear SOMETHING by them to at least get a feel for what the overall sound is like on them etc. I also haven't had a chance to hear anything by them and really want to make an educated purchase than just oh that looks good on paper type buy.

Right now I know I'm making a big jump in gear and I understand that. I wanted to move from more entry level gear (for pre and amp) to something higher up the chain. I would most likely buy used however want some suggestions of what I should look for in this price range.

If someone feels that I would also be better suited by changing on the speakers let me know. I'm trying to grow and learn. I started out in HT about a year ago and only been into 2 channel for about 6 months. I find that I love music more than HT and really haven't done much on that front for awhile.

Overall the sound I like is very dynamic and deep controled bass, very punchy and tight no flop. I also find I enjoy detail, making sure I can hear everything thats there and not having something covered up in the track. I mostly listen to rock, small group jazz, and folk.
bighead63
bighead63 OP
53 posts
 
Chuck,

I take it from your name that you are a krell guy as well. Do you have any suggestions as to krell pieces I should look at? I have heard Krell in the past and really enjoyed the bass and detail they provided in the systems.

I did note that the amp you recommend is a class D which I haven't had much experience with in regards for 2 channel only for HT usage.
krell_man
827 posts
 
Chris,

To tell you the truth, when I registered on Audiogon in 2004, I thought that Krell was it. Since then, I had Musical Fidelity, Herron, Karan, Burmester, Pass and finally Spectron. I've liked all of these better than my Krell.

In the last two months I sold my Spectron and bought a Pass. Within three weeks I realized what I'd done. I sold the Pass and bought another Spectron.

Search the web, there's a lot of reviews on the Spectron. It's the best I've had in my system.

Chuck
rugby1
27 posts
 
I would really suggest Shindo pre amps as I have had audio research in the past and they have been surpassed in every detail.
sibelius
256 posts
 
Agree with Shindo preamps. If you buy from a Shindo dealer they have a very liberal trade-up progam. Start off with what you can afford and move up the line later as budget allows. Most of the folks I know who have bought Shindo gear still have the equipment. Seems to be much less churn than with other products. I know I'm happy.
4musica44107
520 posts
 
Another vote for Shindo preamps. I first had the Aurieges paired with an Accuphase P-3000 and also tried it with my Luxman MQ-88 and Nagra PSA. All were superb pairings, and the Aurieges easily bettered my Audio Research Ref 3. All of those combos can be easily had within the target $10-12K range.

The only "downside" with Shindo is that many who go that route become so enthralled with the Shindo sound that they move up the Shindo ladder, often quickly. I went directly from the Aurieges to the Masseto and might not stop there, much to my wife's chagrin.
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