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Replacing components, Please weigh in!

Hi Audiogoners! I’ve been a member here for a long time and lurked in the forums on and off over the years, but this is my first query here so hopefully you’ll go easy on me!

I want to improve the sound quality of my relatively modest stereo analog system. I have two components that I think are weak links in my system and I’d love to hear recommendations on replacement components that will complement what I already have (i.e., I don’t want to make new purchases that outperform the components I am satisfied with). 

Here’s what I’ve got:

  1. Project 2 Xperience — turntable
  2. Dynavector P-75 — phono pre
  3. Dynavector 17D3 — cartridge
  4. Meadowlark Audio Kestrel (first generation) — speakers
  5. Nakamichi RE10 — receiver
  6. Audioquest King Cobra & MIT cables

I think the weakest links in my chain are the Nakamichi RE10 receiver and the Dynavector p-75 phono preamp. Both these components have either a fan or an audible hum that annoy the heck out of me. I want a system that is QUIET. 

First Question — I’ve been seeing a lot of love here for the Herron VTPH-2A, Stanley Chinook, and Allnic H1202. My question is: I want to squeeze the most performance out of my speakers and cart as possible without overshooting — are these preamps going to outperform my speakers and turntable? If you think one of them is a good fit, which one do you think is the best for me?

Second Question — I get really overwhelmed reading about amps b/c I really don’t understand the technology and for me it’s like being an English major in a room full of engineers (I’m the former English major — Audiogon is the room full of engineers)! I am truly a low-information junior audiophile. Can anyone point me in the right direction for amps I should be looking at that will be a good fit for my Meadowlark Kestrels? 

I listen to mostly rock and pop from the 70’s and 80’s on clean, original vinyl. My room is 12.5’ wide x 18.5’ long, with a large archway to another room interrupting the long side (sad space, I know). Ceiling is 7’10”. Does this info help you weigh in? Maybe? 

Thanks for your thoughts, this junior audiophile appreciates them! 


128x128amy_oneshanti
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz
13,381 posts
 
??
You mean you DONT need a new engine when you run out of gas
??

Well you learn something new every day!
Post removed 
polkalover
115 posts
 
Take a look at the musical fidelity m6si integrated and then look at the musical fidelity nu Vista vinyl phono pre.  I have these 2 components and I think I may be buried with them cuz I enjoy them that much. I say this cause the music u play is similar to mine.
lewm
13,021 posts
 
Creeds, First of all, I don’t necessarily concede that DC on the AC line causes hum.  But I am open-minded to any evidence you can provide.  Second, your original post on the subject caused me to do a net search, and the sources I found claimed that any of several home appliances may be the source of DC contaminating the AC line.  That makes some sense.  I don’t know how DC generated by the power company would necessarily make it all the way to one’s home, because DC currents would be diminished along the way by the inherent resistance of the wires in the pathway, even assuming the power company makes significant DC and sends it to us.
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