I am a big Audio Research fan so am a +1 for AR. Find where in the line you can afford today and upgrade later if you love their sound. You should be able to get an LS17SE line stage for about $2000. You won't be able to stay within budget with an AR phono so maybe start with another brand. The LS17SE is a well regarded line stage that would be able to support many other high end components as you build the system. Another option would be to get one of their solid state line stages, such as the LS3B with remote. They are not that common but I started my AR journey about 4 years ago with one for $850 and sold it last year for $800. This would allow you to also get an AR phono such as the PH5, which should go for around $1300. I used them with my AR Classic 120 mono blocks and they worked very well together. Have fun trying out components!
Tube Preamp - What to buy?
Looking to take my first venture into the tube world and going with a tube preamp. My budget is up to $2500 and willing to buy used or new however realize with my budget that used is probably a better path. I would like to have a built-in MM phone stage. I am use to having a remote and tone controls, so that would be nice however not a necessity.
For further information my speakers are Revel Performa3 F206 and the current amp(s) is Conrad Johnson SA-250 and I also have a Rotel RB1552. I many be looking for an amp upgrade in the future, but one thing at a time.
So far I have been looking at used Audio Research and Conrad Johnson preamps but very open to opinions on brand and model. Thanks and I look forward to your opinions and experiences.
For further information my speakers are Revel Performa3 F206 and the current amp(s) is Conrad Johnson SA-250 and I also have a Rotel RB1552. I many be looking for an amp upgrade in the future, but one thing at a time.
So far I have been looking at used Audio Research and Conrad Johnson preamps but very open to opinions on brand and model. Thanks and I look forward to your opinions and experiences.
- ...
- 78 posts total
Along with my recommendation of the Erhard Audio Aretha tone control pre-amp w/phono (had for ~year or so now) wonderful sounding, super clean & clear, made in USA, affordable with strikingly good old school looks. I'd recommend that you consider the system matching before purchasing. These boutique products sound good and can be great with used within the same line. Oh...and mine has a loudness switch that I'll take all the way to the bank! |
coltrane1- Sound advice from @millercarbon! $2500 is the range of many fine integrated’s. Solve your amp problems. Buy an integrated. I bought a Willsenton KT88 for $1280 delivered. I spent $600 on tube upgrades. It drives my Martin Logan Spires just perfectly. What does $2500 buy today besides a used BAT. That wouldn’t be bad but I wouldn’t invest that kind of money into a 20 year old preamp. Buy new and save some money. Buy a tube integrated! It’s all the power your speakers need, imo. Exactly. Especially since at this price point the OP can easily get the superb Raven Nighthawk https://www.ravenaudio.com/product/nighthawk-mk3-tube-amplifier/ Yes, it is a couple hundred bucks over budget. So sell your amps. The Raven is better anyway. The Nighthawks 20 tube watts is equivalent to your CJ 125 SS pretend watts. Don't take my word for it, do a search, read the people with 88dB speakers with a Raven who now like me laugh at the idea all watts are the same. They are not. Not even. DYODD. You will also be able to sell whatever interconnect and power cord no longer needed. All because you were wise enough to switch to integrated. |
- 78 posts total