Warm, Smooth yet Transparent Amp

Thank you John for the suggestions, I'll do some research to see what works best for me. As for the "shy" comment, my friends would have a good laugh at that one. :)

Thanks to everyone who contributed, I truly respect and appreciate your knowledge and wisdom of the audio world.

Hi Bruce:

We are about the same age with the same musical tastes. I've been dabbling in this hobby for 40+ years not that it qualifies me in any way as an expert. I could tell you a thing or two that you probably shouldn't do however. I'm also very familiar with your speakers (I owned them for awhile) and coincidentally own a CJ 2250, currently used to power my surrounds. I only tell you all this so you understand where I'm coming from with my comments.

I don't recall reading if you have a 2 channel or surround channel system? If by chance it is 2 channel, my recommendation would be sell the Arcam and buy an integrated amp. I've owned among others, CJ (tubes)and Plinius (SS). Either a tube or SS unit could match up very nicely with your speakers. There are many models to choose either new or used in your price range (particularity after you sell the Arcam). Personal favorites of mine in your price range used are the CJ CAV50, although that model is getting pretty old now so you'd have to be careful, or the Plinius 9100.

If you have a surround system, I think the biggest bang for your buck would come from a 2ch. amp. Sure the preamp makes a huge difference in music. I also wholeheartedly agree that using a receiver as a preamp leaves a lot to be desired, but given your budget I don't believe you'll find both a decent preamp and amp unless you're willing to invest more. The CJ 2250 is an amp that would get my vote and would mate nicely with your speakers. Again many others to choose from.

Hope this helps.

Mark

Hi Mark,
Thank you for the recommendations. Yes, I currently have an Arcam AVR300, 7 channels, 100w per/chan. Two of the channels can be switched to the front mains for bi-amping purposes. With all the other suggestions, I am giving thought to tubes but as many have said, I should really go all the way and get a tube preamp and amp. I can't really afford both at this time. So I the question I'm asking myself is, Tube preamp or a SS amp for the current two front channels. I'm up in the air.

Bruce

Go for the tubes!CJ products are excellent as are Quicksilver.You may,as Charels1 says,immigrate over to the dark side and fall in love with what tubes bring to your musical enjoyment.

Jtcf, yes, I'm sure CJ tubes are excellant and from what I've seen here on Agon, expensive. My 1,000 budget won't do unless a heck of a sale pops up. I check everyday. I'm also wondering, there is no "amp in" input on my Arcam. I would have to plug the preamp into the cd input which is "stereo direct". Is this going to affect the sound guality of the preamp? Anyone?

Bruce