Would like to upgrade amplifier and would appreciate suggestions.


Hello,
I just upgraded my Zesto Andros 1.2 phonostage to the new Andros Deluxe 2 and very happy with that.
I have the Zesto Leto 1.5 preamp, and will do one of the following:
    Have the power supplies upgraded on the Leto 1.5...this would be the least expensive.
    Trade it in for the new model, Leto Ultra 2
    Or, if need be, sell/replace with best compatible preamp for whatever amp I upgrade too.
Zesto preamp specs:
" 3 pairs transformer-coupled balanced (XLR), input impedance 10k ohms; 3 pairs single-ended (RCA), input impedance 100k ohms. Outputs: 2 pairs transformer-coupled balanced (XLR), output impedance 150 ohms; 2 pair single-ended (RCA), output impedance 150 ohms. Maximum input level: 7V. Maximum peak output level: 10V. Frequency range: 10Hz–40kHz. THD+N: 0.03% with 1V RMS input. S/N ratio: 100dB below operating level. Gain settings: 9dB, 6dB, 3dB"

My present amp, is a pair of QuickSilver V4 mono blocks, these are the newer version built around the KT150 tube and rated @ 170 watts.

My current speakers are Green Mountain Audio Continuum 3...which in a year or so I plan to upgrade those too as, even though they have low hours/like new, they are aged.

I'm thinking that if I buy hi-quality used gear, I will get much more for my $$.
For an amplifier, I would like to keep it under/around $10K and if needing also to spend on a preamp, it should be under/around $8K.

I love tubes, have had nice solid state in the past too... such as an Edge NL12.1 amp.

Looking for the best sound and also some power, so would like around 200 watt output... unless it is an outstanding amp that a little less power is still worthwhile.

Was looking at Audio Research stuff, but not sure if compatible to what I have already... there is so much out there and I have not kept up with the hobby over the past 15 years or so....

Your comments and suggestions are very much appreciated!

Rick



128x128Ag insider logo xs@2xrich121
If you are concerned at all with money then you need to understand that those inefficient speakers (only 90dB) have you doomed and limited to high power amps. Read: expensive. There are tons of truly wonderful amps at 50-60 watts, but you can't use them because you are stuck with speakers that demand 200. 

So yes indeed you should first of all replace the speakers with something around 96dB or better. Speakers at 96dB will need ONE FOURTH the power to play like your current speakers. At 98dB, even better. Then your amp budget will buy you something like the outstanding Raven Reflection, a superb amp unsuited to your current power hogs. Just please hold off ordering until they have a chance to build mine. Thanks!
Thank you for all the replies and sorry for the late response, as I work long days out of town and now have an opportunity to answer.

First off, as I said in my original post, next year I plan on getting new speakers and yes, more efficient speakers.

I have now decided to hold off on the amplifier until I decide on a speaker, but I will more than likely be getting something in the 150 to 200 watt range as regardless of efficiency, speakers still need enough power for dynamics, and to run the lower frequencies/larger drivers with authority...especially those Moabs that millercarbon has.

I still would like to upgrade my Zesto Leto 1.5 preamp for now, as I just upgraded my Zesto Andros 1.2 to the Andros Deluxe 2 phonostage.
The next step up if I stayed with Zesto would be their flagship 'Leto Ultra 2'  but there are so few reviews out on it and @ $11,000.00 I am hesitant to buy it blindly.

I am interested in suggestions on what the best all around, best sound and reliability, tube preamp for around $10K new or used and if I decide on a different brand, I can just sell my current preamp.

Again, thank you for the previous replies.



You are not "doomed" and "limited" to expensive SS amplification that would drive your speakers wonderfully. That was the case as little as 5 years ago, as class A and A/B and tube amps were definitively superior to class D. No longer. In fact, class D is surpassing the others. 

Please read my review of the Legacy Audio i.V4 Ultra Amplifier. IGNORE ignorant people who would rant against its being class D. They have no clue about current developments.  

Has anyone told you that if you switch speakers, you will lose much of the aspects of sound quality that you may adore with your current speakers? The presentation will be fundamentally different. You are not assured to enjoy it more, or even as much. Imo, if you love your current speaker's sound, I would advise looking for an amp suitable, not taking a flier on a different speaker. Only if you are fundamentally dissatisfied would I recommend swapping speakers, or if you have an itch to go an entirely different direction. It's wide open, for sure. But, you will not be keeping the characteristics you currently have if you swap speakers. Be forewarned. You switch genres, and it's a different playing field, for better or worse! 

It is entirely possible to obtain better/preferable sound quality by keeping those speakers and moving to an amp such as I have suggested above. NO ONE can tell you that swapping to a higher efficiency speaker with lower power would be preferable. It is entirely possible that you could switch to a different, purportedly better, speaker and end up less satisfied! Be careful not to simply leap at suggestions that make it appear there is only one way to obtain superior sound. 

I have built hundreds of systems, using speakers of all sorts, and I assure you that in terms of satisfaction/preference, higher efficiency speakers do NOT always win. They often are quite difficult to set up optimally, and can be a PITA to tame. How the system is setup and the skill of the system builder is critical in which is preferred. There are many higher efficiency speakers with inherent limitations and idiosyncrasies that must be accepted, and they do NOT assure satisfaction. You will have no inherent advantage switching to that genre of speaker and amp. 

As can be seen, there are hard core fans of all sorts of speakers, amps, systems, etc. You pick your authority, you get your results.  
Speaker efficiency has nothing to do with the quality of sound. If you think getting a high efficient speaker is the answer you will probably end up disappointed. Those 170 watt QS amps are most likely better than some of those other amps you are looking at!
@yogiboy

Agreed... high efficient speakers usually have their own sonic peculiarities.. and..there are some that are good.

I bought my GMA speakers new 20 years ago... they have low hours, look new, but they are aged and I do want to get a new pair of speakers... and I would like to go up in efficiency.
One of the reasons for keeping my amps, is I may find after updating the speakers that they are just fine with a more efficient speaker.
Would like to get 93-96 db speaker.
@douglas_schroeder
Totally agree and understand.
My main reason for new speakers is that my GMA's are now 20 years old, even though they have been in storage most of their life and still hardly used, they are aged.
I don't want high efficiency speakers...but I would like more efficient speakers, 93-96 db and will keep my V4 amps because they probably will be just fine, and I will know for sure next year when I get new speakers.
For now, I am just looking for a preamp upgrade.
One of the reasons for keeping my amps, is I may find after updating the speakers that they are just fine with a more efficient speaker.
Which is why it’s kinda silly to even be talking about amps at this point.  I think you’d be better served to ask about speakers at this point as once you get a handle on that it’ll make the amp question much more efficient.  If you’re wanting to stay with time/phase coherent designs then Vandy should obviously be high on your list.  Best of luck. 

@soix

Well... I guess I can open it up to speakers too...

So... looking for a New/Used Preamp up to $10K that will work nice with my QuickSilver V4s and a set of speakers up to $12K.
Speakers should be at least 94db efficient.

Room is 18'x24'x8'

Already have a pair of JL Audio F113 subs (which I would like to use as rear subs) and can add another pair for the front.
Quicksilver mono blocks
Cary SLP-98 F1 or SLP-05 preamp
Triangle Signature Alphas or Deltas
I might even entertain the idea of a AVC...if doable, that would put more $$ for speakers...not sure if my Zesto Andros Deluxe 2 phono has the right

Output:


Outputs per channel

  • High quality output transformers driven by dedicated 12DW7/ECC832 output tubes
  • True floating ground, transformer Balanced XLR gold plated outputs
  • Single Ended gold plated RCA output, with isolated ground
  • Impedance 150 Ohms
  • +9 V max output level