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Amp Upgrade - 3k to 4k used?

Hi Folks:
I’m thinking of upgrading my amps and would value some advice. I currently have Blue Circle BC2 Monos. I’ve been really happy with them, but the upgrade bug is starting to bite again. I could spend about $3k to $4k on the used market. I’m particularly keen on tube amps (especially low powered SET), but not sure if my speakers would be efficient enough. I know my CD player is a little old too, but don’t think an upgrade here will get me a big bang for the buck. I’ll also consider upgrading IC and SC as well a little later on, but want really really good stuff (FIM or Valhalla likely). Another option may be to get a Shunyata Hydra. The rest of my system is:

Audio Physic Virgo II (89Db efficiency, I think)
Sonic Frontiers Line III – (but expecting delivery of Supratek Chardonnay in a month or so).
YBA CD 1a
Nordost SPM IC & OTA Sakura IC
OTA Sakura Speaker Cable
3 Shunyata Sidewinder Power Cords, 2 YBA Diamond Power Cords, 1 pair of Bybee IC Filters, FIM outlets.

All advice and recommendations welcome. Thanks,
John.
128x128outlier
mdomnick
332 posts
 
Pass, Krell, Levinson, or BAT. Any1 of these maunfactures should make something that works well with the rest of your gear. Just bought a Line 1 and am very happy...how come your selling the Line 3?
saxman2
99 posts
 
I'm very happy with my Bat amps,especially
when I started changing out some tubes with
new old stock.
tireguy
1,964 posts
 
I don't think you could go wrong with a BAT, in particular there tube amps are super! Also worth looking into would be perhaps a Atma-Sphere otl amp of some sort, if I don't go from a VK-60 to a VK-75se I will get an Atma-Sphere and enjoy this OTL thing so many rave about. Which reminds me check out the Berning OTL(fake OTL but close enough) amps they are suppose to be giant killers for the money. ~Tim
outlier's avatar
outlier OP
381 posts
 
Thanks for the advice. Yes, I used to think about getting a VK60 - would be a bit cheaper than the Blue Circle BC2s, so not sure if it would be better, but it might be worth trying. The BAT tube amps definitely look like they mean business. I tried a couple of times before to get VK120 but other buyers beat me to it. One issue is that my upcoming Supratek Chardonnay has single ended inputs and outputs only, and I believe the BAT amps are all balanced. I know one can get adaptors, but I may fare better just getting an amp with single ended outputs. I might end up keeping the Line III though if it's as good as the Chardonnay.

Mdomnick, yea, I love my Line III as well - it's so quiet, neutral and does it's job really well. I'm getting the Supratek Chardonnay to try out because from what I've read it looks like it may be a killer bargain (see thread on best preamp deal ever, or something like that). It was too difficult for me to resist ordring one - it is a thing of beauty too. I'm not sure how I'll get on with it.

Overall, I find I like to switch and change equipment over time - as long as the replacement is at least as good (if different) than it's predecessor, I'm happy. I've had the Line III for about a year and a half now, and that's a long time for me. I just like to change now and again. Next speakers may be JM Labs Mezzo Utopia, whenever I can manage to save up.
jcbtubes
400 posts
 
John- On the used market, don't forget about checking out a Cary 805b or c, and also the WAVAC 572. These SETs have power and sonics. I also like some of the OTLs, but they usually require a bit more "user involvement" in their care and feeding. Good luck.
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