2. amps-preamps
  3. 1046549181

Power and Pre amp HELP & Recommendations needed.

I want to switch to a power and pre setup. I have a Rotel RCD991 cd player and I have B&W Nautilus 804 speakers. I would appreciate any recommendations and advice on pre and power amp combos. I have $4000 to spend therefore I guess that means $2K for the power amp and $2K for the preamp.

I am looking at used gear. To date I have used solid state gear. I have heard several inexpensive tube preamps such as the SFL1 signature and was not impressed however I am open to trying a tube or SS preamp with a SS power amp.

Some questions I have are: Is it important to stay with the same manufacturer for synergy? Can you mix a tube preamp with a SS power amp? Advantages of tube vs. SS vs. digital power amps? Is it better to buy one powerful amp or two less powerful amps and use a biamplied set-up?

I listen to jazz most of the time at low to medium volume.

Any recommendations or advice would be appreciated.
Thank you
audioman999
eldragon
707 posts
 
Too many of (your) questions will be unanswered! All these questions are same as to asking this forum, what kind of furniture you ought to get! I can point you into the (right) direction by suggesting you to go tubes! Only tubes will re-create the midrange magic! For listening acoustic instuments, at least. Preferably push-pull class "A"!
labtec
189 posts
 
The one thing I would question is your need to go the separates route. With a $4000 budget, you're in a difficult range where a combo of separates may not be better than a really good integrated.

In fact, for $4000, I can't think of too many separate combos that would clearly trump an LFD Mistral or Plinius integrated. Both of those you could get brand new and still save at least $1,000, plus you would need one less set of interconnects ($100-500) and not have to worry about preamp/amp synergy.

I'm sure you'll get a recommendation about using a combo with good passive preamp, since they are much less expensive. In theory, you can get more performance for the dollar going this route, but it's unconventional and tricky.
krelldog
323 posts
 
Here is my suggestion- 750.00 will get you a used Adcom GFP 750. This is a great preamp. Spend 2K on a used Classe 200. Actually 2K will get you a used Krell,Levinson,etc. Spend the last 1K on interconnect and power cords. Matched with your Rotel and B&W's this would be a kick ass system.
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