2. amps-preamps
  3. 1066354095

I've got a basic, directional decision to make.

I have a pair of excellent monitors, GMA Europas. They are fairly efficient at 89db. I have already made a decision concerning cables and interconnects (signal cable). The decision is whether to go with an amp/pre and a less expensive source, or to go with an integrated and a better source. All of the equipment I am considering would be used, from right here on the Gon.
Specifically, if I were to go the amp/pre route I would probably go with the McCormack DNA .5 and maybe a Sonic Frontiers pre. I really like the tube pre/ss amp concept. Then I would have to go with a less expensive source, maybe Cambridge, NAD, or Sony ES.
On the other hand, if I were to go the integrated route, I would probably go with the Audio Refinement Complete. For a source I would go with a higher quality source, I'm not sure what it would be right now. Jolida? Rega? Not sure.
So which direction would you go?
The bottom line is that I have about $1200-$1300 to spend, $1500 at the outside. Living in a dreamland for a moment, what I would like is the McCormack DNA .5 SS Amp, a Rogue 66 pre, and a high quality source. So maybe the key is to find a real giant killer of a cdp (as the GMA Europas are to monitors). I'm stumped.
Any input is much appreciated.
jb3
mauiaudioman
171 posts
 
Source. Period. Upgrade the amp at a later date. When you do the source, also make sure the interconnects are VERY good. Europa's will show off HUGE differences in I/C's quickly and easily. The guy that recomends dumping the Europa's has OBVIOUSLY never heard them. Again, do the source, with GOOD interconnects, then the amp. Signal Cable makes some very good cables cheap.
nrchy's avatar
nrchy
2,124 posts
 
Have you considered going with a CDP that has variable output (volume control) so you can go right into the amp with it? This would allow you to get a better CDP and amp, in theory anyway.

One advantage with this setup is there is less signal loss. Remember, every connection is a loss of signal. Every step you can eliminate is a bonus to you.

Unless you are planning to add more sources later (i.e. LP or tuner, etc...) you will never really need a pre-amp.

The thing to keep in mind with a source/amplification question is that no amp will ever restore what the source did not get from the CD. It doesn't matter how good an amp is, it doesn't know what is missing, and if it did it would not know how to replace it.

There is something to be said for a minimalist approach.
abbeydog
70 posts
 
Jb3,
I too have the Europa monitor and I am really happy with them. I pair them with Nad equipment--C370 amp and 521i cdp.
The Europas have me itching for the upgrade of my amp and source as I think they have much more to give then I can get out of the Nad stuff. The Nad system (deck and amp considered together) give a rather dry presentation that just doesn't quite grab me. Not bad but I'm not satisfied with it. What a surprise, an audiophile who's not satisfied huh?
Welfed brings up a good point and Roy reccomends Edge, Blue circle, Manley, and Vac amps and Birdland dac. Also if you want to play loud he likes 70 watts tubed and 125 SS. This from an earlier post on the 'Gon. Since I do like to play loud on occasion I know I will need one of the big amps
and that means big bucks. My budget is about the same as yours so I'll be Nad-ing it for a while.
In the meantime I am thinking of picking up a Birdland Odeon lite $500 used and have just bought a used Audio Magic Excalibur IC. I am using all Signal cable now.
So I will be working the source until I can get the big and refined amp I really want. Our systems seem to be developing along similar lines and I am going with the reccomedations Roy gave me. Why not? I like the sound of his speakers.
Hope that is some small help at least.
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