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Limited budget-spend more money on amp or preamp?

Hi. I am new to decent sound. I have a OK pair of full-range speakers (Von Schweikert VR-2000's) and are now looking for something to power them with. I am very limited with funds now, and am looking for decent used gear (both an amp and preamp). Out of the two components, would money be better spent on a good amp that I will be happy with for several years and a budget preamp, or the other way around? I have been looking at both a Bryston .4B Linestage and a Bryston 3B/4B amp, but I can't afford both. If I go with the .4B preamp, I will have to cut corners on the amp (probably an Adcom 545II). Likewise, if I get the 4B amp, I will have to get a cheaper preamp-something used under $150.

What combo would give me the best sound? Thanks in advance!
dawgcatching
driver's avatar
driver
750 posts
 
Given those budget constraints, I would go with the best amp I could get & use a passive. There are several passives to pick from in the $150.00 range or you might even consider attenuators. This is taking into consideration the other components in your system will not change for the time being. I also recommend only changing one piece at a time, so you can get used to it & see how it fits in with your overall plan.

If you haven't already done so, try & tune your room as best you can to realize the full potential of your gear.

Good luck!
sol322
426 posts
 
Dawg:
I'd suggest Warren's suggestion go with an integrated like he says
Luis
foxtrot
211 posts
 
Speakers are first I'd say too, no point in having a great source if the speakers are not going to be able to reproduce accurately, I'd say start with the speakers, amp, pre, source and cables, in that order.
eldartford
4,262 posts
 
How about a good Integrated amp. This will make you happy for now. When you win the lottery you can add a low level electronic crossover and a power amp to biamp the speakers.

I think it is speakers first, with the proviso that the power amp must be adequite for the speakers chosen.

As to source, if you use LPs, the pickup is as important as the speakers (when using that source). Transducers have sonic characteristics far beyond those of other elements in the system.

For Disc players, Tuners, Preamps and the like, reasonably priced hardware is OK. Not to say that superexpensive preamps are not better, but the point of diminishing returns is reached at quite a low dollar figure.
philefreak
423 posts
 
A great source will sound better through lesser speakers than a lesser source through a great speaker.
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