2. cables
  3. 128757-17071

New Preamp...New Cables???

Bought a Hovland Preamp 100 used here on Audiogon.  Pairing it with Parasound Halo A23 Power Amp. Using Synergistic Research Alpha RCAs for past 7 or so years.

Opinions from you folks on if it's worth it to "upgrade" interconnects going to Power Amp and Digital source to Hovland Pre.

Nothing crazy, maybe 2 pair for 200 per tops... Have to draw the line somewhere I guess.  

Thank You
papostol
randy-11
1,913 posts
 
no
pops
2,273 posts
 
^^^^what he said - save your money.  If you get a hankering for something more or different then spend some time with the Cable Company.  in the meantime, enjoy the tunes.

samac's avatar
samac
498 posts
 
No need for new ICs. Enjoy your new pre. That Hovland is sweet.

Cheers,

Scott
papostol OP
12 posts
 
Thank you.  Can't wait for it.  Appreciate responses
tls49's avatar
tls49
1,351 posts
 

Just trying to give you a "heads up" about your amp/preamp combination. Due to measurements of the preamp, Stereophile recommends an amp with at least a 47k ohm input impedance. The input impedance of the Parasound A23 is significantly lower at 33k ohm. As stated, bass response will be lean.

http://www.stereophile.com/content/hovland-hp-100-preamplifier-measurements#8C13ttFAAxuFK2Df.97

I have experienced this type of amp/preamp mismatch, and using the proper amp to mate with the tube preamp made much more than a slight difference.

More to discover