2. amps-preamps
  3. 129413-85824

VAC 30/70...pick your pre?

Considering a pair of VAC 30/70’s however concerned a bit about matching the Pre well; on the other hand, can’t spend another 5-6k on a line stage right now. Thoughts? Recs? Get a better integrated instead for now?  Ideas about Line Magnetic 219 vs. Allnic T2000; pushing Wharfedale Jade 5's (87db 6ohm)


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jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
As this discussion demonstrates! There are numerous approaches to improving one's audio system,. Spread  the wealth certainty has merit.  I probably feel more strongly about the impact of amplification than some others here.

Charles, your take is par for the course for SET amp advocates.
There are many different ways to audio nirvana.

The most common mantra is the 'speakers first' crowd. While others will insist that the source is the key to audio heaven. Others, like yourself, mostly SET fans, insist that the amp is the key to the system. There are even a few outliers who will beat the drums that wire is the key to true happiness. Then there is my group preaching system balance.

Digital? Analog? Computer Audio? SET? Class D? Class A? Passive or active preamp? Tube or solid state? Cables matter, or not?  Tweaks??? Fuses???
So many choices. In the end, everyone must make their own personal choices as to what works best for them.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 

John, To be clear I don't believe that an amplifier is " the key" for an audio system's  success. Actually all aspects are of importance due to the fact that the "weakest link" of a system is the limiting factor. Balance of a system is no less a factor from my perspective. As we both have acknowledged there are  various ways to achieve the final goal or objective. Regarding SET amps yes I do believe they are wonderful but not in an isolated sense but rather as part of a total picture concept.

Charles

jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
Thanks for clearing that up Charles. From you other posts, I've always taken you as an amp first guy, because you always seem to recommend SET amps, regardless of speaker selection.

Personally, I struggle to believe that the OP's Wharfedale Jade 5's (87 dB, 6 ohm) can be driven best by a SET amp.

Perhaps I have been misreading you. I also believe in the 'weakest link' methodology. So we are on the same page.
phaun16's avatar
phaun16 OP
20 posts
 
So I'm coming to believe that perhaps I should change my speakers first, and ones that are more efficient to allow for a greater breadth of amp choice.  I'm imagining 92db and greater then if I want to use SET down the line? A number I enjoyed yesterday, ATC, spendor, harbeth all seem to be right around my 87db rating.  
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
Yes, more efficient speakers would definitely help if you seek to run an SET amp.

Look for names like Daedalus Audio, DeVore Fidelity, and Coincident, are among a few manufacturers who make more SET friendly speakers.
I'm sure that Charles can recommend more lines.

Cheers,
John
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