2. amps-preamps
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Switch preamp?

I've been an audiophile for over 5 decades and consequently collected a hodgepodge of equipment that I've mixed and matched with a degree of luck. My current listening room system, and most likely my last, consists of AR's (ss) LS10, Krell's KSA 250S, Martin Logan's 13a -- my latest addition and the reason for my question -- and AS Liveline's chord and speaker wire. I listen to most genres equally in CD, vinyl and Tidal.
It is my understanding that electrostat speakers perform best when utilizing tubes. I am not prepared to switch out my Krell but would consider the Audio Research since it's solid state.... and the clicker has gone missing. Ages ago I owned a Conrad Johnson with another system and have fond memories of its mellow sound.
So, does it make sense to replace the AR with tubes spending in the vicinity of $5k in the used market, or do I have a gem and should leave well enough alone? I am happy with the sound but these are my first electrostats and do not know what they're capable of. The closest audio store is 5 hours away so I count on smarter minds than mine to guide me. Thank you.
128x128notesaddict
notesaddict's avatar
notesaddict OP
63 posts
 
Jason, thank you. At the end of the day I couldn't part with my Krell KSA 250s. I spoke with Krell tech support and they said due to its age recapping is a must; +/- $1,000 plus shipping. At the end of the day it should sound far superior after 25 years of degradation. Then, based on Artemus suggestion, I started a dialogue with Don Sachs. He knows his stuff and I felt I was in good hands. Because of my age this will probably be my last chance -- I've said this with each upgrade -- to get it right and consequently ordered the best he has to offer for my system. So, some time within 3 months I should have a Don Sachs tube preamp (it's well worth checking his Web site) feeding a rebuilt Krell powering ML 13a. A lot of angst, a lot of reading.... we'll hear.
jasonsim
113 posts
 
If you enjoy the sound of the Krell (great product), then a recap is going to bring the life back!  Getting over 25 years out of something is an awesome feat and shows the value you have received from such a product!  

Looking forward to your thoughts on the Don Sacks pre.  I'm always open for good recommendations.  

In the end, it's your ears and no one can argue with that.  :-)  
jpsreno
77 posts
 
To my ears the best combination with my Martin Logans was Cary tube preamp with pwerful class A solid state power amps.  I tried several different power amps matched well in this scenario
notesaddict's avatar
notesaddict OP
63 posts
 
Well, I finally have my Don Sachs preamp along with an entirely new system. What started as simply replacing KEF, Polk bridged speakers with Martin Logan 13a ended in a completely new system comprised of the Sachs preamp, PS Audio’s DAC and CD player and Krell 575 monoblocks (while I was getting my Krell KSA 250s recapped, I received a trade-in promotion e-mail that resulted in the monoblocks).

It should not go without saying that what was a stressful endevour was made palatable by the fine people at Krell, PS Audio and Don Sachs. If I was ever to jump back on the merry-go-round, which I won’t, I’d undoubtedly go back to the mentioned companies due to their service being above reproach. Fine people.

Humbly, my system is fantastic. In good measure I have the Audiogoners who recommended Sachs to thank. It was well worth the 4 month wait. The preamp far exceeded my expectations.

After 50 years my rabbit hole is filled, well, almost, there’s still some interconnects and power cords to consider...
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,942 posts
 
I am going to second Scott_w's recommendation for a Sanders Sound Magtech amp. It's especially made for electrostatic speakers
@jasonsim Sanders loudspeakers use a conventional woofer for the bass. In this way they avoid the high impedance in the bass that is often associated with ESLs. It is that reason why the Sanders amp works with ESLs; and because of the low overall impedance of the Martin Logans, why it works with your speakers. Other ESLs such as the Sound Labs challenge the amp as it does not make power into higher impedance load, like most solid state amps.
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