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Pre and Amp Suggestions

Given the way these things go, I’m almost afraid to ask this question but here goes: I’m finally at a place where my front-end and speakers are at “destination” level-at least for me....for now.  My question is where and what to upgrade between these two extremes. The speakers in question are Revel Studio 2s which I love, and the front-end dac/streamer is the Lumin T1 ruining Roon. The Lumin feeds into an analogue bypass section (no digital conversion) of an Anthem AVM60 going in turn to two 200 watt mono channels of a Sherbourn 7300. In trying to answer my question, I would appreciate keeping to the following parameters:

-no suggestions of other speakers or front end gear, I’m in a good place where I am right now.
-no suggestions of power conditioners, cables etc. Let’s just stick to the gear.

Just looking for pre and amp recommendations (or really good SS integrated amps). The sound right now is quite neutral, but perhaps a little lean but very revealing. I’m not looking to drastically alter the sound or play louder, just looking for more of the “good stuff”, resolution, staging etc. Might consider a tube pre or hybrid but really have no interest in an all tube power amp or massive class A space heater anymore. Ok let the games begin!
spinaker01
bjg's avatar
bjg
29 posts
 
I can second the Spectron class D amps - start with a single unit and add a 2nd one when funds allow for a mono block set up with tons of power - add a Modwright LS36.5 dual mono preamp to provide a tube flavour and you have a great match - especially good for speakers that have low impeadance at higher frequencies- you should be under 10k used with a single Spectron and the MW preamp 
redlenses03
104 posts
 
To @spinaker01

I was in the same boat and recently purchase a new pair of Studio2's, which are hands down absolutely fantastic. 

Obviously there are a ton of great options available and I can only give my perspective and hopefully you will have the opportunity to try some items out.

As many have already stated, Pass is a great fit (no surprise) and is what I eventually went with (mono's).  Really hard to beat pure class A and with your budget you should be able to find something. 

I have a big enough room so heat isn't an issue and well, I'm not in this to please others about "efficiency" of class A v.s. D or whatever.  They are truly awesome amps and highly recommended.  Super dynamic and really don't fall short in any area. 

I almost went with a int60 and I'm sure would have been happy, but I figured I would have been always wondering about the mono's.  Good luck.


bache's avatar
bache
566 posts
 
Take a look to Pathos Italy brand -is #1 my opinion 
spinaker01 OP
491 posts
 
Redlenses03, what amps did you get the XA60.5? 
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
12,193 posts
 
Preamps are few and far away a crapshoot as to getting a good "really balanced" unit.
FWIW dept: we made the first balanced line preamps. They are tube and support the balanced standard.
I have to admit, your statement is quite true- most of the balanced preamps I've seen over the years are indeed balanced, but its rare to see one that supports the standard. As a result, people get really variable results, but IME if the balanced system is set up right, there's no going back to single-ended- you just get more music.
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