2. amps-preamps
  3. 183314-125627

Considering moving to separates with a tube preamp-appreciate recommendations

I currently drive Dynaudio Evoke 50 speakers with a Hegel H390 integrated amp. The Hegel also functions as my DAC and streamer.

I use an Elac Alchemy PPA-2 phono pre with a Technics SL-1200G turntable.

I also have a Denon DCD-A110 SACD player.

I've been pleased with this setup, but enjoy trying new combinations of gear, so I'm considering moving to separates for the preamp and amp. I'd like to try a tube preamp mated to a solid state class A/B amp.

I'm considering something used in the $3-$4K neighborhood for the preamp. PrimaLuna EVO 400, Rogue RP-7, and PS Audio BHK Signature are at the top of my list. 

Potential used stereo solid state amps in the $4-$6K range include the Parasound JC5, PS Audio BHK 250, or maybe Yamaha M-5000 or Rotel/Michi S5. I'd also consider something from Mark Levinson or Modwright if it was in the price range.

The Bel Canto EX-1 amp intrigues me too, but it's class D, and I'm not sure about it...

Appreciate input form anyone with experience with these options (or others in these price ranges).

Thanks

jpipes
gareents
63 posts
 

I would second going to an ARC preamp. I replaced a BHK, and a CJ ET5SE, with a REF3. ARC is superior by far!

    -G

z32kerber
151 posts
 

I really like my JJ 243 preamp..

jwillox
186 posts
 

The comments so far sound good. 
 

I love the Denon DCD-A110 SACD player. 

vonhelmholtz
911 posts
 

@atmasphere 

Ralph

When sitting down to audition your line of amplifiers and without regard to price, are you able to describe what differences will be noted as we cycle through your line of amplifiers, including the new class D?   I would post this as a separate thread, but I don’t want to pressure you to answer such a question.

atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,793 posts
 

When sitting down to audition your line of amplifiers and without regard to price, are you able to describe what differences will be noted as we cycle through your line of amplifiers, including the new class D?   I would post this as a separate thread, but I don’t want to pressure you to answer such a question.

A lot depends on the speaker used for our OTLs. If the speaker is very easy to drive the differences are slight- from the S-30 up to the MA-2. But the MA-2 can drive speakers that some of our smaller amps cannot (for example, Sound Labs need at least the MA-1, but the MA-2 is better). But generally, the larger the amp, the more authority it has without sacrificing any of the nimble nature of the smaller amps.

The class D sounds very similar to our tube amps but is slightly more transparent. It has the advantage of being able to drive a much wider range of speakers.

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