2. amps-preamps
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What to try?

Currently have Yamaha As1200 integrated with KLH Model 5.  Looking to get a more refined sound with a tube integrated.  220 square foot room,  8 foot ceilings.  I  am getting a somewhat foreword presentation now but good solid clear sound with punch.  Thinking about a Pathos Classic One MkIII or Willsenton R8 or Line Magnetic KT88.  The Pathos is a hybrid but have heard good things.  Play mostly vinyl with Fluance RT 85 and Ortofon Blue. Listen to mostly rock and alt country and some classical.   Just thinking of dipping my toes into tubes to get a different sound.  Any suggestions?

laecp123
macg19
879 posts
 

I went from a LineMagnetic KT88 to Raven Audio and never looked back. Looking to go up in their line next to the Reflection. Details in my profile.

Within your budget, but no phono stage.

They sell direct only, 45 day in home trial, and 100% trade-up value within 12 months.

audioguy85's avatar
audioguy85
2,018 posts
 

Why would you want the phono stage built in? There are so many seperate phono stages....plus you just box yourself in with one that's built in. Get a Sugden A21se and be happy...

grislybutter
2,719 posts
 

the advantage of a separate phono stage is also: amps without phono stage tend to be better value. It's a questionable and generic statement but with some truth to it, as much as I've seen...

vonhelmholtz
911 posts
 

Agree, better separate phono stage, but good phono separates can get pricey.  The phono stage alone can transform what you hear.

alucard19
362 posts
 

You could try a Black Ice Fusion F35 Integrated for 3k with EL34 tubes, or 3.25k with 6550 tubes then add a Parasound Zphono XRM phono preamp for $499.00, it lets you hook up 2 turntables 1 MM, and 1 MC and is very flexible with gain settings, it also has a rumble filter,a mono stereo switch if needed, it also has MC impedance adjustments of 50 - 1050 ohms. This way you can always go to separates if you want at a later time, and both together are still in your 3.5k budget.

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