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I was happy with my system for 30 years; now I need a new amp...and more?

Greetings, can you help? My amps died. I have a wide range of listening: rock and roll mostly (70's mainly), some jazz, minimal classical.

 

Sources are LPs and CDs. I even still have a Nak tape deck for live music tapes...

I had VTL 80W mono blocks since 1992, combined with VTL Deluxe Preamplifier.

Speakers were EPOS ES11 (still have them, been in boxes for years), then some used Thiel CS3.5 (sold), now some Klipsch R820F that I got at Best Buy (I know).

Source is AR turntable that I've had since early 90's, don't remember what cartridge but it's relatively new.

CD player was Cal Audio Labs that stopped reading discs a few years ago (is this worth getting repaired? Tend to doubt it), now Phillips 900 series CD player, seems solid.

 

The VTL tube preamp had some bad tubes which are now replaced and it appears to be functioning well.

The tube amps had major issues with capacitors and I decided to sell them and move on instead of getting them repaired.

 

So! Now I need to get a new amp. Ideally I would use the existing preamp, possibly combining it with a solid state amp. I know the speakers are not that great, and the CD player probably needs upgrading.


The room is small--I sit about 12' from the speakers, the ceiling is average height (10'?), the room has a concrete floor covered with a rug (not carpet) and there are a lot of windows.

Budget is a bit flexible. I was thinking first I need the amp, then maybe upgrade the CD player (is it bad?), and finally the speakers.

One option is the Schiit Vidar 2 amp which, if I just get one, would work with the existing tube preamp (need balanced inputs to use two as mono blocks, which I don't have from this preamp). I would like for the amp to NOT run super hot if possible.

 

Budget (all are ± $500)

I could spend up to maybe $1500 on the amp

Up to maybe $1000 on the CD player (ideally less, or maybe not at all?)

Up to maybe $2000 on the speakers but that wouldn't be for another year or so. Focal?

 

Also: Minimal local dealers for stereo equipment! Tough to audition gear, plus it's not the same as hearing it in one's own room.

 

Looking for recommendations for an amp I can use with my tube pre-amp but also would consider something integrated (and sell the Deluxe to fund it) or other options?

 

THANK YOU.

drbeechwood
headphonedreams
522 posts
 

The Vidar sounds like a good choice. I am very happy with my Schiit Ragnarok which could be an option if you are ok with switching to an SS integrated.

The Orchard Starkrimson has gotten great reviews also.

https://orchardaudio.com/product/starkrimson_150w_gan_amp/

jimmyblues1959
115 posts
 

For around $1600,  you might consider a pair of Schiit Aegirs and use them as monoblocks. I believe in mono configuration they produce 40 watts per channel of class A power.

yxcbandit
25 posts
 

I'd look at the Hsu CCB-8 speakers with the Hsu ULS15 MKII sealed sub. They image better than they have a right to and are very efficient, so you won't have to spend big coin on an amp. Must be heard to be believed. 

lanx0003
656 posts
 

You might want to give a 2nd thought on M5i. My reservation is that M5i has pretty high output impedance as 0.2 ohm, meaning that the corresponding damping factor is as low as 40 into 8 ohm speakers and merely 20 into 4 ohm speakers. You might barely have the minimum control on the bass. Also, a bit coveat on the power output for the low-impedance load is suggested from the following Newport lab test results:

where you could see M5i falls a bit short (about 73%) of ideal power doubling into 4 ohm load at low frequency (not a concern on the high frequency). However, the good thing is that the power sustains into lower 2-ohm load.  You might want to pay due attention to these attributes before making the final decision.

alvinnir2's avatar
alvinnir2
103 posts
 

I have the same listening tastes as you, Dr.!

Having bounced back and forth between Solid State and tubes over the years I can say that I am never truly happy until I have a tube preamp and power amp together in the system. In my experience having a tube preamp with a SS power amp only gets you 1/3 of the way into tube heaven from a sonic perspective. The Power amp makes the biggest difference. Perhaps small tube monoblocks like the Mid Monos from Quicksilver are a great way to go. i own a pair and love them. They are $2000 the pair new so you should be able to find a used pair within your budget.  I see a pair, listed at $1200 just sold on USA audio mart. they do come up from time to time.

Consider that you got 3 decades of use. Much gear made nowadays likely won't be that durable. Those Quicksilver Mono are still hand built, wire point to point, and will   probably last the rest of your life. At 40 watts a channel, in your small room, that should be sufficient power for all but the most inefficient speakers. 

Not worth fixing the CAL CD player. Digital Audio has come a long way since then. I used to own one. Great at the time. hard or impossible to get serviced now.

I would say continue to use your current Phillips CD player and if you have the urge, jump into streaming, maybe with something basic like a Bluesound Node. You will be amazed at what that opens up to you.... your CD player will probably start gathering dust. Good Luck

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