2. amps-preamps
  3. 988566138

Power Amp/Pre-Amp

I am considering upgrading my sytem. I have Snell E V's and an Arcam DIVA CD92. Cables are currently up in the air.
The system resides in a living room 28x17 feet. Previous amplifiers have run the gamut from Luxman, NAD and Primare.
I liked them all, but lean toward the sound of the Primare (A 20)and on the integrated side am thinking of the Primare 30.1 but am still auditioning others.

While I have had integrated amplifiers in the past, and may get another, I also want to look at seperates. This is as much from a desire for future flexibility as for sound quality. I am budgeting approximately $4,000 and may buy one or both componants used. I am looking for advice in two areas. First, do the Snells rate this upgrade (I think so, but would appreciate other opinions). Second, in light of the number of componants on the market, I don't quite know where to begin. I would appreciate help in developing a list of pre- and power amplifiers to check out.
hinde
halifax
51 posts
 
I really like my Musical Fidelity A3CR Pre/Power combo, they are beautful sounding, and you'll still have money left over for a good DAC all of that together and you will be at a new level.

halifax
51 posts
 
Blue Circle makes excellent sounding amps and pre-amps.
;)
chstob
140 posts
 
I second the Bryston, second the Blue Circle. Also try Simaudio Moon amp/pre, and McCormack (either the new style or the old). You might also want to look into Audio Research. Don't know about the Musical Fidelity, but undestand it's the big value play. Proceed amps are worth a look too. And of course, there's always Classe.

A resource to look at is Audioreview.com's pages where you will find lots of amp/pre reviews. If already initiated, ignore the suggestion. If unitiated, I urge extreme caution, everything can't be 5 stars, and the truly objective report is the exception rather than the rule. Overall the mood is 'I-listened-to-it-sounded-unbelievable-can't-do-better-for-the-money!' (drunk from hookupitus).

I respectfully disagree somewhat from the implication above you're in need, possibly, of another DAC, as that CD player does digital about as well as any unless you are aiming for the outer reaches of the audio solar system. Certainly anything can be improved upon, but you might just as well be happy on the front end.
Enjoy the search.
Chris
mike1diver
51 posts
 
I have to also agree with Lev335. Go with high end if you can. If you can go with Levinson equipment, you will never regret it. Almost everything you find used will be in excellent condition. I have had to deal with the company a couple of times on warranty issues. They have always been great, and very prompt with their repairs. I own a 380 preamp, which I purchased new, and two 332 amps biamped, which I purchased used in great shape, running through Revel F30's, which is also a Madrigal (Levinson) company.
hinde OP
12 posts
 
Thank you all for your advice. Several of the names mentioned were on my list, but others were not. My next challenge will be to see whats available locally. My budget has just been sidetracked by a bamboo fly rod. This is just as well as I can now continue the search and begin some auditions without the risk of an impulse buy. I have one further question. One of my complaints about my current system is its lack of fullness at lower volumes. Does this eliminate or strengthen any of the recommended components? I assume not at the quality we're discussing but thought I should ask.
Again, thanks. This has been very helpful.
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