Old power amp with newer preamp?

I would highly recommend Aragon amps. 2004 or 8002 are within your budget, and they are one notch above NAD / Adcom / Rotel. I own 8002 and I am very impressed with its performance. It's comparable to higher end amps I used to own that cost between $2000 and $3000.

I agree the 686 sounded better to me then the 685's!!!

Hi Folks,

I thought I'd offer a quick update on my progress. I spent some time locally listening to new and used integrated and separates. In some ways I'm very encouraged and in other ways, I'm more confused.

For used equipment, I liked the Rotel RX-1050 over the NAD 7240PE. I preferred the new Rotel separates and Musical Fidelity integrated over either of the used units.

I listened to the B&W line of speakers again and this time I found the 685s to be superior to the 686s. (I went to the same dealer, but different location from last time.) Then I really got into trouble when I listened to the new CM series of B&Ws. Through the Musical Fidelity, they were really amazing.

CM series: $900
Musical Fidelity amp, power and cd player demo on blowout: $1875

My budget doesn't come close to that, so back to reality. I currently run music through a Sony DVD carousel unit, into a Pro Logic Denon DVR3000 into Boston CR77 bookshelf speakers. I suspect that any of the above is a marked step up.

So I'm going to try to find a used: creek, rotel separates, musical fidelity or arcam.

might go used speakers as well. There are many CDM series B&W on ebay and their prices seem quite nice, as do the 805 matrix line.

anyway, thanks for listening in on my journey. its been fun so far.

Steve

P.S. For a reference CD, I can't seem to beat Nickel Creek's self titled album. A great folks sound to test systems with.

I'm way outside my budget now and

I think it would not be a bad idea to go for a older Rotel pre/power. I admit that I am biased since I have Rotel gear. But the RC980/RB980 should maybe be available for your budget and that is a real nice combo.

Or a Rotel RA1062 intergrated would be nice. I once compared it to the Arcam diva 75, Rega something and creek something. All were new then and all were about the some price and I think the Rotel was the clear winner and the Rega amp was bad.

I thought I should offer an update. I bought a dented (but completely functional) Rotel RB 980BX power amp off audiogon and paired it with a Rotel RSP 960ax processor. I also built my own DIY speakers from a GR Research kit. $150 total in the rotel gear and $375 in the GR Kit.

The rotel separates are much better sounding that the denon receiver I had. My wife in the other room immediately noticed with Mark Knopfler sounded like he showed up to do a personal gig!

The rsp960ax has a poor bass response, so I'll likely trade up from it one day.

the GR research speakers haven't broken in yet, but already have creamed my Boston bookshelves (which are actually excellent speakers for the $$$.)

anyway, thanks for everyone's help so far. Its been a fun journey

Steve