2. amps-preamps
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I Feel Overwhelmed....Please Help

Hello, all.

I have recently decided to begin upgrading to stereo components around the entry level audiophile range, and move away from home theater stuff. I need help, as I had no idea until I began recently researching modern amps, preamps, integrateds, etc, just how huge the selection there is available.

Currently, I have the following:

Harman Kardon AVR 235 A/V receiver
Front L&R channels:
50 Watts per channel
@ <0.07% THD, 20Hz–20kHz into 8 ohms

Harman Kardon FL 8385 CD Changer

Klipsch KG 5.5 Floorstanding Speakers
frequency response 34Hz-20kHz±3dB
power handling 100 watts maximum continuous (500 watts peak)
sensitivity 98dB @ 1watt/1meter
nominal impedance 8 ohms
tweeter K-85-K 1" (2.54cm) Polymer dome compression driver
high frequency horn 90°x60° Tractrix® Horn
woofer Two K-1023-K 10" (25.4cm) Injected Carbon Graphite cones
Bass reflex via front-mounted port

Grado Labs SR325 Headphones

I use the receiver strictly for stereo music playback with my HK CD changer, or I play .flac or .mp3 files via input to the receiver from my computer sound cards optical digital output.

I want to keep my Klipsch speakers for now, along with my Grado cans, which I love. OTOH, I have not been particularly happy with the two HK components. Although the sound is not totally bad, it is a tad too bright, and it is fatiguing to listen over long periods of time. My room acoustics are not ideal either, with hardwood floors and drywall throughout. The listening rooms dimensions are 14'x13', with speaker placement along and near the corners of the 13' wall. At present, I cannot afford any of the acoustic treatments I see on the various internet sites.

From what I have seen so far, I think I would favor the warm, rich, clear sound of tube components. My Klipsch speakers are highly efficient at 8 ohms, so I should not need higher power, but I don't want to lose bass response either. I have not had much experience listening to higher end audio, but I really loved the sound of a friends McIntosh receiver (late 70's vintage), and another friends 60's vintage tubed HH Scott receiver, both systems paired with matching speaker pairs of the same brands respectively. Those experiences are why I believe I should really consider tube amps.

Would someone please be so kind as to suggest components that would allow me to play CD, CD-R, and digital music files based upon what I stated above? I suppose I could do without the ability to directly play back the digital files, but a CD player is a must have. Oh yeah, my budget is up to $3000, but I want to get as much as I can for the best possible price under that ceiling. Thanks.
chap_cat
dcstep
1,518 posts
 
I don't see anything that makes me wretch, so I'll say to let your ears be your guide. Unfortunately you'll be hearing all of these in an unfamiliar system. It's really hard to evaluate CDPs outside of your own system. Amps driving anything other than your own speakers will be misleading.

So, what do you do? Evaluate the dealers and see which ones you trust the most after you meet them. Before you go down, review all you can about the amps and CDP. When you get there focus on apparent build quality and pricing. If someone gives you crap about you existing system, then leave.

Dave
Ag insider logo xs@2x
uru975
684 posts
 
The Pathos Classic One Mark III isn't on your list but they show up here every so ofter in the $1650-1900 area, good solid tube integrated. That should leave you enough to get a good CDP. Check out the views in the archives here.
Just a thought.
macrojack
1,303 posts
 
Since you have great headphones that you love, consider a Melos SHA-1. It was originally created to function as a world class headphone amp and wound up becoming a Stereophile Class A preamp as well. There's one for sale right now for $450.
The OPPO 980H universal player sells brand new for $169.95 and Amazon will sell it to you with free shipping. This unit defies all assumptions about price/performance ratios. I'm using one as my primary digital in a very high performance system. It will meet and exceed your needs.
That leaves power amplifier and I'm really inclined to recommend something very sexy and solid state like a Rowland Model One or an Ayre V-3. Both would be excellent and you should be able to buy either for about $1100. Spend a bit more on conservatively priced interconnects and cables and you will be shocked at how much better your Klipsch now sound.

But ---- you probably have enough money left over to look into a speaker upgrade. Vandersteen would be nice.
grinnell
1,096 posts
 
If you go tubes look at a good used Primaluna PL 1or 2. Great bang for the buck (around $900 used) easy to use very nice sounding and you can vary the tubes easily.
digsmithd
913 posts
 
Hey dc step let us know how you like your new parker!!Your right on the money,everyones offering there knowledge and experience.Ive owned both tube and ss,The band wagon only gos so many miles.Making decisions early in your budget range are so many.Try on informitve buying then move up.Klipsch are horned?tube integrated with (CAYIN,PATHOs)Creek,sim amp(ss) As well as cd player.Keep us informed of your progression!
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