2. amps-preamps
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Amp/preamp suggestions in $3000-4000 range

Hi all,

I'm ready to upgrade my system and I'm going to start with the amp and preamp. I need suggestions.

My system is comprised of Kenwood L-07D and Oracle Alexandria turntables with Dynavector 10x5 and Benz Micro Glider cartridges, respectively, into a Unison Research Unico. The speakers are Vandersteen 2ce. I listen to a wide range of music from jazz and modern composition to beat up punk rock 45s, and everything in between.

I've had solid state amps most of my life and have tried some of the more humble all tube systems such as Antique Sound Labs and Jolida. I really love the sound of the Unico's hybrid design but it's not a great amp for the Vandersteens. Beyond that, I haven't much of an idea where to go. I prefer the idea of tube preamp and solid state amp but I'm not hell bent on it. I am open to an integrated machine or separate preamp and amp. Monoblocks are interesting as well. I'd like to keep the total price somewhere between 3-4K on the used market.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Rickk
rickk
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
I've never heard the TAD gear, but if the McCormack got blown away, by an amp that got blown away by the TAD-125s, the 125s must be very good indeed. I think that one thing is for certain, with the 2CEs, a tube pre and SS amp is likely your best approach. Narrowing the choice on the amp side is a little trickier, but I'm sure there are several good choices out there. I would look for 100-200 watts to control the lowend, the VSs like some power. You should get some of the tube sound you might be looking for with a tube preamp. If the Ayre combo is in your budget, and don't mind going with a SS pre (Ayre is a very good one)that would be very nice indeed, running fully balanced.
clio09
3,355 posts
 
A hybrid amp could be a good compromise between tube and solid state. last I looked there was a used Butler for sale here. 250 watts hybrid for about $1500. With the money left over you could then mate it to a nice preamp.

TAD has also come out with the Hibachi monoblocks. They were selling for under $1000 and there is one on auction now starting at $999. These are solid state and around 200 watts if I recall. Again, lots of money left over for a nice preamp.
mrjstark
1,112 posts
 
I will second Butler recommendations, very nice amp. I am not the biggest fan of SS gear but I can see myself useing something like Butler or WFS amps. Preamps.....? I like Supratek, Blueberry, Dodd. Going all AR is another way to do it but I believe there are better fish in the Sea. IMO.
usblues
1,217 posts
 
Counterpoint with upgrades is exceptional
rickk OP
15 posts
 
Thanks for the responses. What a lot of information.

I am glad to see a consensus regarding tube pre and solid state amp since that's where my thinking has been at with the Vandersteens.

WOW! That Blueberry preamp is beautiful. Have never heard of Juicy Music but both my wife and I are instantly in love with the design. I'll have to see what threads we have on here about it. Is this a robust preamp that will last me years or is it a finicky boutique offering that needs frequent servicing?

McCormack and Modwright are both companies I've already been reading up on. Very curious about the McCormack DNA-225.

The Butler is intriguing to me. I am not familiar with hybrid amplifiers but the idea sounds promising from the review I read on 6moons.

I forgot to mention that I like to bi-wire the Vandersteens. That's one way to narrow down my amp choices, I guess. I noticed the Counterpoint supports bi-wiring.
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