2. amps-preamps
  3. 1214922174

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
jb0194
476 posts
 
Consider a fully tricked out Ella (level three) with autobias option to eliminate the maintenance task of output tube biasing, and inquire if they will assemble the autoformer volume control (option 4b). I'll bet they will, as they offer assembly of the Ella.

www.diyhifisupply.com/diyhs_ella.htm

They'll fall well within your budget and will be new units.

I've owned the basic Ella (my brother has it now) and it is a very nice amp that will surely shine with the premium parts. I also owned the Django passive and kick myself for selling it. I had DIY HiFi build my Django and the assembly was first rate. The new autoformer volume control may even better the Django, as some contend that autoformers are better suited than transformers for passive volume control.

Brian Cherry of DIY HiFi is all about sound quality and value without any fluff. If that's what you're after, look no further.
electro77
40 posts
 
Get a used Spectron Musician 3 and spend the rest on the best preamp you can find. If you've never heard a Spectron amp, prepare to be amazed! Once you have the amp, you can audition different preamps till you find a combo that sounds good to you.

Tomer
mordante
511 posts
 
Do really want pre/power amp? A few days ago I heard a Symphonic Line RG9 integrated and at that price point it was the best I ever heard. I love (for some stupid reason) lots of boxes in sets pre amp with mono power amps with separate power supplies and transport with DAC with also big separate power supplies but the more I think about it the less since it makes to me. Unless you have unlimited funds or $7k or more for an amp I think integrated is the way to go. More bang for you buck. I am saving money myself for a Symphonic line.
I really wanted to buy a tube pre and separate power but for that budget it will be hard to beat a good integrated I think.

But anyway good hunting.
clio09
3,354 posts
 
Mordante,

Good call on the integrated. I have separate transport and DAC, and until recently also had separate amp and preamp. I just picked up a VAC Avatar SE and the simplicity this brings to the set-up has been a big surprise. Not to mention the VAC has a built in phono stage and overall is an excellent sounding unit. My separates did some things better, but the price for convenience and saving space can't be overlooked. One can get an excellent integrated for $3k - $4k.
johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 
How about the PS Audio GCC-250? 250 wpc integrated for $3495.

OK. As PS Audio likes to point out, it's not an integrated in the classic sense, because the multi-input front end is not a preamp; instead, PS Audio's GainCell technology allows the volume knob to adjust the gain at the amplifier level, so the signal does not get processed or attenuated at the incoming line level as a traditional preamp does.

But from a user's operational standpoint, it's a 250 wpc integrated without the customary size, weight, or heat. Damping factor >1000. Should show your Vandersteens what for.

This would be on my short list.
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