2. amps-preamps
  3. 1221887034

amp and preamp... i'm getting close

I've been pondering finally moving anyway from my vintage Kenwood receiver to some some hifi (or at least midfi) separates. The amp will be driving a pair of KEF Q35's. Maybe these aren't my long term speakers, but this is what I think I'll live with for now. I've been reading posts here and reading reviews incessantly (it's a sickness). I want to narrow down my lists so that I'm confident in jumping when the right component is available. I'm hoping people could comment on any weaknesses (for my budget range) on the pieces I'm looking at. Or a unit that's not on this list that I should consider. I have a small apartment and want a remote with volume control for the preamp. My budget for them is about $1500, which needs a phono preamp either separate or built in. Oh, in case this helps I'll be using a Kyocera PL-701 Turntable; a Kenwood KT-7550 Tuner; and a modded Lite DAC-AH. I listen to rock (alt, old and new), bluegrass, "alt-country" (Jimmie Dale Gilmore, etc), jazz, female jazz singers (like Betty Carter, Billie Holiday and Blossom Dearie), and some classical. My daughter listens to the Beatles, Frank Sinatra, musical soundtracks, etc.

Amps: Bryston 3B SST; Rotel RB-1070; Forte 3a; Anthem PVA-2; Belles 150A.

Preamps: Audio Mirror PP1; TAD 150; NAD C162; Musical Fidelity A3cr; AES-3; conrad johnson PFR.

I'm a noobie, but from reading and browsing agon I've got an appreciation for all the passionate members. Thanks!
cutterfilm
martydamnit
2 posts
 
Bryston B60R with phono - not quite the equivalent of the Bryston seperates, but still a fantastic sounding integrated. You can check out the Creek integrated amps too, though I preferred the Bryston. I would also suggest the Manley Stingray, but it doesn't have a phono input or remote control. I think the Creeks and Brystons run about $1k when I see them pop up here. Either one will live up to upgrades in any other components you have.

I was going to go with the Bryston until my budget expanded a bit unexpectedly.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,311 posts
 
I think in your price range, I would lean towards separates proven to match well if possible.
cutterfilm OP
59 posts
 
Still looking at separates but have found my interest peaked at the Cayin A 50T, the Creek 5350Se, and the Vincent Sv-226 MKII. Vincent looks great at the top end of my budget when I need to add a phono still.

I've narrowed my pre's based on simple preferences down to Audio Mirror PP1; TAD 150; and CJ PFR.

Having trouble targeting my sites on the right amp.
jaymark's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
jaymark
512 posts
 
Get an Acurus amplifier and either an Acurus R11 pre-amp or one of the cheap Prasound preamps. The cheap Parasound pre-amps sound, available for several hundred bucks, sound silly good and clean and not just for the money. I am running a modified, cheap Parasound through a classic, reference Music Reference tube amp, 125 wpc; the combo is surreal.

You could get the amp and pre-amp combination for under 750 - 800 dollars used here on Audiogon. If you don't see what you want listed on Audiogon, place a wanted ad - this is a good way to avoid chasing "hot" and desirable items once listed. The parasound and the Acurus pre-amps do not stay unsold long once listed on Audiogon.
cutterfilm OP
59 posts
 
i've made one decision. I just bought a Tube Audio Design TAD-150. I'm excited about the decision. Now... to match up an amplifier.

I'm now considering either the MF A3.2cr and the PS Audio A-100 (and the rotel rb-1050 as a low end option).
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