Pass amp vs McCormack with Silver/Gold upgrades...

Really? 100K? I always thought that McCormack's were around 10K and Pass around 20K. If your CJ is 200 ohms, you shouldn't have a problem, even with 10K. However, I think you are looking for something with more resolution than CJ.

I've heard the B&K's, but never owned one. I did own a Aragon 4004 mk II many moons ago, it was a nice amp for the $$$. When considering preamps, CJ and Cary are at one end the the tonal spectrum, the rich, warm vibrant end. ARC and VAC are on the other end of the tonal spectrum, the transparent, high resolution end. Audible Illusions is more in the middle, but leans towards the transparent end.

With the 24K inpedence input you should be alright with any preamp with an output impedence under 1Kohm.

What kind of cables are you using? If you're using warm cables like Cardas with warm preamp like CJ and warm speakers like ProAc, that also could be a mitigating factor. Let me know what you think once you get the B&K hooked up.

John

I hate to be Debbie Downer here, but there is little comparison btwn a B&K and a stock DNA, let alone a modified one.

John, will do. Thanks for the comments on preamp characters, that was incredibly useful. I should give you a percentage of the money you just saved me.

Cables? Well, um... I went to the local car/home hifi place, and asked for the best car audio cable they had; I think I got 30 feet for $30. You see I am just setting my system back up after years in storage, and am also the proverbial underpaid academic. So I need to take it a step at a time, but indeed, cables have been much on my mind as I focus on improving clarity. I am eager to find out what impact that will have. Would you have any recommendation, given you know my situation somewhat?

Swampwalker, I would love to read a long exposition on the sonic distinctions between the ST-140 and a DNA so please feel free if you feel like it. I did search for all I could find on that without very informative results.

Certainly you are right though, and I did make a bid on the DNA .5 Deluxe but didn't get it. Which highlights one big difference between the ST-140 and DNA: the price. My offer was 3x what I got the ST-140 for and I still didn't win!

Do you think the B&K will not tell me anything useful about how SS will sound compared to my 8B, that will apply for the DNA as well?

I do plan to get a DNA but am unfortunately not a doctor, nor a lawyer, so it will be a while...the problem with college is you choose a path when you are too young to realize how important money is going to be once you can't call up your parents in an emergency....:-)

Jim

07-11-12: River251
...the problem with college is you choose a path when you are too young to realize how important money is going to be once you can't call up your parents in an emergency....:-)

Haha, ain't that the truth. I have 3 sons, 2 are out of college and working now, though neither is making as much $$$ as we all expected. The youngest is due to graduate next May. Hopefully the economy will pick up down the road. I worry about my kids future....it's looking pretty bleak.

Swampwalker does have a point, but I understand that you are just curious as to how a solid state amp may sound in your system. I have a feeling that the B&K will be a disappointment, as it is far from the best SS and going back to SS after tubes is not easy to begin with.

As far as speaker cables go, ones that are relatively inexpensive but are lots better than the standard drab are Clearview Helix from Mapleshade. I've only actually used the Double Helix, which I felt beat cables that cost 2-3 times their price, but the Helix will save you even more $$$. You can save even more if you can find a used pair. They don't come up often, but I see them every once in a while.

Cheers,
John

John I'm amazed there may be a speaker cable for that price range. Would you call these on the bright side?

I fully expect the B&K will not replace my 8B. But I have been intrigued for some time. It's costing me $27 in shipping, and I am sure I can pretty much get my $200 back on Ebay, as it looks new. It's a data point. I'll learn.

Thanks.
Jim