Need help in deciding

I know what you mean about veiled Hiflyer, I gave up on high end SSP's musical ability about 12 years ago. I never did find one that handled music well.

The AI Mod 3 is a very good preamp, and great bang for the buck. It's a shame it doesn't have a HT bypass for you.
Lately, I've become a fan of 6SN7 tube preamps, with their big, bold sound. Some Cary SLP-98's have a HT bypass, and can be had used in your price range. They are very musical and easy on the ears. If you can't find a used one with HT bypass, you could buy one used and have Cary install a HT bypass for $350.

Here is a link, look about halfway down the page under "Modifications".

Another option is a used BAT VK-3iX(SE). Yes, it is balanced, but does have RCA inputs and outputs, and with BAT, any input can be configured into a HT bypass. That's all I can think of off-hand, maybe others will provide alternative suggestions. Happy hunting!

Cheers,
John

Thank you John for the two choices. Are either one easier for tube rolling than the other? I will do some research on both units as they appear to be right in my price range.

Does anyone have any input on upgrading the Nuforce amps or replacing them?

Glenn

Glenn, both are fairly easy for tube rolling. The BAT VK-3iX uses (4) 6DJ8/6922/7308 family of tubes in the line stage and (2) 6V6's in the power supply section, all can be rolled. The SE versions of the BAT use the 6H30 tube, which cannot be rolled easily. So the VK-3iX is very different from the VK-3iXSE.

The Cary SLP-98 uses (4) 6SN7's in the line stage, which also can be easily rolled.

Rolling in the Cary may be a little easier, since there is no cover to remove. :)

I also agree that a new preamp would be the best place to start. For 2 channel, its just too important to not get right. Both the Cary and BAT units mentioned above are excellent. Either will completely transform the sound you get from 2 ch. Another unit you may want to consider is an Aesthetix Calypso. Its also a great all around, excellent sounding component. Its good enough to be your last preamp.

The only thing I would add is with regards to tube rolling. There's nothing wrong with doing it, but I wouldn't lock myself into a choice primarily because of it. The people who design the preamps mentioned above really know what they are doing. They all sound great with stock tubes. I would suggest that it may be better to choose a preamp in its stock form. While the sound of the tubes do factor in, the design does, as well. If this is a component that you plan on keeping for a while, I think you will probably make a better choice going that route.

That said, I think it would be pretty difficult to mess up with the 3 preamps listed above. If you don't mind going SE, Conrad Johnson is a great choice also. As far as the amps go, stick with what you have for now. Your system will sound vastly better with the right preamp. Also, you will need time to get used to the sound and if you change 2 major components at once, it increases your chance of making a mistake. There's a very good chance you would pick a different amp later on, once you get to know your system, than if you were to buy one right now.

+1 wow, some excellent suggestions.

Regarding your NuForce amplifiers. The suggestion to hold on to them for now and become familiar with a new preamp is good advise. I upgraded from version 1 SEs to version 3. While the upgrade was audible It made me realized I wanted to go back go tubes.

Am I assuming correctly that you want your two channel to sound all it can be yet still have it play its part as the left and right channels of your HT system?