2000 to 3000 +/-

[BartJY]

Hi Folks,

I have around 2K to 3K to spend for an Amp/Preamp or Integrated amp. I'd like best bang for the buck answers. What would your suggestions be?

Currently I'm using a NAD 162 Preamp with a 272 Amp. I've been very pleased with them, but I'm ready to upgrade. My Speakers are a pair of Vandersteen 2Ces

Thanks
Bart

 

[Metalsmith]

One big question! Are you wanting to stick with solid state or do you want to move to tube?

 

[BartJY]

Solid state

 

[trhee]

Unfortunately, that price range seems to have the most infinite number of choices for you to choose from.

Just knowing that you run a pair of Vandy's doesn't really clue anyone in on what you're looking for. Everyone will just name their favorite amps as it is.

It would be nice to know, at the very least:

- What are your source components.
- What kind of music you listen to.
- What volume levels do you prefer.
- Is a remote control a necessity.
- Do you prefer SS or tubes?
- What improvements are you looking for from the NAD set you have or overall from your system in general. Maybe the improvements can be found by upgrading other gear instead of amp and preamp.

etc....

 

[KGB1]

Hi Folks,

I have around 2K to 3K to spend for an Amp/Preamp or Integrated amp. I'd like best bang for the buck answers. What would your suggestions be?

Currently I'm using a NAD 162 Preamp with a 272 Amp. I've been very pleased with them, but I'm ready to upgrade. My Speakers are a pair of Vandersteen 2Ces

Thanks
Bart

I was recently in your position and ran the gauntlet of integrated amps, both SS and tube.

Throughout the process, and I do mean a process, I kept coming back to the Luxman L-505u. It seemed out of my price range, but I kept digging.

Funnily enough, I found a local dealer in my city and he did me a deal that I simply could not refuse.

Music Direct and others, unless you go gray market (risky), had it listed for $4,100 all in.

I ended up buying it for $3,280 all in. I am very pleased with the purchase. I do not think that the quality and functionality of this integrated can be beaten at that price point.

Anyway, good luck to you, if you are like me, you have a hell of journey in front of you.

Kenny

 

[goldleaf]

What a nice problem to have!

I would stick to separates if I were you. That way you have a lot more options on you output section as new products become available. A SS pre works great with a tube amp btw, so that becomes an upgrade path.

When shopping for a pre, if it were my situation, I would focus on having the lowest possible noise floor, whatever brand you get, and ask about the parts used. You want discrete parts and a minimum of op amps on the signal path, and premium bypass capacitors.

On the amp side, if you want to stick to SS, I'd go with a really nice class D amp based on either the B&O ICE or the Hypex modules. Their sound is heavenly and they are affordable within your budget nowadays. For tubes, you can do very well for under a thousand too. Search the forums for class D threads to learn more.

There are way too many choices to be more specific than that. No one can listen to everything that is out there at the moment so everyone will just recommend what they have or have listened to - omitting those things they haven't auditioned.

If you narrow down your candidates based on aesthetics and other requirements, the group can help you choose. It's a lot of fun for us.
Happy hunting.

 

[cratz2]

Nice speakers. Respected AND under-rated in my opinion.

If you don't need a phono stage, I'd personally go with an Acurus preamp and an Aragon 8008 or a McCormack DNA 1.0. Might stup to something nicer if I needed a phono section.