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Amp and Preamp for $8k?

destroyerzx1

destroyerzx1

Active Member
Alright I've posted threads before looking for some insight on what I should upgrade to but ultimately at that time I didn't have the money saved to really take anything seriously. many hrs of overtime later I've saved up some cash for something new (restoring vintage gear isn't cheap either). I have lots of vintage gear but am looking to get something no more the a few years old perhaps even new. for preamps I was thinking either hybrid or tube and for amps I'd like solid state for the reason of tubes are expensive especially when tube rolling. I have more money in tubes then anything I own is really worth. I don't just listen to music on my setup it being in the living room with a projector I watch tv shows, movies and play video games so burning out tubes just isn't practical. but I do love the warmth tubes bring.

Tube rolling has been quite an adventure but with such a wide verity of music genres I was playing hell trying to find the sweet spot, what works for metal didn't work for piano or jazz and vice versa. My speakers are yamaha fx-1's and are fairly efficient 94db my amp is never more then 10 watts and that's pushing it. mostly for doing chores and what not. I'll be going to some local shops in Sacramento and SF bay area in the next month or so to audition some options. I was considering getting a don sachs tube pre and pass labs xa25 but I'd really like some of your input on what I should look for and what else I should consider or take into account. not sure if I should go with stereo amp or monoblocks. I'd really like to stay in the $8k and under but if theres something you feel would be worth saving up a little more to get I'm all ears
 
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$8k, eh? I'll live vicariously through you.;)

At that budget, you have a lot of options.

Tubes, under $8k. Brand new PrimaLuna, done.

Solid State, I would go for a Parasound JC-2 pre-amp and a pair of JC-1 mono-blocks. The JC-5 would be a decent "downgrade" from the mono-blocks. Either the amp or pre would have to be used or discounted to meet your budget, but I've had good luck with used gear..

I certainly would consider that Pass Labs XA25 with any pre-amp you choose. Especially with your speaker efficiency and listening habits.

I just moved to mono-blocks, and the ones I have are said to be just to the warm side of neutral (Adcom GFA-365), and after listening on Klipsch and Infinity towers I would have to agree.

I'm hunting for a Parasound JC-2 for myself.

I would recommend the GFA-365, but they have known issues with the electrolytic caps leaking and ruining the driver boards. They need to be repaired/upgraded before they can be trusted.

You can get a lot of nice McIntosh for $8k
 
Ross6860 said:
$8k, eh? I'll live vicariously through you.;)

At that budget, you have a lot of options.

Tubes, under $8k. Brand new PrimaLuna, done.

Solid State, I would go for a Parasound JC-2 pre-amp and a pair of JC-1 mono-blocks. The JC-5 would be a decent "downgrade" from the mono-blocks. Either the amp or pre would have to be used or discounted to meet your budget, but I've had good luck with used gear..

I certainly would consider that Pass Labs XA25 with any pre-amp you choose. Especially with your speaker efficiency and listening habits.

I just moved to mono-blocks, and the ones I have are said to be just to the warm side of neutral (Adcom GFA-365), and after listening on Klipsch and Infinity towers I would have to agree.

I'm hunting for a Parasound JC-2 for myself.

I would recommend the GFA-365, but they have known issues with the electrolytic caps leaking and ruining the driver boards. They need to be repaired/upgraded before they can be trusted.

You can get a lot of nice McIntosh for $8k
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Hey Rossi what infinity towers are you running. On my infinity I run Parasound pre also but zpre and P5 and they sound fantastic. I would love a jc-2. 8 grand would be fun to play with but might have that tied up in all my systems.
 
Bahamayellow said:
Hey Rossi what infinity towers are you running. On my infinity I run Parasound pre also but zpre and P5 and they sound fantastic. I would love a jc-2. 8 grand would be fun to play with but might have that tied up in all my systems.
Click to expand...
I started calculating one day but decided I didn't really want to know...
 
Maybe you can find a MA 9000 or MA 8900 for that budget by Mcintosh pre-owned. I would be looking for an estate sail where I could find a C-40 and maybe a MC 352 and have some money left over. A MC 452 would be a better choice but I don't know if it and a C-40 will meet your budget. Give Steve a call at Audio Classics, but don't mention me he will double the price.
 
I have a pair of 94 dB efficient speakers, however they are not fond of most SET based amps. What the impedance curve it presents to the amp is important, as well as how much power the woofers need to stay in control. My JBL 4365 are far happier with a 50 WPC or higher SS amp.

I had excellent results with a Musical Fidelity hybrid Nuvista intergrated, although I think a Trivista would do nicely also. I would also consider some of the First Watt series of amplifiers. McCormack would be worth looking into also. Rowland is worth looking into, as is the solid state Conrad Johnson gear.

Just a few thoughts. My choice would be the Musical Fidelity gear.

Cheers
Mister Pig
 
McIntosh would be my choice. Pre-owned will take some of the depreciation out of the equation and you would likely get more watts for the money. When it is time to trade up or out, McIntosh has excellent name recognition and therefore market. Plus, Mac factory support is second to none with possible exception of Bryston.
 
I think the XA25 would be an excellent choice. Way more power than you'll ever need, but you'll be right inside the best watts that it makes. If you like the Pass sound, the F7 is a very interesting amp.

I've contemplated tubes, but I wouldn't ever consider them for a power amp for the reasons you describe. A pre-amp, possibly. Never played with any so I'm not able to pitch out ideas.
 
Bahamayellow said:
Hey Rossi what infinity towers are you running. On my infinity I run Parasound pre also but zpre and P5 and they sound fantastic. I would love a jc-2. 8 grand would be fun to play with but might have that tied up in all my systems.
Click to expand...

Currently I have a pair of RS-II and a pair of RS-5b, mostly for spare parts for the bigger speakers.

I had a pair of RS-IIIa and Kappa 7.1 Series II. A case of too many to listen to and move around, so they had to go. The RS-II were the best of the bunch so they stayed.

All the audio gear I own totaled up is probably in the $10k range. That's for three systems in daily use and enough gear for probably another three.

I'm selling off quantity and going for quality at this point. Better to have that one JC-2 playing than three or four "spare" pre-amps on a shelf. What the hell do I need a spare pre-amp for anyhow? Not like I can't use an old receiver in an emergency.
 
I'll skip the advice even though I have my opinions and just say this; develop a dealer relationship if possible where you can try this stuff at home.
 
First Watt F7 for 3k
Tortuga Audio LDR3.V25 Preamp for 1.2k

Pocket the remaining 3.8k for a rainy day :)

And if you want a tube buffer you could add a IFI Itube2 (400) or Decware Zbox (550).
 
The McIntosh MC452 and C47 might be found close to your budget. They have been replaced by newer models. I have the 452 and C 47 and I have to say they are exceptional. 450 w/ch and the C47 has a great Dac and MM/Mc phono stages. Plus you will get most of your money back if you ever want to sell.
 
IMO ---

Decide on which speakers that you already own and you like the best

Then research the pre/amp those speakers love

OTOH :naughty:

have a selloff then get new to you speakers you really love the SQ of... then see above advice
 
If you don't absolutely have to have separates, at the right shop you could get a LUXMAN - L-590AxII Integrated Amplifier 30WPC Class A

Or any of the other Integrateds. I went from a Tube pre / SS amp combo and am not disappointed at all with the 505uxii.
 
Get a good subwoofer,(or two), with it's own SS power, and go tubes for your mains. Low frequencies are what suck up the watts, for the most part.
 
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Look at the Mcintosh MA352. Way more power than you need but checks all the boxes you mentioned. Tube pre with SS amp integrated. You also get the beautiful blue meters. Also NAD masters series would be on my short list.
 
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