Help a new-b

[Scubiesteve]

I need help, I jumped head first into this vintage audio game. I picked up two TTs a few weeks ago, one a Technics SLD-303 and a Dual CS515. Tomorrow I pick up an extremely nice pair of Polk SDA 2Bs. My original plan was to keep this small and use an Onkyo A-10 integrated. However, with the Polks being power hungry I'm having to rethink this idea, I think the plan now is to get a Parasound HCA 1500A (not completely sold on it though).

Now my question is, what is the best way to get a pre-amp into the mix that won't break the bank. Could I use a vintage integrated amp and just use the pre-amp side (Onkyo A-5 if I can find one for the right price) or would I be better going with two different pre-amps for phono and stereo, this system will be used for cds, vinyl, and streaming music.

I'm open to all ideas and I'm beating my head against the desk trying to get the best gear without breaking the bank, I know it's kind of a an oxymoron.

 

[Nightwisher]

I had a pair of SDA-2s and they are one of my favorite speakers. The Onkyo A-10 is 85 watts/channel, so it's not that underpowered. The Polks can do fine on lower power depending on the size of your room, but they do like the extra power. I ran mine with a 40 watt/channel Toshiba amp for a while. Some have ran them with low power tube amps. Try it first before you buy something else.

You don't need 2 different preamps. One will be sufficient if you go that route. An integrated amp or receiver with pre-outs would work as well. There are lots of good options, depending on your style. The Kenwood Basic preamps are usually recommended for a great preamp on a budget.

Similarly, Adcom amps are usually recommended for lots of power for a reasonable price. That Parasound would have plenty of power for the Polks, but Parasounds can get pricey.

And when you get the Polks, you should really consider upgrading the tweeters to the new RDO-194s (available direct from Polk). They are worth the money and really smooth out the high frequency response. I did the upgrade on my SDAs. That will make a much more noticeable difference than the differences between different pres and amps.

 

[Grenadeslio]

If the integrated amp as already mentioned has pre-outs it's a simple matter to add a power amp of your choosing. I have several complete separates systems, but also have systems incorporating integrated amps as the pre.

Here's a picture using a Kenwood KA7300 integrated amplifier as a pre with a Belles Model I power amp doing the heavy lifting. Not that big of a difference in power output between the two, but the sound signature of the Belles suits my tastes better. Plus it doesn't hurt that the Belles has the type of current output that makes power hungry AR's sing lol.

 

[Scubiesteve]

If the integrated amp as already mentioned has pre-outs it's a simple matter to add a power amp of your choosing. I have several complete separates systems, but also have systems incorporating integrated amps as the pre.

Here's a picture using a Kenwood KA7300 integrated amplifier as a pre with a Belles Model I power amp doing the heavy lifting. Not that big of a difference in power output between the two, but the sound signature of the Belles suits my tastes better. Plus it doesn't hurt that the Belles has the type of current output that makes power hungry AR's sing lol.

View attachment 1436583

I don't have any pre-amp or integrated amps as of yet, sorry I didn't make that clear, those were just the ones I were looking at before I got these speakers. I'm just trying to figure out where I go from here and have a great sounding stereo.

 

[CT Jim]

You can discuss your needs here, but it always helps to have some sort of starting budget.
But, if you want to buy equipment from a reputable source, as compared to CL, you should consider joining the AK Subscriber section for $25, which then gives you access to Bartertown.
well worth the price!!

 

[Grenadeslio]

I don't have any pre-amp or integrated amps as of yet, sorry I didn't make that clear, those were just the ones I were looking at before I got these speakers. I'm just trying to figure out where I go from here and have a great sounding stereo.

Well, you could start with a nice integrated (with pre-outs) and later down the road add a power amp as the wallet allows. Who knows you might just be satisfied with the integrated, there are some pretty powerful ones out there, but once over about 100watts per the savings over buying separates diminishes.

The Kenny pictured is 65watts into 8ohms, a bit more into 4ohms. Plenty of power for "most" speakers, but it's not always about the amount of watts.

 

[Scubiesteve]

Well, you could start with a nice integrated (with pre-outs) and later down the road add a power amp as the wallet allows. Who knows you might just be satisfied with the integrated, there are some pretty powerful ones out there, but once over about 100watts per the savings over buying separates diminishes.

The Kenny pictured is 65watts into 8ohms, a bit more into 4ohms. Plenty of power for "most" speakers, but it's not always about the amount of watts.

My budget is about $600.

Here are the specs for the Onkyo A-10

Power output: 85 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)

Frequency response: 10Hz to 50kHz

Total harmonic distortion: 0.08%

Damping factor: 50

Input sensitivity: 0.1mV (MC), 2.5mV (MM), 150mV (line)

Signal to noise ratio: 68dB (MC), 78dB (MM), 90dB (line)

Output: 150mV (line), 1.5V (Pre out)

Semiconductors: 65 x transistors, 26 x diodes

Dimensions: 444 x 159 x 401mm

Weight: 18kg

Also have a hook up on a JVC R-S77 or a Sansui 4900Z, I just don't know how they would work with the Polks, as they need a high current amp.

 

[Nightwisher]

My budget is about $600.

Here are the specs for the Onkyo A-10

Power output: 85 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)

Frequency response: 10Hz to 50kHz

Total harmonic distortion: 0.08%

Damping factor: 50

Input sensitivity: 0.1mV (MC), 2.5mV (MM), 150mV (line)

Signal to noise ratio: 68dB (MC), 78dB (MM), 90dB (line)

Output: 150mV (line), 1.5V (Pre out)

Semiconductors: 65 x transistors, 26 x diodes

Dimensions: 444 x 159 x 401mm

Weight: 18kg

Also have a hook up on a JVC R-S77 or a Sansui 4900Z, I just don't know how they would work with the Polks, as they need a high current amp.

That Onkyo has a pre out. Add a power amp (if you choose), using the A-10 as a preamp, and you're set.

Those receivers would be a downgrade in wattage and current. Good units, but less suited than the Onkyo for the Polks.

 

[Scubiesteve]

That Onkyo has a pre out. Add a power amp (if you choose), using the A-10 as a preamp, and you're set.

Those receivers would be a downgrade in wattage and current. Good units, but less suited than the Onkyo for the Polks.

My only qualm is that the A-10 is ebay and the two other receivers are CL local from the same guy I got my TTs from actually and much less expensive than the A10. I'd hate to use an A10 and it go up in smoke, supposedly the A10 in question has been gone through. It's just hard for me to part with my money on E-bay stuff.

Yammy AS501 looks pretty appealing, especially being a new model, I wouldn't have to worry about caps being too old and crapping out.

 

[Nightwisher]

My only qualm is that the A-10 is ebay and the two other receivers are CL local from the same guy I got my TTs from actually and much less expensive than the A10. I'd hate to use an A10 and it go up in smoke, supposedly the A10 in question has been gone through. It's just hard for me to part with my money on E-bay stuff.

Yammy AS501 looks pretty appealing, especially being a new model, I wouldn't have to worry about caps being too old and crapping out.

Stuff crapping out is always a concern with vintage, even if it's been "serviced". The concern is valid on eBay or local. eBay offers more buyer protections than CL though.

It's hard to beat those Yamaha integrateds new without spending a bunch of money.

 

[Grenadeslio]

My only qualm is that the A-10 is ebay and the two other receivers are CL local from the same guy I got my TTs from actually and much less expensive than the A10. I'd hate to use an A10 and it go up in smoke, supposedly the A10 in question has been gone through. It's just hard for me to part with my money on E-bay stuff.

Yammy AS501 looks pretty appealing, especially being a new model, I wouldn't have to worry about caps being too old and crapping out.

Everything you see in my post above was purchased through eBay, even the Grace cartridge on the Grace G707 arm.

I have currently 5 turntables, all purchased and shipped through eBay and all arrived intact. Literally dozens of speakers, multiples of amps, digital players, surround processors, etc, all purchased on eBay.

Purchased a nice little Kenny integrated for my lady's brother, liked it so much I now have 3 lol. All work perfectly, one is the center piece of my minimalist bedroom system. Only 34watts per but driving Klipsch Heresys it's warm sound signature makes for a perfect fit. Along with a schveet Sony silver faced ES unit the system really rocks.



These Sony decks can be found for $80, original MSRP was $1000. The Heresys were sourced locally from a record store not far from here.

 

[Scubiesteve]

I swear, y'all are not making this easy lmao. However, it sounds like no matter what path I choose there is no wrong answer between the A10 and the yammy. Maybe I'll get the Yammy now and get an A10 later, this way I can browse and find one for a decent price instead of paying for top of the market prices on it.

 

[Scubiesteve]

Well I ordered a Yammy AS701, got a deal, I mean a steal I couldn't pass up.

Can't wait to feed these.......