• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Looking for good pre-amp and power amp

M

mcdonougha

Member
I'm looking for a decent pre-amp and a power amp. I'm not exactly sure what to get but I would like a tube power amp. My budget would be about 500 dollars for both items but that can be negotiable because, again, I'm not totally sure whats out there.

Thanks for the help
 
Register to hide this ad
Welcome to AK! Are you ready to get sucked into this as bad as most of us! By the end of the year, you'll have several of both, first look at your local craigslist, goodwill and thrift shops, if you live near a big university, in May when they leave,take a peek in the dumpsters behind the dorm area, a lot of stuff won't fit in the Toyota and get's thrown out (Daddy will buy me another one) the last one is pretty rare,Ebay search both catigories, there has been a nice selection of Scott separets on the 'bay recently, how about a nice baby Marantz reciever as a pre-amp (check that it has pre out main in jacks) you get a nice phono pre-amp bass, treble,mid controls, great sound, and a kick FM section,oh! And those pretty blue lights, find a nice Scott, The Fisher, Eico tube amp, and see how you like it, the great thing abou seps is you can swap and play with them.
Enjoy Craig
 
I'm using polk monitor 10As right now. I like them and will probably stick with them. The scott 340-B I'm running right now, which was given to me by my grandfather, has been having issues with the power switch AKA the switch has a hard time making contact in the 'ON' position.
 
Integrated amp?

Welcome.

My advice to you is not to get into audiophelia, as it will consume you.
:scratch2:
:scratch2:
:scratch2:
OK. Now that you ignored this good sound (get it? sound...) advice, my advice to you is to get a really good INTEGRATED amp. The point is simple: as time goes on, you WILL get more stuff as you WILL upgrade your gear. You will than be able to use the integrated amp as a preamp.

For 500$ you could find yourself a more than decent Accuphase or a Sansui of the AU series. If you can find a Sansui AU-9500 - get it.

Try to spend as much of the 500$ on as good speakers as you can, and you will not regret it.

Hope it helps, and don't say we did not warn you :D.
 
Why don't you spend the money on updating your Scott. It is a great sounding receiver when up to spec. I really like my Scott integrated with the 7591 tubes. The 340b should have enough power to drive the Polks fairly well. I really don't think that you can find plug and play separates in that price range. Some of the Asian made integrated tube amps are reachable but do not have the quality of iron as your Scott. Remember that your unit was competing with the likes of Mcintosh back in the day. :yes:
 
I'd let luck decide...there is a lot of great gear out there, a lot of times my decisions are made by what appears around me at the right time. I have a Dynaco Stereo 70 because..well, a friend offered to sell me his. I have an Audio Experience "symphonies" tube pre-amp (that I LOVE) because..it showed up at a store I frequent. By chance, the above two units mate flawlessly and are the best sounding system I've ever owned.

Cheers and good luck,
john
 
Please Help Me with Audio Karma

Hi guys, I am new to Audio Karma, and had two questions:

1. How do I Post a Message to the masses of AUdioKarma?
2. How do I subscribe to Tube Audio thread?

I have serious audio equipment and no one to talk about it with!!!

Thanks, John. vintagestereogeek@yahoo.com
 
...And the one Scott tube integrated I've heard sounded amazing, playing through large Bozak speakers. Perhaps you have a great amp and great speakers, but they aren't great for each other. So buy a new amp/preamp or integrated for the Polks and new speakers for the Scott and have two great systems!

-john
 
Thats alot to digest...I'm probably going to stick with my Polk Monitor 10s for now because I love the sound they produce and they're in mint condition. How could i go about upgrading my scott amp? I'm still fairly new to this, only about 6 months under my belt, so i dont want to destroy my amp due to my inexperience.
 
this just occured to me...maybe i could get myself a nice pre-amp to start with and use my scott just for the power, that way i wouldnt be stranded without a system and then i could get a power amp....i dont know, just something i thought of.
 
If you love the sound of what you have there is no reason to upgrade. The best service for your gear would probably be Craig at http://www.nosvalves.com He has extensive experience with Scott components. The only drawback is that there can be a long wait for service as his work is in high demand. You have a very versatile receiver as it would match well with many different kinds of speakers. The fact that it includes a tube tuner and a tube phono stage is really a bonus as buying all separate components could cost thousands. Bring her back to spec and the Polks will sound even better! :music:
 
Hi mcdonougha. Some good advice above, particularly about where to look for them. I'd also second the integrated amp suggestion. If you are patient and look around for awhile, $500 will get you a top of the line integrated amp from the classic era (70s-early 80s), maybe two. High-end separates will likely be more expensive. Although it is possible, I recently picked up my first separates for well within your price (Sony 2000F amp & 3200F preamp). My advice, do your homework (watching eBay regularly and reading AK is an excellent way to do this), decide what you want, go for it. Good luck.
 
thanks for all the advice. In regards to my scott, i do love the sound it produces but i always get that feeling that there is potential for more. I'll probably start with little things to gain some experience then maybe tackle some harder stuff as i get more confident.

About my Polks, whats out there for "better" speakers because i would like to get another pair so I can slowly build another system.

*Edit* Also does anyone know where I can find a replacement power switch for a Scott 340-B, the one on mine is going and I'd like to replace it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom