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Need New Preamp/Amp

Chaostoday

Chaostoday

New Member
Hello,
I'm looking for some advice as I'm very interested in doing a new system. I currently have about 4 systems throughout the house. Nothing impressive. All A/V receivers and mostly Yamaha, Onkyo, Infinity stuff.
I would like to do a fairly nice 2 channel system. Looking for a little power. Maybe 200WPC Amp and nicer preamp.
I have a budget in mind but it never seems to stick. I am really looking for better quality audio then my ears have heard at home in the past. I have an existing set of Concerta F12 towers I would like to drive with this and see how they work out. I have 4 turntables and only one is hooked up right now. Really enjoy vinyl. Would also like to enjoy CD and even my digital library.
Must have removable power cords. I want to upgrade and hear the affects.
Someone said to try some of the Crown XLS amps... Thoughts?
I don't have a Mcintosh Budget but would like a higher end sound. I know for a fact that I'm asking the right experts here so hope I can afford what you recommend.
Thank you.
 
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Crown XLS. Good stuff!!! Great prices!! I own two. By Concerto F12 do you mean Revel? If so, pretty good speakers!
 
JoeESP9 said:
Crown XLS. Good stuff!!! Great prices!! I own two. By Concerto F12 do you mean Revel? If so, pretty good speakers!
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Yes Revel. I have never owned a Crown amp before. Pricing seems to be reasonable. Would you recommend any models of amp and preamps?
Looking for lots of advice.... PS. I'm in PA too. Hi neighbor!
 
I would look for a good tube preamp. The XLS1002 at ~215WPC ($299) may be more than adequate.
 
JoeESP9 said:
I would look for a good tube preamp. The XLS1002 at ~215WPC ($299) may be more than adequate.
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I'm good with that amp if it will deliver some great sound. I know the preamp is vital to a great system. I have no experience with tube preamps nor do I know anything about what will compliment the Crown amp. Any suggestions would be awesome.
 
IME "passive" preamps seem to be lacking in drive/dynamics. In addition IME they usually can't adequately drive long IC's. An autoformer based passive preamp may work for you. The only way to know for sure is to audition one.
 
They do like short interconnects in th, especially going to the amp. Less than 2' is best. Lacking drive/dynamics is a misnomer. Kicked my active to the upstairs system. A BH tube pre, good in it's own right.
 
I just added the Maverick D1 plus edition tube DAC. The D1 has a volume control so it can be used as a preamp. I spent extra and got an upgraded GE tube and opamps and still only $229 shipped to my door. Hooked up to my Classé CA-400. It sounds nothing short of amazing. One of the smartest things I've done. I really think you'd have to spend over the $1000 range to beat this little DAC in a DAC/pre.

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Dan
 
saabracer23 said:
I just added the Maverick D1 plus edition tube DAC. The D1 has a volume control so it can be used as a preamp. I spent extra and got an upgraded GE tube and opamps and still only $229 shipped to my door. Hooked up to my Classé CA-400. It sounds nothing short of amazing. One of the smartest things I've done. I really think you'd have to spend over the $1000 range to beat this little DAC in a DAC/pre.
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Ok. You have my interest.
Would this work for me if I went with the Crown XLS 1002 that JoeESP9 recommended?
Does it have inputs for my TT and CD?
What's the deal with the upgrades? I love upgrades so always very interested.
I am so appreciative of all this advice, is there something else I should be looking at as well? I know integrated amps have a verified opinion on this site. What about using a integrated amp as as preamp and using with the crown amp? Loss in sound quality???
 
The Maverick D1 will work just fine with any Crown XLS series amplifier. However, it (D1) has only one pair of analog inputs. I suggest using an external phono preamp into the single analog input and use either the coax or optical input for your CD player.

If you use an integrated amp there is no reason to acquire a Crown XLS model or any other separate power amp. If that's the way you're leaning take a look at the Yamaha A-S501SL. It's IMO a very good integrated that looks good especially since it's available in Silver. Of course it's not as powerful as the Crown. However, it includes a DAC and a built in phono preamp. So you wouldn't need the Maverick.
 
I want the power of the Crown. Regardless of whether I truly "need" it or not.
The price seemed right for the Maverick. I would just like the ability to have more inputs which is why I suggested an integrated amp. I could have used it as a preamp and still had the crown to give me the juice.
Am I out of luck for a preamp with these options? I really like the price of the Maverick. I feel like I'm getting desperate here.
 
Chaostoday, rather than doing this in free time & free space, exactly what is the budget? You'll get better advice that way.
 
Well that's just it. I'm not sure. I was thinking between $300-500 max for the preamp but I don't want to end up with something that isn't what I want. Hope that makes sense. I have been looking at so many things. Just in uncharted territory here as I have no experience with Preamps. Arcam, Parasound 2100. Anything good there??
I apologize if I'm all over the place.
 
JoeESP9 said:
You could always add an input selector switch box to the Maverick.
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Won't input selector boxes degrade my audio? Please don't misunderstand me. I appreciate your advice so much. Just trying to gather facts and make the best decision possible. I'm sure there are other Maverick Preamps. Ones that may accommodate my needs a little better.....
 
Do you need the dac? If not a parasound zpre2 is in your price range. You'd need a separate phono section thou. Other than used I don't think a full featured preamp exists for under 700ish bucks.
 
prighello said:
Do you need the dac? If not a parasound zpre2 is in your price range. You'd need a separate phono section thou. Other than used I don't think a full featured preamp exists for under 700ish bucks.
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DAC would be nice but my digital music device has a built in DAC.
No phono I take it? That means more money for a separate phono preamp. I like the unit otherwise.
 
prighello said:
Do you need the dac? If not a parasound zpre2 is in your price range. You'd need a separate phono section thou. Other than used I don't think a full featured preamp exists for under 700ish bucks.
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Parasound Classic 2100 preamp. It's a full featured preamp with a phono stage (MM, MC), tone controls, subwoofer out with variable frequency crossover, HT bypass and almost a tape loop (record out RCA's). It also has a remote. $695
 
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