AudiogoN Forums: Help a newbie with low-cost system suggestions

Help a newbie with low-cost system suggestions

Hi,

I'm looking to get into the separate world at a low budget. Have done some research and am thinking about a used B&K ST-140. Pre-amp to be determined--do you have a suggestion? Currently I use an old Dyna SCA-35 integrated tube amp, and though I really like the tube sound I think it is a little underpowerd for my BIG (don't have the model number in front of me) set of 70's-era JBL's. Phono stage is important to me (have Planar 3 with high-output MC cart.) So, I'm looking for a low-cost new, or not inordinately difficult to find used pre-amp of good quality. Remote would be a nice plus!

Also, a friend of mine may be selling his Vandersteen 2C's, and I have my eye on them. Is the ST-140 a good match? Have I missed out on some other good idea? Or do I need yet more power?

Does this sound like a good plan? Anything else I should consider? Thanks for your help.

leon221@earthlink.net

11-11-03

Responses (1-13 of 13)

Click title to read one, or click date to read all below it.

11-11-03 Your sca-35 is already pretty good-sounding, especially the ... Tobias

11-11-03 I think tobias may be right. you might be better off replac ... Phild

11-11-03 Unless you like a front- row type of sound, you will like th ... Swampwalker

11-11-03 Im in the same boat. ill let you know how the b&k sounds whe ... Bundee1

11-12-03 I picked up a pair of vandy 2c's last weekend and i couldn't ... Imdanield

11-12-03 I suggest that you decide on your speakers first then decide ... Unsound

11-12-03: Tobias
If you're going to be replacing your JBL's, then I think Unsound's suggestion is a sound one. Then, given a low budget and golden ears, an integrated amp to replace your Dyna would make a good deal of sense, rather than going for low-cost separates. As I mentioned above, a good low-cost preamp is very hard to find (although the Klyne SK-5A at $695 here is a candidate). Your Dyna could be sold here.

As for integrated amps, Bryston, SimAudio and Vecteur are the solid-state ones I would want to hear initially. (I'm betting your SCA-35 has spoiled you for low-cost transistor amps.) Tube integrated amps might include Passion and Cayin.
Tobias (System | Reviews | Threads | Answers | This Thread)

11-12-03 Wow. what a lot of great info. i guess i'll try to buy the ... leon221@

11-13-03 Your sca-35 can power even vandy's for a while, as long as y ... Tobias

11-13-03 Should you decide to buy the vandersteen's, you might want t ... Unsound

11-14-03 Although i have not heard mccormack gear beyond a passing mo ... Tobias

11-26-03 Now that ive gotten my ps audio 4.5 preamp i can wholehearte ... Bundee1

11-26-03 I would add to the recommendation for mccormack amps w/vande ... Swampwalker