2. amps-preamps
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I Feel Overwhelmed....Please Help

Hello, all.

I have recently decided to begin upgrading to stereo components around the entry level audiophile range, and move away from home theater stuff. I need help, as I had no idea until I began recently researching modern amps, preamps, integrateds, etc, just how huge the selection there is available.

Currently, I have the following:

Harman Kardon AVR 235 A/V receiver
Front L&R channels:
50 Watts per channel
@ <0.07% THD, 20Hz–20kHz into 8 ohms

Harman Kardon FL 8385 CD Changer

Klipsch KG 5.5 Floorstanding Speakers
frequency response 34Hz-20kHz±3dB
power handling 100 watts maximum continuous (500 watts peak)
sensitivity 98dB @ 1watt/1meter
nominal impedance 8 ohms
tweeter K-85-K 1" (2.54cm) Polymer dome compression driver
high frequency horn 90°x60° Tractrix® Horn
woofer Two K-1023-K 10" (25.4cm) Injected Carbon Graphite cones
Bass reflex via front-mounted port

Grado Labs SR325 Headphones

I use the receiver strictly for stereo music playback with my HK CD changer, or I play .flac or .mp3 files via input to the receiver from my computer sound cards optical digital output.

I want to keep my Klipsch speakers for now, along with my Grado cans, which I love. OTOH, I have not been particularly happy with the two HK components. Although the sound is not totally bad, it is a tad too bright, and it is fatiguing to listen over long periods of time. My room acoustics are not ideal either, with hardwood floors and drywall throughout. The listening rooms dimensions are 14'x13', with speaker placement along and near the corners of the 13' wall. At present, I cannot afford any of the acoustic treatments I see on the various internet sites.

From what I have seen so far, I think I would favor the warm, rich, clear sound of tube components. My Klipsch speakers are highly efficient at 8 ohms, so I should not need higher power, but I don't want to lose bass response either. I have not had much experience listening to higher end audio, but I really loved the sound of a friends McIntosh receiver (late 70's vintage), and another friends 60's vintage tubed HH Scott receiver, both systems paired with matching speaker pairs of the same brands respectively. Those experiences are why I believe I should really consider tube amps.

Would someone please be so kind as to suggest components that would allow me to play CD, CD-R, and digital music files based upon what I stated above? I suppose I could do without the ability to directly play back the digital files, but a CD player is a must have. Oh yeah, my budget is up to $3000, but I want to get as much as I can for the best possible price under that ceiling. Thanks.
chap_cat

Showing 3 responses by saki70

saki70
907 posts
 
"I personally prefer to buy a designer's best possible work and enjoy it "

On a 3k budget ?
saki70
907 posts
 
I've been where you are .

If you can , copy somebody's rig . It is an easy foolproof way to start , if they value the same things in sound that you do ! A few emails back and forth will tell . This is how I started after making some exspensive mistakes !

If you don't , then listen to as many different things as you can . Don't be afraid to take notes , literally . Ask as many questions as you can and take note of 'all' of the equipment being listened to . There is a certain synergy or compatability between different pieces and manufacterers equipment . In other words , just because something sounds great at the dealers does not mean it will sound the same at your home .

I would consentrate on amplification and source with your 3k . An integrated amp will be cheaper in the beginning .
You will have one less power cord , one less set of interconnects and one less chassis . And you won't have to worry how the preamp will work with your amp , that synergy thing again . If tubes , I would suggest that you find one that is self/auto biasing . This will be easier to use with less maintaince . Be aware that some biasing procedures can be quite involved and somewhat dangerous for a novice .

I would try to spend the majority of your money on the source . Don't try to get fancy here . Look for something that has a good reliability record . CDP's can be finicky and a real PITA !

"Do not" spend a bunch of money on cables now !!!

"Do" buy used , if you can . When you want to sell , you will not loose nearly as much as if you had bought new . If done right , you can move in and out of equipment for no more than the cost of shipping charges .

You say that you want tubes . I would then recommend a Primaluna Prologue2 integrated amp . It is self/auto biasing , can use a bunch of different kinds of tubes to change the sound to different types , has 4 inputs and can be had used for less than 1k . It is a nice piece that will allow you to experiment to find out what you like in the tube world .

For a CDP you may want to look at Cary . They made a piece that had both a tubed output and a SS output . This would allow you to test the waters on tubes in this area as well . I think that you would be able to pick one up used for the remainder of your budget .

Remeber to have fun and enjoy yourself !

Good luck .
saki70
907 posts
 
"Being very honest here, what I got in my living room now is far better than what I have heard at several high end joints in my area. 90% of which was bought 'on the come' so to speak."

Amen brother ! And it isn't that tough to do !

"In my area there is scant little 'customer friendly' audiophile outlets. Either they are incredibly arrogant & condescending to the customer or completely inflexible on price, or limit what one can preview in already setup systems."

Doncha just love west central Florida for audio ?

Chap Cat;
"He had no tube gear in stock, which was a major disappointment. He advised that the amps that I would audition would smoke the tube competition in their price range."

It has been my experience that shops are either pro tube or pro SS . While some may carry both they usually lean toward only one . It will be evident in the equipment that they have setup for demo's . A good question to ask before going there for an audition . If you are required to make an appointment... be very specific about what you want to hear .

Good luck .
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