If the Oppo is your only source and since it has its own volume control, I'd get a tube amp and go directly into the Oppo. No better immediacy than that, IMHO. Then if you want more bloom, add a tube preamp. An updated Dynaco PAS 2 or 3 is one of the best bangs for the buck, you'd be amazed at the extra warmth a tube preamp would bring....there will be lots of people who will say this product or that product, I'm tell you, a lowly PAS2 or 3 will simply amaze you. Many years ago, for a few months, I had a PAS2 as a loaner while I was getting a fix on my Stereophile recommended Music Reference RM5 mkII. When the MR came back, I thought the PAS2 was superior.
amp or preamp next?
Hi everyone,
Well, after auditioning many integrated amps, I'm contemplating a move into separates. I have been running a NAD 375BEE integrated with an Oppo 105 (and was pleasantly surprised by the excellent NAD sound). Recently, I hooked up the Oppo directly to the main-in of the NAD, bypassing the preamp section, and the sound became more transparent and more revealing. Voices and instruments just seem to be much more realistic now.
So, I started thinking about upgrading the amp to something better than the NAD. Or, should I look for a preamp first? I'm not sure what I'd gain by placing a preamp between the Oppo and the NAD if I like the sound now, but I don't know much about separates.
Maybe a tube preamp??
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Scott
Well, after auditioning many integrated amps, I'm contemplating a move into separates. I have been running a NAD 375BEE integrated with an Oppo 105 (and was pleasantly surprised by the excellent NAD sound). Recently, I hooked up the Oppo directly to the main-in of the NAD, bypassing the preamp section, and the sound became more transparent and more revealing. Voices and instruments just seem to be much more realistic now.
So, I started thinking about upgrading the amp to something better than the NAD. Or, should I look for a preamp first? I'm not sure what I'd gain by placing a preamp between the Oppo and the NAD if I like the sound now, but I don't know much about separates.
Maybe a tube preamp??
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Scott