2. amps-preamps
  3. 128267-85824

Have ~$10-12k...what would you do?

Currently run:
-Melody SP3 (heavily rolled with Winged C 6l6's, NOS RCA triple plate ax7's, NOS RCA clear top au7a's, and have switched between either JJ 6922 or GE ecc88's)
-Graham Slee Era Gold Mk V
-VPI TNT IV with SDS
-Benz H2 Wood Body cart
-Warfedale Jade 5's (87db, 6ohms)

Listen to: Folk, singer-songwriter, jazz, alt-co, and some rock.  Lately been into early 1900's gospel, 60's/70's funk, New Orleans swing.

Thinking I would like to go with Triode...300b is tempting, but options open obviously. 

Just got a complete bargain on the speakers, so will hold on to these for a short bit and upgrade later.  Thinking ATC, Harbeth, KEF, Wilson amongst others, but that can be a different discussion. 

Looking to change up my Melody.  Had it for nearly 10 years, been a good trooper with multiple moves, etc, but time to step it up a bit.  

I have about $10-12k for components and really would love some input on a couple options. 

I've gone everywhere from just doing a better integrated and maybe saving some money (Primaluna HP, Octave, VAC sigma) to separates to mono's (VAC, C-J, Cary, Manley, Rogue, and a few others).  Don't mind used in the least.

I have the chance to purchase some VAC Ren 30/70 monos for about $6500.  These are very tempting, but I know the VAC pre's are rare to appear and unsure of other pre's to match up well. 

If you had my budget, what would you choose, configure, etc.  I've read great things (some better than others) of each of the aforementioned components, 

Thanks to all. 

128x128phaun16

Showing 3 responses by skiroe

skiroe's avatar
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skiroe
131 posts
 
@initforthemusic 
There appears to be no SA-T8 -- do you mean SA-T7?  Ive been looking a lot online for comments from users on the Doge8 which is now called Doge8 Clarity.  It seems to be having more PR  than what the Vincent is getting for whatever that is worth.   How is your experience been this far ahead in the time line?
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skiroe
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Thats interesting intoitforthemusic.   Out of curiosity  re/balanced as there is so much controversy on whether it makes much of a difference unless one is running 40 foot cables or so..  Is the SA-T8 true balanced?   Vincent may have deleted that as to maintain price level.    I am running a Sonic Frontiers line1 with recommended upgrades by PartsConx   --just a simple chip upgrade in the volume control if I recall correctly and some cap upgrades.    So,  a bit hesitant to think I can get that much improvement over a preamp that would cost probably around 5k in todays money.   But,  I like playing around so to speak and have been behaving lately so trying a new preamp that supposedly is something else would be a fun thing.   The thump at turn off is not something that I like to have in my system though.   
@stringreen,    as in money market?      18%?   
skiroe's avatar
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skiroe
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I dont think I  knew your message was here.   Probably need to enable a notification switch somewhere.    I would have to hear the Vincent) before I could know what I would be dealing with.  
 I actually have the Line 1 --one chassis.    I have had 2 of them -- bought for unheard of prices these days.    I think I paid about 550 for the gold face one I have now so I didnt mind too much sending it into Parts Connex  for the upgrade.  The funny thing about this stuff I noticed right off   the improvement in sonics immediately when putting the unit back into the system  but after awhile it all  blends in.   -- I still get moments of very alive and natural  sounding sonic displays but dunno   if the Harbeths . or the power amp , or the upgraded Line 1 is making it better,  more musical.      So just enjoying the music for awhile.    
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