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.
leon221580d

Showing 2 responses by unsound

I suggest that you decide on your speakers first then decide upon the appropriate power and work back from there, choosing cables last. For what ever it's worth Richard Vandersteen told me many years ago that he thought the B&K ST140 was the cheapest amp he could recommend with the 2C's. He later told me that he thought that the Rotel amps worked even better at the same price point. Both those recommendations were a long time ago.
Should you decide to buy the Vandersteen's, you might want to consider the McCormack gear. IMHO, on their own they both represent good values. This is one of those rare cases where the laid back nature of the Vandersteens mated with the some what forward sound of the McCormack amps does actually work synergistcaly. Not my personal choice, but, perhaps the best system value in audio.