Warm, Smooth yet Transparent Amp

Hi Bruce:

We are about the same age with the same musical tastes. I've been dabbling in this hobby for 40+ years not that it qualifies me in any way as an expert. I could tell you a thing or two that you probably shouldn't do however. I'm also very familiar with your speakers (I owned them for awhile) and coincidentally own a CJ 2250, currently used to power my surrounds. I only tell you all this so you understand where I'm coming from with my comments.

I don't recall reading if you have a 2 channel or surround channel system? If by chance it is 2 channel, my recommendation would be sell the Arcam and buy an integrated amp. I've owned among others, CJ (tubes)and Plinius (SS). Either a tube or SS unit could match up very nicely with your speakers. There are many models to choose either new or used in your price range (particularity after you sell the Arcam). Personal favorites of mine in your price range used are the CJ CAV50, although that model is getting pretty old now so you'd have to be careful, or the Plinius 9100.

If you have a surround system, I think the biggest bang for your buck would come from a 2ch. amp. Sure the preamp makes a huge difference in music. I also wholeheartedly agree that using a receiver as a preamp leaves a lot to be desired, but given your budget I don't believe you'll find both a decent preamp and amp unless you're willing to invest more. The CJ 2250 is an amp that would get my vote and would mate nicely with your speakers. Again many others to choose from.

Hope this helps.

Mark

I don't believe the Arcam has pre in, only pre out. I also don't believe you could go through stereo direct. I believe that input is to run a cd player direct to the amp section without processing the signal. Others who are more familiar with the Arcam can hopefully chime in. If you want to keep the Arcam, I think you've got two options:

1. Add an amp for your front two channels and use the Arcam for everything else (as you've been doing); or
2. Add a pre amp and amp (or integrated) and use the Arcam for Home Theater processing and surround amplification.

Bruce, if I’m reading these posts correctly (label me “Mark on the slow”), what you’re intending to do can work as long as you know to wire the Oppo and Dish once to the new pre for 2 ch. listening and a second time to the existing receiver for surround sound.

Understand though that a tube preamp through a line level input or tape in on the receiver will attenuate the source twice and the volume controls may end up in the least linear part of their ranges. There may be a sonic impact to this, but I guess you can try it.

If you’re looking for some “tube magic”, given your existing set up and budget, I still think that adding an amp will provide the biggest bang for the buck, and in your case adding a tube amp will provide better results than adding a tube preamp.

Good luck,
Mark

Keep your eyes open for a Music Reference RM10. Original series can be had for under $1k, but they don't come up often and they get snatched up quickly. Excellent amp for the money and fits the criteria in your original post. They're also very reliable and if by chance it does need to go in for service they're not that far from you, in Santa Barbara I believe.

Hopefully others will have suggestions, but under $1k will be tough. Also, keep in mind that for a "good" unit under $1k, you're probably looking at an older model so reliability will be an issue.