2. amps-preamps
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Need complete stereo help starting with preamp

I recently bought a Rega P3 planning on upgrading my whole conventional JVC system and don't know where to start. I am limited on space for speakers although am trying to fill a fairly large room with sound. I am planning on purchasing either some 601 B&Ws or something a little larger and do not have much understanding of amps/preamps. Do I need to buy a phono preamp and a preamp to go along with whatever amp I choose or is that neccesary? Would I be better off buying an integrated amp/preamp? I would like to spend under $1000 on my amp/preamp combo to get me started. What would you guys reccomend in that price range? (it does not neccesarily have ot be new equipment) Thanks in Advance!

Andy
aanderson
aanderson OP
2 posts
 
Thanks, Any suggestions? I could probably go $1200
s7horton
1,077 posts
 
My vote is for a musical fidelity A3. That's what I'm currently using. It has a decent phono stage. Ironically, I'm using it to run some B&W 601 s3. I've tried numerous integrateds in this price range and think this is the best one I've tried.
flg2001's avatar
flg2001
543 posts
 
I would try a Jolida Integrated amp or a used Naim Nait series.

Fernando
c123666
871 posts
 
For a tubed unit check out the Audio Note SORO; it comes in phono or linestage versions. Very powerful for the rated 17 watts and great sounding, too. Not sure of the specs on your speakers. If the rated sensitivity is less than 88db and the resistance is less than 8 ohms it may not be the best match.

Audiomat Prelude/Arpege can be had for just over a grand at about 1200 and it is a superior unit. It has a linestage only, though. So, if you need a phono input you'd have to acquire a dedicated phono unit. They start at around 100 and go up into the 1000s.
timrhu
2,779 posts
 
I agree an integrated amp is the way to go for simplicity and value. Over the last few years there have been a few integrateds in my system. The Audio Refinement Complete is a beautiful sounding amp but has no phono section. I am now using a Roksan Kandy III and couldn't be happier. It sounds terrific, is ruggedly built and has a nice phono preamp. Prior to those amps I had a Sony TA-F707ES. You can pick those up used. They are built to last forever, loaded with features and sound quite nice in direct mode.
The point is there are a number of fine integrated amps on the market in your price range. Decide what's important to you sound and feature wise, do some research, and enjoy the hunt. Good luck.
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