2. amps-preamps
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Upgrade time way past : Amp/Pre or Int for $1000

I have been an impoverished student for the past decade. Nonetheless, during that time I tried to build a good sounding system. My primary route of acquisition was through gifts (see below) and places like Audiogon or local audio resellers. Always, my goal was to buy the best possible product I could purchase for the money that I had saved (sort of the "best athlete available" on draft day).

Unfortunately, the amount of money saved was typically not very much. Also, I purchased some products (read the sub) to fix a problem (read poor bass output) that likely was not a fault of my speakers (read not enough power from the HK 3550). This has resulted in what may be an overall motley "system", which is as follows:

KEF Reference One speakers
HK 3550 integrated amp/pre/receiver (a gift)
MSB Link DAC I modded by Modwright
Marantz DR700 or Pioneer DV656A as transport (a gift)
Paradigm PW-2200 Subwoofer
cables from Modwright in trade

In all, I spent $1500 on the above, specifically for the speakers, DAC, sub, and cables. Given that the KEFs went for $2000 when I got them, I feel I did OK.

Still, I need to get a better amplification set-up, especially in light of the fact that I really like the KEFs and they require more power than I currently have. Given that I have decided to choose lifestyle over earnings, I am resigned to never being able to make that leap to truly expensive audio equipment. Even so, I should be able to get a nice amp/pre match or integrated for between $1000 and $1500 (likely used), right?

So, the question:

What would be a good amp/preamp combo or integrated amp for the $1000-1500 price range that provides enough power for the KEFs?

Suggestions? Help? Criticism on the length of my post?

Seriously, thanks for any responses.
mbwd
aball
2,016 posts
 
You don't mention the type of sound you like so I will give you two different options. My first recommendation is actually for separates but they don't take much more room than an integrated: McIntosh C712 preamp and C7100 amp. I had this combo for a while and it edged out an MA6450, with more power to boot. Both can be had for about $650 each. The pair will deliver very coherent, warm, seductive sound. They will sound WAY more powerful than your HK.

For more detail and a little cooler presentation, I would suggest the Classe CAP-151 integrated. It sounds great and fits right in your budget. Good luck! Arthur
tgrisham
1,291 posts
 
Most of us have been in your shoes. No apology necessary. I looked for a used good SS integrated amp and got tired of waiting. I looked at the Marantz 7200 (?) and Musical Fidelity, but opted for the Creek 5350SE through a mail order outlet. I drive Von Schweikert VR-1s which are not that hard to drive. It has about 85 W/Ch, headphone output, passive pre-amp, pre-out RCAs, remote, tape outs and all for about $1325 new. It is worth looking into and listening to if you can. Good luck!
mbwd OP
7 posts
 
Aball: Thanks for the suggestions and sorry for the omission (the post was so long already). I prefer warm sound, but with solid definition at the vocals and with crisp bass. I like several kinds of music, ranging from classical to rock to jazz to blues to Cowboy Junkies (my favorite!).

Tgrisham: Interesting . . . I am seriously considering the 5350SE. I haven't seen stereophile give any product a better review. Not that someone else's opinion is necessarily definitive, just helpful.

FYI, I have started leaning toward integrateds. Here are some of the ones that have popped up on my radar (other than the 5350SE):

Portal Panache
JoLida JD-302B
JoLida 1501RC
Jungson 88D
Cayin TA-60 (new TA-30)
Rogue Audio Tempest II (out of price range unless used)
Musical Fidelity A300

I recognize that, other than the Creek and MF, these are tube or hybrid integrateds. But they seem to be very well regarded and would be great if they can drive the KEF load.

Anyone have an opinion on these? Or a suggestion for another SS? Thanks.

lkdog
417 posts
 
Here is what I am doing FWIW.
I have had separate preamp and amp setups and about two years ago went with a used Musical Fidelity A 300 integrated.
I have been pretty happy with it but recently decided to have it modded by Tube Research Labs whom makes highly regarded high end preamps/amps(multi thousand $ units).

They did a mod on the unit at their standard $550 mod rate which is what they charge for their well reviewed digital/transport/DAC mods.

They were very happy with the MF A300 results after mods and were very surprised with how far they took this modest integrated unit.

I get the unit back this week, and am very excited.
It was already a good unit. If you are interested in how it turns out you can email me privately. I will also post something about it here on Agon after some break in.

I went this route as I wanted to improve my pre and amp but also did not want to spend huge bucks on a another integrated or separates. I have had other TRL modded units and they do an excellent job.

The MF A300 goes for around $750-900 here on Agon it appears, so with the mod you are up to 1300-1400.

We will see how it turns out, but I am really looking forward to it.

Good luck in your search.
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