2. amps-preamps
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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
mani-2
42 posts
 
Two things with that kind of money and taste in music:
1) https://www.audiogon.com/listings/full-range-devore-fidelity-orangutan-093-complete-accessories-2017...

2)http://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649322189-pure-sound-m845-set-mono-blocks/
jond's avatar
jond
5,660 posts
 
phaun16 not sure where you're located but I would recommend giving Vu at Deja Vu Audio a call   http://dejavu-audio.com/index.html   they are in Mclean VA just outside DC. Vu specializes in tubed gear and analog and has the best ears of anyone I've ever met. Their current designer Aldo is a genius and is turning out some stunning gear. No affiliation just a happy customer running Deja Vu pre and power amps. Good luck on your quest and happy listening!
genez
220 posts
 
I would spend about about 3-4,000... and save the rest.   I would invest in a high end power conditioner. (like and Audience Adept)  For, more money does not get you better, unless what you already have, is being made the best it can be.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,230 posts
 
My impression is that the Pure Sound M845 is a very good quality SET amplifier. I do agree with Keithr that certain speakers are likely better served being driven by a solid state or push pull tube amplifier. The Jadis I 50 is a very good recommendation for the type of speaker under consideration. 
Charles 
baranyi's avatar
baranyi
717 posts
 
Look at the Linear Tube MicroZOTL2 used as a preamp (it is also a headphone amp.) I just took home a demo and it is amazing. It is the David Berning design. The tonality and imaging is amazing. It compares favorably to preamps above your budget level and it is under 2k!
I rolled Tung sol round plates in it and it really sang. My wife is a professional musician and she even noticed. Read Terry London's review because it is spot on. The Doge is great for the price but this is even better. The Linear Tube amps are great also but microZOTL used as a preamp is amazing! Mine is on order and I hated to give back my demo! 

It is my opinion that audio companies are seeing the writing on the wall and putting their best designs into headphone gear because of younger generations preferences. There is another headphone amp where it's preamp section sounds better than their 18k statement preamp. The statement is being updated for this reason. Good luck on your search!
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