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Newb - Ideas For Quality vs Quantity For 2 Ch Amp/Pre or Integrated (and speakers)

I'm getting out of HT and going 2 channel.  I have always just purchased my electronics and speakers for bang-for-buck at local shops.  2 channel is very new to me, and auditioning at local shops is not providing a lot of variety or options.

After selling my current setup, it's put me in a good financial position for new gear <$15k.

I'd like to put my money towards quality sound vs quantity - I don't need more than 100w, my ears have had enough at 55 yo.  My room is 15 x 20.  Only source is streaming.  I play music all day (class A tubes out?)

I really like physical appearance of gear, and have ruled (at this time) simple face plates.  Mc, Luxman, Yamaha, Accuphase are all beautiful faces, but can't audition them all.

Any suggestions of amps/pre's and integrated with speakers I can consider...I'm overwhelmed because this 2 ch is all new to me.
bgm1911
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
Smart move. HT is horrid. You have no idea. The stuff I am about to list will be so much better than HT it will be hard to get your mind around it. Speakers that sound magical with low to moderate tube watts are what I am all about. Right in my budget range too. https://systems.audiogon.com/systems/8367 
So what you get, Tekton Moabs $4500, with the Raven Blackhawk $3800 https://www.ravenaudio.com/product/blackhawk-mk3/ 
https://www.tektondesign.com/moab.html

Done, and for way below budget. You can spend more but if you're smart it will be on wire and source and stuff like Townshend Pods and Podiums. Moabs on Podiums will astound you. That Raven amp on Pods will be a revelation. You won't find anything to beat these for anywhere near the price.  

No idea if you will like the physical appearance but for damn sure you will be head over heels for the sound.
bgm1911 OP
17 posts
 
@millercarbon
It was suggested to me that a tube amp (not preamp) is not recommended to play all day long, which is usually what I do. Do you have a different opinion?

And I should have stated that I listen to pop, rock, soft rock, country, light hip-hop/blues/jazz/pianos.  No classical.
fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,498 posts
 
Asking a one note Samba to play something else?

Good one.
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raysmtb1
792 posts
 
I’ve had great luck buying used mcintosh on Audiogon and usaudio. Check out my system page. The stuff sounds great, built like tank and holds its value with the best of them
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