Yes, preamp first. As it is known... the heart and soul of your system. I would definitely recommend a used tube preamp. This really sets the stage for the rest of your system. I'd look for a used Audio Research LS28... or go back just enough to capture one in your budget... LS27... LS26SSE. They go LS## then LS##SE. Conrad Johnson and VAC are also classical musical, natural and detailed sounding preamps. My objective is to have my system sound like music... not like hyper detailed sound with slam... which does not communicate the emotional connection. Many folk go for incredible detail and slam... but loose the music along the way.
$6k for DAC/Pre/Power Amp for Audio Note ANE/LX
I recently purchased Audio Note AN-E/LX speakers for my small, dedicated music room to replace Harbeth P3ESR speakers. I currently have an NAD C658 and C298 pre/power amp. They aren't the ideal for these speakers - lacking in dynamics, warmth, detail, and full presentation. I'm looking for a replacement pre-amp, amp, and DAC (to be paired with Bluesound Node 2i).
I'm seeking recommendations for all three that have great synergy together, can pull out the best in these speakers given my music profile and sound preferences, and are within my budget.
A couple of guiding considerations: 1) I'm drawn to low powered class A or tube amplification (though I have limited experience with tubes to date), 2) leaning away from an integrated amp at this time (easier upgrade path and experimentation), 3) limited time now to audition gear at local dealers, 4) preference to buy used.
Budget: ~$6k total
Music Preferences: Jazz, Blues, Rock, Early Electronica, Alternative Hip Hop
Thanks for any suggestions.
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- 27 posts total
Yes, I would start with the preamp. I am not suggesting that you spend your entire $6k budget on that component, unless it makes sense. It might make sense if you expect to have more budget in the foreseeable future, if not, you may have to scale your purchase. My point was that you should make the changes one step at a time, so that you can get a feel for the impacts of each component as you add it to the system. Keep in mind that the first upscale preamp you buy may not be your last, and you may have to try a few to get one that best fits your system. I am on my fifth, but pretty satisfied. Best to go used for the sake of economy. A lot of recommendations for tube preamps, and I don’t disagree with that path. However, make sure it fits your lifestyle. My gear is on all the time and sometimes plays all day. For that reason, I have not ventured into tubes, though I did have a Schiit Freya that gave me the option use them. Be sure to allow some budget for decent interconnects, they will make a difference as you get into better gear. Acoustic Zen and the newcomer Veritas, are both reasonable and decent.
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AN gear is a little different animal from most other HiFi gear. Their integrated amps will beat the pants off most other separates you can buy for comparable prices. Start with a Level One AN integrated amp. The Oto is wonderful if you can find one in your price range. The Cobra is not far behind it and has a built in DAC which sounds very good btw. Most with AN speakers will tell you they sound better with AN electronics and wire anyway. Then if you’re ready to upgrade look at Level 2 and 3 AN components. I say if because with the Oto you might be happy for quite a while and it will give you some time to upgrade your source components. |
How old are your speakers assuming you purchased preowned?
I have not heard the Synthesis gear but @larryi and @waltersalas use them and I highly respect their ears. With that said, the OTO Phono SE Signature is a pretty safe bet and can be your end game, especially coming from NAD (no offense intended). You may not require a phono stage but you might someday. In addition, the phono version has a single 12au7 tube in the circuit along with the pair of 12ax7’s and quad of el84’s. Can be tube rolled to suit your taste although it sounds lovely with cruddy stock tubes, so there’s that. It is also optimized for a 6ohm load (matching your speakers) and the transformers in the SE Signature are exceptional. Just a lovely amplifier.
A word of caution, buying preowned Audio Note requires the buyer to research the given item so that you can ensure you get the latest version as Audio Note doesn’t change model numbers, they just incorporate running changes.
You CAN get an Audio Note OTO Phono SE Signature preowned AND a Bluesound Node Icon for your stated budget. That would be a crazy good combo. The upgrade path from there would be (in order) Audio Note biwire LX speaker cables, Audio Note LX or ISIS interconnects and then an upgrade to the Node ICON streamer/dac. This would be crazy good…
I also LOVE the Leben CS300xs and it responds a little better to tube rolling. A word of caution though, the Switchcraft input jacks require great care as they are a terrific sounding albeit mildy delicate jack. Use Switchcraft termintated interconnects…. |
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