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New Preamp or go Integrated

My Vincent SA-32 preamp is starting to hum or make a sizzle sound periodically in the background. The unit is 6 yrs old and the tubes are soldered (factory) and not easily replaced. Since upgrading my speakers to the Dynaudio Countour 20i from Evoke 20, the noise has become more noticeable. I believe it’s due to the revealing nature of the Contours.

My plan is to upgrade with a $5000 budget, to either a new preamp or potentially consider an integrated setup.

Considerations for a preamp would be Mark Levinson No. 26 or PS Audio Stellar Gold for SS. For tube is was considering McIntosh C8, CJ ET7, or Rogue Audio RP-9.

Considerations for integrated would be Hegel H390 or McIntosh MA252.

Current equipment is the Parasound A23+,Lumin D3, Elac PPA phono pre, VPI Prime and the Contour 20i.

If I go the integrated route, I could potentially move up the price point from selling the separate units.

I always appreciate your thoughts based on past experiences,  along with other options in the preamplifier/integrated brands.

vette5451
ghdprentice's avatar
ghdprentice
9,473 posts
 

I always look for separates. They allow you to upgrade in smaller increments and make larger investments in a specific function. All things being equal, separate generally sound a bit better as more space allows greater isolation. I would look at the idea of getting an integrated as investing $2,500 per component instead of $5,000… hence that is a big downgrade. So you’re gonna get a much better preamp for $5000. Of course you must choose carefully. $5K is a significantly better sounding price range to be in for preamps… especially if you buy used. You can probably buy a $10 K amp for $5K. That puts you in a different league. Something you might keep for the rest of your life.

The preamps that you have identified are vastly difference in sound characteristics. I’d recommend comparing them using an AI… ask to compare sonic characteristics. Then go listen to a couple… like the Conrad Johnson vs the Mark Levinson for instance, that would be a great comparison. 
 

My taste is for detailed and  musical preamps. I’d recommend looking at a used Audio Research SP28… or 27… go back as far as needed to hit your price range.

personal I find Mark Levinson to be accurate, and uninspiring, McIntosh, overly warm and lacking in detail, it’s been awhile since I’ve heard the Rogue but I’m not a fan of them. for me enjoying musical sounding preamps Conrad Johnson and Audio Research are the choices.

kofibaffour
718 posts
 

get a preamp with DSP capability. This should do - Onkyo Icon P-80 (Silver) or Onkyo Icon P-80 (Black)

audiorusty
355 posts
 

@ghdprentice +1

I would also add the Atma-Sphere line of preamps to the above list.

rar1's avatar
rar1
1,878 posts
 

Hi Vette -

If I were going tubes, I would most likely stay with the Prima Luna line.  

https://upscaleaudio.com/products/primaluna-evo-300-tube-integrated-amp

I have had the PL Prologue 5 power amp for the last 20 years.  Literally, no issues, which is the major consideration for me.  Not so strange talk from the son of a stereo/ appliance store owner and repairman.  

I have had the PL paired to a Musical Fidelity CD 24, preamp CD player - also for the last 20 plus years.  I purchased a lot of stuff when I was hospitalized for 6 months back in 2005.

20 years ago, this was a $4K set-up, which would be $6.6K in today's dollars.  

A Decware phono preamp rounds out the system.  

Enough memory lane stuff, but suffice it to say, I am very satisfied with the Prima Luna line and sound.  

If I were going solid state, the TOTL Denon looks very desirable to me.  

https://www.denon.com/en-us/product/amplifiers/pma-3000ne/300995.html?dwvar_300995_color=Silver

I would go integrateds, as opposed to separates, primarily for space and simplicity reasons.  

Given my age, I would also want something that whoever is still around would have to deal with.  

Your current speakers look extremely nice.  

Rich 

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