You will be much happier in the long run by going separates. You will get better features and options as well as better sound going this route.
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.
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@kofibaffour great video, thanks for the link. |
I second the consideration of PrimaLuna. You can pick up a used EVO400 preamp for $4k, I have one and it’s quite lovely. Build quality is impressive, tube rolling is easy if you like….stunning to look at as well (if that matters). does not have a sub out though, albeit I use the balanced outs to my amp and feed the sub from an unbalanced rca out. |
- 71 posts total