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

Since the Dynaudio speakers are the newest component maximize their potential. Dynaudio wants/needs power and current. SimMoon Audio has know synergy with Dynaudio. Find the most powerful integrated amp possible even if it slightly exceeds budget(700 I V2)

If you can find one, the Krell K300i integrated is a killer integrated amp.  90 watts in class-a/150 in a/b.   Smooth and sweet with incredible control of the bass.   It is a tube sounding SS amp.   It should be well within your budget.   I have one and love it. 

For $5;-6 grand you you find a used McIntosh MA7900 which I have just great in every respect.