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

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.

Integrated. Fewer connections so less chance of noise and less money spent on interconnects.

Newer McIntosh preamps are not overly warm. I’d describe them as a detailed rich sound.