Similar story... separates by Aesthetix, Vintage Mac, Shindo, etc. happened accross an otherworldly (to me) Audiomat Solfège Ref integrated amp and I'm absolutely loving it. Uses the required tube brands (all HQ vintage tubes) so no need to roll and it's amazing with every speaker system I pair with it.
Just my experience
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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I incorrectly listed my amp, it is actually the A21+ not the A23. I have narrowed it down to two preamps and appreciate everyone’s constructive feedback. - Backert Rhumba 1.3 (I know it’s tube but there is a lot of good reviews) - Bryston BP-26 I plan to make a purchase this week and will provide an update. |
@deep_333 can be crass and crude with his comments but sometimes he’s on the mark. I agree with his assessment of not pairing a 5k preamp with a parasound amplifier. About 25 yrs ago I had a brief stint with an HCA 2200 II. It was also highly rated by the press. It was a brute of an amplifier but sound quality took a back seat to power quantity. In @vette5451 situation I would go for an amplifier upgrade first. |
- 71 posts total