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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
yyzsantabarbara
5,550 posts
 

The Parasound A21+ is a nice amp, and I owned it at one time. I found it a bit too warm but that was splitting hairs. For a warm amp I like a neutral preamp. The Benchmark LA4 at $2k used was a great match for the A21+.

I never recommend this preamp because it is a PIA to get working because it has high gain and it is not as good as the LA4. However, it does work well with the A21+ since the amp has adjustable gain. It is the uber neutral Topping pe90 and can be found for $400 used.

Now if you had a lot of cash to spend, I would recommend the Allnic OTL/OCL preamps which are both detailed and holographic. They manage to pull that off.

 

deer_creek_audio's avatar
deer_creek_audio
107 posts
 

Consider the miniDSP Flex with the Hypex nc252 Duo from Deer Creek Audio.
Here’s what you get for an amazing price:

  • World class DAC performance (See ARS Flex review)
  • Modern current generation class D amplification
  • Option to upgrade to Dirac Live
fiesta75
1,535 posts
 

I’m going to stay with separates for as long as I can. If you get an integrated amp, make sure it has preamp outputs and power amplifier inputs for versatility.

panzrwagn's avatar
panzrwagn
692 posts
 

Lots of valid options, but for me, the McIntosh MA-252 would be it. Sound quality is highly subjective, and nobody complains about the MA-252 on that count. But in long-term grin-and wow factor, It has all the others beat, hands down. 

nondemo's avatar
nondemo
17 posts
 

@vette5451 I was in a similar situation and started shopping the McIntosh MA352. I really LOVE the look and sound of tubes but wanted a more robust amp stage. The MA352 didn't disappoint! It lists for $8K but I know you can get it up to 25% below that with dealers. It is dead silent, has the warmth on records that I was looking for AND it includes home theater pass through should you want to use it that way. I couldn't be happier. (Oh, and the looks are just outstanding. Real conversation starter!)

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