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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
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!)

sokogear
1,160 posts
 

I went form separates to an integrated class AB about 20 years ago and never looked back. It was a better quality one admittedly, but the space saving and elimination of a cable is a big+. I am not a tinkerer. Plinius integrated. Bulletproof. Plenty of power and very clean and detailed.

robshaw
345 posts
 

For about 3k, (I have 2) Benchmark LA-4 pre amp, no phono stage. Take a look at their web site, upstate NY. I love mine (SS) All balanced if you prefer. 10db of adjustable gain.  Talk to RORY, you always get a human, great customer service.  30 day trial period.  Nothing to lose!

easystreamer
119 posts
 

The universal audiophile internal conflict - separates or integrated. We all get there at some point in our journeys. I don't have experience with your equipment but here are my thoughts anyway, FWIW.

The Parasound A23+ seems like a decent choice, you have it already, so keep it (for now).

As for a tube preamp from the options you listed, the Rogue seems like a solid quality choice and made in Penn.. If you were to increase your budget by 20%, the LTA Micozotl preamp (made in MD) has always intrigued me [it is fun to spend your money :)]

If you eventually upgraded your amp, the Rogue or LTA would be ready. If you went the integrated path, I would increase your budget, maybe for something like the McIntosh MA5300 at $7K and made in upstate NY.

fj40jason's avatar
fj40jason
9 posts
 

I picked up the Rogue RP-9 last year for ~$3,500.

 

It's a game changer for sound.

A true reference piece, especially if you drop in 6H30P-DR tubes.

These tubes absolutely are sublime sounding.

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