2. amps-preamps
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I Feel Overwhelmed....Please Help

Hello, all.

I have recently decided to begin upgrading to stereo components around the entry level audiophile range, and move away from home theater stuff. I need help, as I had no idea until I began recently researching modern amps, preamps, integrateds, etc, just how huge the selection there is available.

Currently, I have the following:

Harman Kardon AVR 235 A/V receiver
Front L&R channels:
50 Watts per channel
@ <0.07% THD, 20Hz–20kHz into 8 ohms

Harman Kardon FL 8385 CD Changer

Klipsch KG 5.5 Floorstanding Speakers
frequency response 34Hz-20kHz±3dB
power handling 100 watts maximum continuous (500 watts peak)
sensitivity 98dB @ 1watt/1meter
nominal impedance 8 ohms
tweeter K-85-K 1" (2.54cm) Polymer dome compression driver
high frequency horn 90°x60° Tractrix® Horn
woofer Two K-1023-K 10" (25.4cm) Injected Carbon Graphite cones
Bass reflex via front-mounted port

Grado Labs SR325 Headphones

I use the receiver strictly for stereo music playback with my HK CD changer, or I play .flac or .mp3 files via input to the receiver from my computer sound cards optical digital output.

I want to keep my Klipsch speakers for now, along with my Grado cans, which I love. OTOH, I have not been particularly happy with the two HK components. Although the sound is not totally bad, it is a tad too bright, and it is fatiguing to listen over long periods of time. My room acoustics are not ideal either, with hardwood floors and drywall throughout. The listening rooms dimensions are 14'x13', with speaker placement along and near the corners of the 13' wall. At present, I cannot afford any of the acoustic treatments I see on the various internet sites.

From what I have seen so far, I think I would favor the warm, rich, clear sound of tube components. My Klipsch speakers are highly efficient at 8 ohms, so I should not need higher power, but I don't want to lose bass response either. I have not had much experience listening to higher end audio, but I really loved the sound of a friends McIntosh receiver (late 70's vintage), and another friends 60's vintage tubed HH Scott receiver, both systems paired with matching speaker pairs of the same brands respectively. Those experiences are why I believe I should really consider tube amps.

Would someone please be so kind as to suggest components that would allow me to play CD, CD-R, and digital music files based upon what I stated above? I suppose I could do without the ability to directly play back the digital files, but a CD player is a must have. Oh yeah, my budget is up to $3000, but I want to get as much as I can for the best possible price under that ceiling. Thanks.
chap_cat
reubent
6,936 posts
 
Chap cat,

Wanna try something completely different that may save you about $2800? Check out the Nuforce Icon Integrated Amp/DAC.

The Nuforce Icon is a 12 watt/channel integrated amp based on Nuforce's digital amp technology. It contains a passive pre-amp, 12 watt/ch. amplifier, USC DAC and headphone amp. It also has RCA inputs for connecting additional sources such as your CD changer.

The Nuforce Icon is currently available direct from Nuforce via Amazon.com. It has an introductory price of $199 for the silver finish and $249 for other colors.

Considering your speakers are very efficient, the 12 watts/channel should be plenty for most people. Additionally, since the Icon has a built-in USB DAC, you can connect your PC/MAC source directly to the Icon via a UBS cable. You could also connect your current CD changer via the additional RCA inputs and connect your headphones to the headphone output. This is a tiny do-everything machine that might be all you ever need. It could be an excellent choice if you plan to rip all of your CDs to your PC/MAC in lossless format. Heck, you could get rid of everything except your PC/MAC and the Icon and have an extremely compact system that may sound good enough to satisfy you for years to come.

BTW, the Icon uses an RJ45 jack for speaker cables and the cables are supplied. However the supplied cables are only one meter long. If you need longer cables, a 2 meter pair is available from Nuforce for $30.

I'm buying one just to play with it. If it is as good as the reviews say, I may end up using it for a few years as my primary 2-channel system connected to a pair of hi-efficiency speakers and PC.

Enjoy,

TIC
brianmgrarcom
1,317 posts
 
Tube integrateds that come to mind within your budget (used) are the Manley Stingray and I have a friend that I believe is selling an Audio Note Soro in the near future.
saki70
907 posts
 
"I personally prefer to buy a designer's best possible work and enjoy it "

On a 3k budget ?
geared4me's avatar
geared4me
219 posts
 
You should checkout the ps audio trio c-100 control amp and the oppo dv-983h universal player. This will run you a total of 1500 new with warranty and the value is off the charts! That will leave 1500 for whatever you choose next.
macrojack
1,303 posts
 
Feeling overwhelmed is going to cost you money. It will cause you to run straight into the arms of a waiting dealer. An audio dealer is just like a card dealer. His job is to take advantage of the difference between what he knows and what you know. The benefit available to you on Audiogon is the option of bypassing the dealer and being self taught with guidance from us. The problem that you will encounter with us is determining who has good advice and who is merely recommending what they like. I recommended an OPPO 980H DVD player for a digital source. I've owned high dollar and well reviewed digital equipment in the past and bought this thing because it was suggested by a guy who sold me some excellent tubed monoblocks. I didn't really believe what he was telling me about how musical it is but I took the plunge anyway figuring I could use a video player and these were known to be good for that. Result of this purchase is the sale of my DAC. The OPPO is phenomenal.
As I stated above, it will cost you only $170 and it will resell in 5 minutes for $140 if you find it disappointing.
If it proves to be what I'm saying it is, then you have a lot more money free for other upgrades.
I recommended the Melos SHA-1 because your headphones are important to you and I suggested the Ayre or Rowland amp because both are very musical and depreciation proof. You'll get your tube sound from the SHA and you'll get fuss-free performance out of either power amp.
Furthermore, you will be spending only slightly more than half your money. That means you can consider upgrading the speakers.
If you want newer stuff, consider an Eastern Electric CD player. It has tubes, a headphone jack and a volume control.
If CD is going to be your only source, you won't need a preamp at all. Just go straight from your player to your amp(s).
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