Amp/Preamp vs. Integrated Amp or Receiver!? Help! (1 Viewer)

[GlennAK]

I have read so many of these post that my mind is spinning with the options. Please help. I want to replace an existing receiver, Yamaha r-9 (yes, very old) with something new. But the choices out there are over whelming. Please some advice! I have a budget of around 2k but will consider more or less if I believe in the product. I should mention that I do not have an AV surround sound system and use my equipment for mostly music. I have a Ah! new tube 4000 cd, Klipsch Heresy II speakers, Denon 1600 dvd, and Rega P25 turnrable. Any suggestions would be much appreciated! Thank you, Glenn

 

[Mark C.]

A little more information please. Do you want to start building a surround-sound HT, or are you looking to beef up a two-channel music system?

 

[GlennAK]

Mark, I am using it for 2-channel music and do not see doing surround sound for awhile. Though if the equipment supported it, that would be fine. As long as the 2-channel is not deminished. Thank you for the reply. G

 

[Mark C.]

Glenn:
I can tell you what I like, but you have to make the decision based on what sounds best to you.
In my HT, I use Rotel equipment mated with B&W speakers. It seems they were made for each other.
In my dedicated two-channel system, I have B&W Nautilus 804s powered by a Classe CAP-101 integrated amp. This, too, is a great combination.
Since Klipsch speakers are so revealing, you might want to look at equipment considered "warm' to tame the speakers a bit. Perhaps a Marantz stereo receiver or integrated. Rotel makes a HT receiver, the 1055, that might do the trick, giving you a first-class two-channel system now with the capability of becoming the centerpiece of a future home theater.
These are just a few suggestions. I'm sure others can offer up more suggestions.
Good Luck.

 

[John Royster]

How about a tube integrated amp? Should work wonders with your Heresy.

I would think for 2K you could get a pretty good integrated amp and do justice to your stereo.

jolida comes to mind.

 

[Chu Gai]

I think, in part, you need to come to a philisophical decision about just how separate you want to go? Invariably there's a proportional increase in costs which for some, is offset by flexibility. You certainly aren't power strained with the Heresy's.

 

[GlennAK]

Thank you for the replies everyone. I am thinking more now towards and integrated amp, and using the advice given, one that is on the warm side but not muddy. Right now I am looking at Rotel, Creek, Arcam, and the cheaper Krells. It is hard since I live on an island up here and can not listen to the equipment! I have to go on the advice of others and reviews. Thank you for taking the time to reply...and if there is anyone with additional advice I would love to hear it! G

 

[Scott Oliver]

With those Klipsch speakers, personally I would go with a good tube integrated.

Here is a very good one right now at you price level with a good MM phono stage included - used Audio Note Soro SE w/phone $2200 ($3600)
http://cgi.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cl.p...ube&1060379482
Constatine Soo of stereo Times has been matching up Audio Note gear with his Klipschhorns for many years now.

Here is some thoughts from someone that had the amp for a demo in his system
http://db.audioasylum.com/cgi/m.pl?f...ro&r=&session=
A user review
http://db.audioasylum.com/cgi/m.pl?f...ro&r=&session=
Review by Hi-Fi world
page 1 http://www.audionote.co.uk/reviews/a..._11-2k2_01.jpg
page 2 http://www.audionote.co.uk/reviews/a..._11-2k2_02.jpg

Some other tubed integrateds to look at would be Audiomat Arpege Reference, Antique Sound Lab integrateds, and Cary integrateds.

If you are interested in possibly building a kit you could forego the need to get an integrated by purchasing from Welborne Labs and Bottlehead.

Welborne Labs offers a new battery powered tubed preamp and DRD 300B or 2A3 monoblock amps with a total cost of ~$2000 for the two kits.
Bottlehead offers a a no-nonsense tubed preamp, tubed phone stage, and 300B or 2A3 monoblock amps for less than $2000

Just a few options to keep your head whirling.