2. amps-preamps
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Amp/preamp suggestions in $3000-4000 range

Hi all,

I'm ready to upgrade my system and I'm going to start with the amp and preamp. I need suggestions.

My system is comprised of Kenwood L-07D and Oracle Alexandria turntables with Dynavector 10x5 and Benz Micro Glider cartridges, respectively, into a Unison Research Unico. The speakers are Vandersteen 2ce. I listen to a wide range of music from jazz and modern composition to beat up punk rock 45s, and everything in between.

I've had solid state amps most of my life and have tried some of the more humble all tube systems such as Antique Sound Labs and Jolida. I really love the sound of the Unico's hybrid design but it's not a great amp for the Vandersteens. Beyond that, I haven't much of an idea where to go. I prefer the idea of tube preamp and solid state amp but I'm not hell bent on it. I am open to an integrated machine or separate preamp and amp. Monoblocks are interesting as well. I'd like to keep the total price somewhere between 3-4K on the used market.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Rickk
rickk
mrjstark
1,112 posts
 
I will second Butler recommendations, very nice amp. I am not the biggest fan of SS gear but I can see myself useing something like Butler or WFS amps. Preamps.....? I like Supratek, Blueberry, Dodd. Going all AR is another way to do it but I believe there are better fish in the Sea. IMO.
usblues
1,217 posts
 
Counterpoint with upgrades is exceptional
rickk OP
15 posts
 
Thanks for the responses. What a lot of information.

I am glad to see a consensus regarding tube pre and solid state amp since that's where my thinking has been at with the Vandersteens.

WOW! That Blueberry preamp is beautiful. Have never heard of Juicy Music but both my wife and I are instantly in love with the design. I'll have to see what threads we have on here about it. Is this a robust preamp that will last me years or is it a finicky boutique offering that needs frequent servicing?

McCormack and Modwright are both companies I've already been reading up on. Very curious about the McCormack DNA-225.

The Butler is intriguing to me. I am not familiar with hybrid amplifiers but the idea sounds promising from the review I read on 6moons.

I forgot to mention that I like to bi-wire the Vandersteens. That's one way to narrow down my amp choices, I guess. I noticed the Counterpoint supports bi-wiring.
mrjstark
1,112 posts
 
Rick,
In my opinion Blueberry is not just good , it is an excellent preamp for the asking price. It also comes in premium wood finish which looks great and adds to the overall enjoyment. Its sound is very rich, especially with Mullard tube. Its presentation is different then lets say Modwright preamp which is very clean, fast, transparent but
also.....almost SS-ish. More relaxed, smooth and a bit on the warmer side characteristics of Blueberry with SS amp might be a better choice IMO.

Butler is a power house with almost limitless dynamics and headroom. It doesn't sound edgy or vailed. It is a very well balanced amp that I can personaly recommend. There are otheres but not in your price range.

Mariusz
tweak1
3,658 posts
 
PS Audio GCA (100/250/500) series is killer. AND it's differentially balanced, unlike most of the recommendations
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