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
eagleman6722
217 posts
 
Rick, Based on your music tastes with the Vandys, you want an amp/ pre combo that will make them sound lively and balanced. While my B&k, McCormack, and TAD 60 sounded nice, the one thing that bothered me the entire time that I had those three amps was that I could not get well extended highs until I brought the TAD 125 into the picture. Whatever amp you settle on make sure that it pulls the Vandys forward. Many people say that they sound dark but, in my opinion, they just need the right electronics to show what they are capable of. I am sure that there are more choices than just the TADs but, just make sure that you can pull the entire spectrum out.

Eagleman
aronsss
110 posts
 
At the top end of your range I would suggest the Audible Illusions pre and Music Reference RM10 MK2. I heard this combo at Audio Connection in Verona NJ last week and it was amazing. It really maximized the potential of the Vandy's. I made them come to life.
rickk OP
15 posts
 
Mariusz, are you saying that you think the Butler is a good amp to pair with the Blueberry? With both the Butler and the TAD 125 I'm unfamiliar with the hybrid amp design. Do these amps sound more solid state or more tube? If they are paired with a tube pre-amp are you likely to wind up with a really "tubed" sound?

At this point, I very much like the McCormack DNA-225, PS Audio 250 or 500, and maybe the Butler or the TAD 125.

rickk
clio09
3,355 posts
 
The Butler is a very neutral and transparent amp. The bass is tight and deep. High end extension is very good. The amp is also very quiet. Their use of tubes in the design is somewhat different than other traditional tube amp designs. Lots of good information on their site.
mrjstark
1,112 posts
 
Rickk
Do not get me wrong....McCormack is an excellent amp..so is Butler. And no, Butler does not sound like true tube amp. However it is very well balanced, dynamic and not veiled or edgy like some poorly designed SS amps out there. I am not sure if the tube input stage in Butler helps in that regards or not. My guess is that it is somewhat responsible for its subtle (but with power and authority) rendition of music.

Blueberry is more liquid and warm sounding preamp then most modern tube designs. Pairing it with SS amp will give you the best of both Worlds. Power, dynamics of SS and richness of tube design.

IMO you can not go wrong with this approach of incorporating both designs to get the most out of your speakers.
You won't regret your decision. If you will.....you can always blame me..... :)

Cheers

Mariusz
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