Currently I am happy with the Node 2i and feeding what I think is a very nice DAC that is well regarded. If anything, I'd do an upgrade to its power supply with Teddy Pardo. If I tackle the pre/ amp this year then next year I might upgrade source.
Amp Search and Upgrade
So currently I have a Parasound Integrated, the Hint 6, that are driving my Dali Opticon 8. They are rated as a 4 ohm speaker with an 88 db sensitivity. I am looking to upgrade one item this year so I want to make it count. The integrated has pre-outs so I can adda 2 channel amp or a pair of mono blocks.
At this point would I be better off getting just an amp and using the Hint 6 as pre temporarily until I can afford a better pre amp or should I get both pre and amp at once? I'm thinking something used {hopefully) in the $4k range.
I only stream using a Bluesound Node 2i feeding a very nice DAC, an Aqua LaVoce S2, I also have a pair of REL T/7i subs.
Recommendations on what would pair with the Dali's and whether I should stick with the Parasound as pre please!
Showing 7 responses by dadork
I've never had any experience with tube equipment @mesch. Unlike many people on this forum I have pets, 4 cats and a year old lab. I worry about hair and dander with tubes. Even cleaning continuously it still happens. They don't mess with my equipment though. I don't know if I want to get into the whole chasing the right tube. Enough rabbits to chase without adding another. @drewdawg999 I started doing some reading about your recommendation. It certainly is an interesting option at that price point considering the reviews. There's supposed to be a dealer in Grand Rapids which would be my closest at 4 hours away. Their website doesn't show any Peachtree Audio so emailed to find if still a dealer. I'd definitely give it a listen with my system if I can. |
Thanks @fastfreight. I'll look over Audionet products for sure. @drewdawg999 I wouldn't be absolutely opposed to Class D but I hope they offer a trial period. I don't have any way to audition much of what's discussed as I live in the boonies. @overthemoon right now I think power and dynamics. The Dali's are pretty nice so I'd like to know their potential. |
@carlsbad I don't know that I could get over the looks on the Kinki tbh. But you're saying either stick with a better integrated or get a pre and and amp I believe. |
What do you think of doing something like buying a good pair of monoblocks and using the Hint 6 as pre for the time being? There's a pair of Bryston 7B ST's used on audiomart for 2900. This would leave some $$ on the table so that when I sell the Parasound I could get a nice matching preamp. I was also looking at Teddy Pardo MB100 monos and their pre. |
@tk21 I haven't really ever had a chance to listen to a Class D amp and from what I read I don't know if it's the route for me. It is probably more fantastic than I would imagine. It seems like an awful lot to cram into one unit and I would have concerns about all the processing. Tell me why I'm wrong. |