2. amps-preamps
  3. 165712-159039

Analog system, upgrade preamp

purchase most of my equipment during 79-82 timeframe while serving overseas.  Amp is SAE 2600.  Purchased Carver 4000 (used) to replace Carver CT-7.  Not happy with it.  Looking at Classe CP 50 or Conrad Johnson PV 10A update to the preamp.  have searched and do not understand how the "Balanced and Unbalanced" connection will fit into my system which all jacks are RCA.  Do now want to start a change and end up changing more than intended.  trying to bridge a nearly 40-year gap in my equipment however, the knowledge gap may be impossible.  Any advice on either of these two pieces and how they would fit into a completely ancient analog system would be greatly appreciated.
cdj3pa
cdj3pa OP
6 posts
 
Your Avatar is very very appropriate.  I have never owned an intergrated amp in over 40 years.  Did the research you suggested and called the company.  Spoke briefly with James, (one of the owners) and he continued my education.  Just purchased the NightHawk (color was the issue) and interconnecting cables and speaker wire as well.  Saving on their wires went to the NightHawk,  color choice.
 Synergistic Research had too many choices which made is somewhat confusing and Ebay had a ton of their products for sale which told me that many had done as i have in the past purchasing what you think you need and turns out otherwise.

Pods for the turntable are next and I am a bit confused with the  Decware ZP3.  It sounds like another tube amp from their site.  May ask for help as I try to understand it more.  Coming in under budget so far. 

Will update the thread once i get the NightHawk working. Do not have the appropriate words of gratitude for all your info. 
"Millie Grazie"


cdj3pa OP
6 posts
 
It has taken a bit of research and think I finally understand the ZP3.  all items have been purchased, just waiting now.
cdj3pa OP
6 posts
 

 I got my Night Hawk, and it is running as I write. The change was beyond expectations. I never thought that a small 20 WPC would be enough for the KLS or that my music was supposed to sound this great. I have put about 30 hours into it so far. Dave said it would take about 100 hours before I hear what it is truly capable of doing.  The volume knob has not passed one-third of the way yet. You don't need it!!  Still shaking my head in doubt and wondering what took me so long. My 12X22 room. I was a genuine SS diehard who has missed so many years of listening to music instead of hearing the sound of music. I hear the music now.
The NH is more than enough. I hear the music now as never before, and it beyond expectations. SoniQuil cables are more than adequate for my needs. I also added an Equi-Core 600 to ensure clean power without any potential interference. It Will be several months before the ZP3, and I can't wait.  
MC can't thank you enough. Truly grateful that you heard the desperation of my plea and responded. The improvements from changing two pieces have me evaluating the rest of my system now. I have the Townshend pods for my turntable however looking at replacing it as well at this point. LSA T-2 or EAT Prelude. These are within what I want to spend.  
MC, just one more opinion, please Found only one review on the Tekton Studio Monitors. I am replacing the JBL 4312. Their size would be a perfect fit where I want to place them.  
My wife is now a widow, and I am a widower. She has her thousand books, and I have as much music to catch up on.

"No one can tell me that I'm doing wrong today" James Taylor


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