2. amps-preamps
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Beginner audiophile pre-amp/receiver recommendations

Hello all trying to piece together a system that will cover dedicated listening as well as a 2nd zone for in ceiling during parties. 

I'm looking for something to replace my AV receiver with a stereo receiver that will do the following, I'd like to keep things in as few components as possible to not upset the W.A.F..
2 Zone output (xlr)
Phono stage
DAC (for an eventual Bluesound node to replace the chromecast)
FM tuner

Would like to be under 1500.  I'm not opposed to a pre-owned unit. can be an integrated as long as I can also drive the external amp w/XLR:

Currently have:
Krell KAV 2500 power amp
Anthem AVM 20
Chromecast HIFI
Thorens TD120
Hales Concept 2 loudspeakers
Inceliing speakers (4)
escoffee

Showing 6 responses by lukaszwk

lukaszwk
56 posts
 
Why not continue using your current receiver as a stand alone tuner then? It seems to have a multitude of preamp outputs so you should have no problems plugging it into whatever integrated you choose.
lukaszwk
56 posts
 
Definitely try to stay away from any receivers, everything about them is a compromise, sq being the first thing. As far as decent integrated amp, I really think you can’t get better than Schiit RAGNAROK, it has everything that you listed, a good dac, phono stage, multiple outputs - balanced and single ended even a headphone amp and most importantly it will sound good. It’s a little over your budget at 1800 but I don’t think you can get better for the price and features. I own a few Schiit pieces and they are excellent. If a tuner is important, you can always add one later for not a lot of money but you really don’t want it inside your amp
lukaszwk
56 posts
 
+1 for Peachtree but Nova 150 is more along his budget. The 300 is now at 2000$
lukaszwk
56 posts
 
I also have the jolida fusion, it’s a preamp only. There’s no a/b switching, only source select. You can't control two amps separately with it
lukaszwk
56 posts
 
The Schiit Ragnarok I mentioned earlier has balanced (XLR) outputs. I wouldn't disregard this option as it's your best bet for the money imo.
lukaszwk
56 posts
 
The difference is built in radio tuner in every receiver. As far as differences go that's a pretty big one. RFI is a pretty big factor in deteriorating the sound quality so having radio tuner basically shoved inside your amp is not ideal. Having said that, there are some receivers that sound quite good.
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