Best preamp w/Tuner for McCmk DNA-500?


Just got a McCormack DNA-500 and I love it. I would like to see if I can make a quantum improvement to my system by upgrading the Preamp. I listen to about 70% music, 30% movies, so I also need multichannel capability. The tuner is also important, since I listen to some excellent local jazz stations. Any help would be appreciated. Budget is about $5K. Thanks for your assistance - I've had some really great experiences so far with these forums and equiptment bought and sold on Agon!

System consists of: Legacy Whispers (front)
Legacy Focus 20/20 (rear)
Sunfire Theater Grand IV (WHAT I'M LOOKING TO IMPROVE)
BPT Signature 3.5 Plus
Richard Gray 400 Pro
Denon 5910 (APL HiFi modded 3910 on the way)
Sony XA7-es CD player
Velodyne DD-15 subwoofer
Echobuster acoustic treatments
Elrod Sig 2, 3 and Statement(wall to BPT = WOW!!)PCs
Electraglide Epiphany PC (to preamp)
Au 24 speaker cables
Monster Sigma Retro XLR IC's
2 dedicated 20 amp lines

Once again, thanks for any assistance
fplanner2000

Showing 1 response by bemopti123

Maybe Steve was kind with his assessment of your need of a tuner, but I need to point something, the DNA 500 is a world class amp and needing to compromise a source and line amplification, will simply steal from its real potential.

Sunfire preamplifiers, with tuners and the like, will be a compromise.

Say that you need a tuner to pair with the amplifier, that you do not have space, it is understandable, but try to get the best preamplifier out there and compromise the tuner section with a separate tuner.

A nice alternative to the Sunfire would be the older Anthem AV-20? That was all the rage about 3 years ago. I think affordable and very transparent, according to reviews out there.

Another very good brand that has a tuner module built in is Linn.

Oh, I remember that there is a new Mcintosh C-43 or c-45, that has a tuner module built in in it. I think Spacekadet...member here in Audiogon has it on his system.

Adcom, do not even come close to what these other companies can offer soundwise.