Buy an older class A krell. If recapped that would be best. I’m talking ksa series. They’re warm with lots of detail and not that difficult to work on. Dual mono design. Will drive any speaker and just look so cool. Can find for under 3k.
Best upgrade: amp or pre-amp?
Of course, it depends...
So here is my setup:
- Amp: McIntosh MC7100
- Pre-amp: McIntosh C712
- Others: Focal Sopra 1 and Bluesound Node
I was thinking to upgrade to an integrated (McIntosh, Hegel or Pass Labs are on top of my list), but I might decide to go for the long game: get the best amp/pre-amp for the same budget as the integrated (max 10k CAD) and update the other half later, in 5 years-ish..
So I'm open to suggestion! But remember a suggested a pre-amp, must match the MC7100 and an amp must match the C712 as I plan you have them together for a little while.
Thanks for the hive mind. I realize this is a tricky question!