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Configuring my system.. component opinions.

Hey All-
I have been a silent reader & student of this forum for a while and value all of your insights and opinions greatly.
I am re-configuring my system and need some advice. I listen to vinyl 70% of the time, apple laptop/iPod 20% of the time, and Radio (..remember radio?) 10% of the time. I use two turntables- Technics SL-1200 and SL-1300. Mostly I listen to rock, jazz, country. I sold my old Mac C29 preamp, but aim to continue using my MC2500 power amp (500x2). I currently use a pair of Spendor A5's, and my listening room is pretty large (40ft x 40ft)- I live in an open warehouse loft in Brooklyn.
My questions:
What are my options as a "preamp" component to get the 2 turntable sources, the tuner source, and a DAC into my MC2500? I probably prefer tube, but simplicity in source selection, reliability, and overall quality are more important in decision making. Is a pair of phono preamp AND a preamp smarter? Price is always a consideration, but I am willing to splurge on a piece that will last me a while.
Could I do "better" with the style of music I prefer (Grateful Dead, WIlco, Coltrane), the powerful MC2500, and my large listening area with a different set of speakers - or are the Spendor A5's a pretty good match.
Thank you all so much for any insights you may have!
Cheers
tudor141
bigkidz
3,381 posts
 
I recently just completed building a tube preamp that I will be marketing commercially soon. It is a direct heated triode, transformer coupled preamp. Since you live in Brooklyn, I could bring over the prototype for you to hear in your system. I don't think you find anything like it. If you are interested, let me know vujadeaudio@optimum.net.

Peter

We are also working on a phono stage similiar in design plus we do repair and modifications for all components.
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
Hey Peter, there is a thread in the Audio Asylum Amp/preamp forum looking for someone who can handle Counterpoint repairs. I recommended you, but I don't know how they would get in touch with you. Maybe you could go over there and post your contact info.

Cheers,
John
tudor141 OP
1 posts
 
Thanks so much guys! I'm gonna go hit a few hifi stores in town this weekend and check out some options. I'll keep you posted - and if y'all have more suggestions, I am all ears...
bigkidz
3,381 posts
 
John,

My contact information is on the Alta Vista Audio website. But I can be reached at VuJadeaudio@optimum.net

Peter
afranta
180 posts
 
Once you have a preamp, I'd recommend changing your speakers. Your room is big, and I'm guessing that your small floorstanders are getting lost in it. You have enough power to drive just about anything. I'd be tempted to try Shahinian Obelisks. I haven't heard them, but people rave about their room-filling sound. My room is small, though, and others certainly have more experience with speakers that would work well in a large room like yours and will have different recommendations.
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