2. amps-preamps
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Dream Speakers = landed. Now I need to feed them!

So I scored a pair of Belle Klipsch (1987 models, AB crossover).  I would have gone for Khorns, but the room they were going in just wasn't going to work.  RIght now, I'm running a cheap little Sony (STR-DH190) stereo receiver on them, and even that sounds amazing, but I know I've barely scratched the surface of what they're capable of.  The dream is a pair of SET monoblocks (probably 300B type), though I'm worried about not being able to drive the bottom enough.  I listen to a wide array of music from classical and opera to extreme metal, though my wife is decidedly more of a rock person, so I definitely need something that will push those woofers proper. 

Due to lifestyle and logistics, a big piece of my source audio is going to be HQ feeds from my laptop via Bluetooth.  I know, not an ideal source, but until I build my HTPC, it's just going to have to work.  I also need to run optical out from my Sony Bravia (which I can't do right now because the receiver doesn't have optical in and the TV doesn't have analog out).  

Here's the hard part: Right now, I can't really spend more than $1k for the whole shebang.  So I started hunting.

At first I was sniffing around looking for a tube preamp that can handle both Bluetooth and Toslink, but all that seems to be out there are suspiciously cheap Chinese integrated amps that have no pre out for later use.  I also looked at some dedicated DAC's such as the Cambridge Audio DACMagic, that I knew I could pair with a BT-capable tube pre.  But I'm still sketchy about the cheap Chinese kit.  I've heard positive things about Dared, though, and I was thinking their 5BT would be a good foundation alongside the aforementioned DAC, because I could use its power stage for right now, and if I can't stay in the right now budget to get a good pair of monoblocks, then I could wait for a while and buy the right ones later. 

Thoughts? Opinions?  Alternative ideas?  


jerkface

Showing 1 response by glennewdick

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glennewdick
1,538 posts
 
Decware, Finale Audio (used most likely), Schiit audio ( Freya + tube preamp possibly) come to mind for low powered tube gear that is good value. there’s a ton more out there.

I’d pass on 300Bs though too expensive for tubes IMO specially at your budget. 300B’s need very good transformers to sound their best you really don’t get that sub $2k IMO.

used would be ideal more value for the money. also don’t discount a good class A, SS amp ( 20wpc is all you need) maybe matched to a tube preamp.

maybe a dynaco st70 modern build like the tubes4hifi amps. their quite a good value for the money.

I run LaScala’s and have tried a bunch of amps. clean power and low noise is what your looking for, specially the low noise. Also consider the over all gain of your system if to high you’ll have no volume range at all.

surprisingly good is a Schiit freya+ tube pre ($899) and their Aegir class A amp ($799) or their integrated ragnarok ($1499).

lastly if your speakers are original consider updating the tweeter and crossovers huge improvements here. Bob Crites is reasonable priced and will bring the Bells up to modern spec. not to mention make the high end much smoother and enjoyable.

ok i’ done that’s all i can think of off the top of my head.

cheers
glen
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