2. amps-preamps
  3. 165540-159832

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 5 responses by jbhiller

jbhiller's avatar
jbhiller
1,445 posts
 
JerkFace, I’m not in a good spot to recommend the Carver over another amp specifically.  That’s a decision for you!  Both are well made and offer a lot for the money. I’ve heard them both but not with your speakers in your room. 
Speaking of which, how big is your room? Do you listen loud much? I have a 300b amp too that I swap in every so often. It’s great but with my 100dB sensitive Cornwall IVs I find I like more headroom for louder sessions. 
jbhiller's avatar
jbhiller
1,445 posts
 
Take a look at this:  https://doge.audio/product/doge-5-padc/   This one is around $1k.

And, unless someone can tell you (a) they have looked inside a Doge; (b) they've heard one; and (c) they have dealt with the company--don't listen to statements about made in China.  The chief engineer of Doge knows what he's doing. Quality of build and parts components are higher than many well selling other brands.  
jbhiller's avatar
jbhiller
1,445 posts
 
Hi Jerkface! If you are going to hold off on a move until you can do tubes, the advice above about pairing a Carver 275 with Klipsch is good--in my experience. The Crimson 275 sings with Klipsch heritage/vintage stuff. But that would still require a preamp or a DAC with a volume control.

The poster above who warned about your Klipsch being sensitive to sources and amps is correct. Whatever you do, you’ll want to be careful and test stuff out, knowing you might need to be patient and save.

You could also look at used Rogue, Quicksilver, Primaluna, Willsenton R8, or Doge.   Each brand has a tube integrated that would likely work well with those speakers.  If you watch used listings and could add $300-$500 to your budget you'd score one.  I don't think you're getting an integrated DAC at that point, and you might be better off trying a budget DAC solution. 

Best of luck!
jbhiller's avatar
jbhiller
1,445 posts
 
Great.  Keep us posted.  I'm glad to hear you found your speaker soulmate!  
jbhiller's avatar
jbhiller
1,445 posts
 
My understanding is technology has changed so much in 25 years that a 25 year old DAC, while it may be decent today, can be bettered by many options in today's market.  I saw a ML 36 DAC for $1500 used somewhere recently.  

I'll be honest--I'm not entirely sure I know the definitive answer, but if it was me, I'd avoid the 25 year old DAC and focus on something newer--especially if the 25 year old DAC costs $1.5k, as I think today's options at that price or lower would be better. 

I'm curious though.  
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