Forget the recommendation for Doge8. I have one with upgraded tubes etc. While it is a bargain for an ok line stage and so-so phono stage, for not much more, you can get a Vincent SA-T8. A massive step-up over the Doge8. Most "musically involving" Pre I've heard up to double it's RRP. You'd have to spend a truckload more to better it. That'll leave you plenty for a nice Phono and Power Amps.
Have ~$10-12k...what would you do?
Currently run:
-Melody SP3 (heavily rolled with Winged C 6l6's, NOS RCA triple plate ax7's, NOS RCA clear top au7a's, and have switched between either JJ 6922 or GE ecc88's)
-Graham Slee Era Gold Mk V
-VPI TNT IV with SDS
-Benz H2 Wood Body cart
-Warfedale Jade 5's (87db, 6ohms)
Listen to: Folk, singer-songwriter, jazz, alt-co, and some rock. Lately been into early 1900's gospel, 60's/70's funk, New Orleans swing.
Thinking I would like to go with Triode...300b is tempting, but options open obviously.
Just got a complete bargain on the speakers, so will hold on to these for a short bit and upgrade later. Thinking ATC, Harbeth, KEF, Wilson amongst others, but that can be a different discussion.
Looking to change up my Melody. Had it for nearly 10 years, been a good trooper with multiple moves, etc, but time to step it up a bit.
I have about $10-12k for components and really would love some input on a couple options.
I've gone everywhere from just doing a better integrated and maybe saving some money (Primaluna HP, Octave, VAC sigma) to separates to mono's (VAC, C-J, Cary, Manley, Rogue, and a few others). Don't mind used in the least.
I have the chance to purchase some VAC Ren 30/70 monos for about $6500. These are very tempting, but I know the VAC pre's are rare to appear and unsure of other pre's to match up well.
If you had my budget, what would you choose, configure, etc. I've read great things (some better than others) of each of the aforementioned components,
Thanks to all.
-Melody SP3 (heavily rolled with Winged C 6l6's, NOS RCA triple plate ax7's, NOS RCA clear top au7a's, and have switched between either JJ 6922 or GE ecc88's)
-Graham Slee Era Gold Mk V
-VPI TNT IV with SDS
-Benz H2 Wood Body cart
-Warfedale Jade 5's (87db, 6ohms)
Listen to: Folk, singer-songwriter, jazz, alt-co, and some rock. Lately been into early 1900's gospel, 60's/70's funk, New Orleans swing.
Thinking I would like to go with Triode...300b is tempting, but options open obviously.
Just got a complete bargain on the speakers, so will hold on to these for a short bit and upgrade later. Thinking ATC, Harbeth, KEF, Wilson amongst others, but that can be a different discussion.
Looking to change up my Melody. Had it for nearly 10 years, been a good trooper with multiple moves, etc, but time to step it up a bit.
I have about $10-12k for components and really would love some input on a couple options.
I've gone everywhere from just doing a better integrated and maybe saving some money (Primaluna HP, Octave, VAC sigma) to separates to mono's (VAC, C-J, Cary, Manley, Rogue, and a few others). Don't mind used in the least.
I have the chance to purchase some VAC Ren 30/70 monos for about $6500. These are very tempting, but I know the VAC pre's are rare to appear and unsure of other pre's to match up well.
If you had my budget, what would you choose, configure, etc. I've read great things (some better than others) of each of the aforementioned components,
Thanks to all.