2. amps-preamps
  3. 1083768591

How good is my amplification? Advice please.

I need help with my system. I am pretty sure the weakest link in my system is my Pre/Power combo. I was thinking about moving to a Bryston B60 but I like having the extra power. I am thinking that in the future I would like to upgrade to a Studio 100 or a pair of Totems (Hawk or Model 1)

My Current set up is:
Rega Planet 2000 CD Player
Linn Pretek Preamplifier
Bryston 3B Amplifier
Paradigm Studio 40 v2 Speaker
DMN Reason Interconnect
Audioquest Hyperlitz Speaker cable
Monster Power HTS-2600 AC filter

The 3B is an original, but I just went back to Bryston about 1 year ago and got new everything (Caps, Output tranistors, AC filter etc.... pretty much everything but the power supplies) and I must say that it sounds pretty good.

I found the Linn on ebay and it replaced a small passive preamp I was using (the passive did not have enought inputs). I found the Linn to have excellent musicallity, very dynamic. However compared the passive it could be a little more transparent and detailed.

Which is the weaker link in my amplification? The Linn or Bryston?
I like both pieces and they work well together, but if I stay Pre/Power which one goes first? This set up is not really doing anything wrong, its sins are that of omission, but I know that there is better out there. A Bryston B60 would drive my studio 40's but what about a pair of Studio 100's or totems?

One thing I do like is that my Linn has a phono stage and I am planning to hook my record player back up soon. (I just bought a house and now have room for it). I would however also like a headphone out for my Grado 225's for those late night listening sessions. I know I can an external headphone amp, but I have just been holding off and saving the money because I thought that my next (and probably final) amp could have headphone jack.

So any opinions are welcome. Oh and yes my budget is selling what I have and adding up to $500 per upgrade. IE. sell pre amp and add $500 or if I sell both I can only add about $500.

Thanks in advance.
Nick
nickway

Showing 1 response by krell_man

krell_man
827 posts
 
I recently traded my Krell KRC-3 and KSA-50S (about $6300.00) in on a Musical Fidelity A308cr pre-amp and amp (about $6300.00).

I had the Krell's for ten years and thought they walked on water. I happened to hear the Musical Fidelity pieces and had to have them. I literally couldn't listen to the Krell's anymore because the high end was no longer the 'natural' high end (the drums and cymbals).

I've seen a lot of people not bash Musical Fidelity, but place it on a lower level than Krell, Rowland, Levinson. But I'm a full level up from where I was five months ago, and I've never had a second thought or regret.

The A308cr is 250 watts in 8 ohms and 400 into 4 ohms, so it ought to drive whatever you'd like.
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