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 2 responses by nickway

nickway OP
168 posts
 
Thanks for the responces so far,

What bryston pre would you recommend? I know some of the older Bryston equipment will not acommodate larger connectors which would pose a problem. When I sent my power amp back to bryston they had to re-drill the holes a little bigger so they could fit a Bullet Plug or WBT.

How would you rate a .5B for sound quality over a BP20?

Also if I were to go with newer equipment what do you think would be better?
A Bryston B60 or
BP20 and 3B-ST

I know the BP20/3B-ST would have more power but would it sound better and if so by how much?

So for my thoughts are the B60 probably offers more bang for my buck.

What are you guys thoughts?
nickway OP
168 posts
 
Thanks Guys,

I am a very big fan of the B60. My major concern was a power issue with the 100's. I do love my 40's but it the v3 has sweeter treble and deeper bass than my 40's.

I will then move my 40's to a secondary system or rears on a HT.

Thanks
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