2. amps-preamps
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I Feel Overwhelmed....Please Help

Hello, all.

I have recently decided to begin upgrading to stereo components around the entry level audiophile range, and move away from home theater stuff. I need help, as I had no idea until I began recently researching modern amps, preamps, integrateds, etc, just how huge the selection there is available.

Currently, I have the following:

Harman Kardon AVR 235 A/V receiver
Front L&R channels:
50 Watts per channel
@ <0.07% THD, 20Hz–20kHz into 8 ohms

Harman Kardon FL 8385 CD Changer

Klipsch KG 5.5 Floorstanding Speakers
frequency response 34Hz-20kHz±3dB
power handling 100 watts maximum continuous (500 watts peak)
sensitivity 98dB @ 1watt/1meter
nominal impedance 8 ohms
tweeter K-85-K 1" (2.54cm) Polymer dome compression driver
high frequency horn 90°x60° Tractrix® Horn
woofer Two K-1023-K 10" (25.4cm) Injected Carbon Graphite cones
Bass reflex via front-mounted port

Grado Labs SR325 Headphones

I use the receiver strictly for stereo music playback with my HK CD changer, or I play .flac or .mp3 files via input to the receiver from my computer sound cards optical digital output.

I want to keep my Klipsch speakers for now, along with my Grado cans, which I love. OTOH, I have not been particularly happy with the two HK components. Although the sound is not totally bad, it is a tad too bright, and it is fatiguing to listen over long periods of time. My room acoustics are not ideal either, with hardwood floors and drywall throughout. The listening rooms dimensions are 14'x13', with speaker placement along and near the corners of the 13' wall. At present, I cannot afford any of the acoustic treatments I see on the various internet sites.

From what I have seen so far, I think I would favor the warm, rich, clear sound of tube components. My Klipsch speakers are highly efficient at 8 ohms, so I should not need higher power, but I don't want to lose bass response either. I have not had much experience listening to higher end audio, but I really loved the sound of a friends McIntosh receiver (late 70's vintage), and another friends 60's vintage tubed HH Scott receiver, both systems paired with matching speaker pairs of the same brands respectively. Those experiences are why I believe I should really consider tube amps.

Would someone please be so kind as to suggest components that would allow me to play CD, CD-R, and digital music files based upon what I stated above? I suppose I could do without the ability to directly play back the digital files, but a CD player is a must have. Oh yeah, my budget is up to $3000, but I want to get as much as I can for the best possible price under that ceiling. Thanks.
chap_cat
macrojack
1,303 posts
 
Feeling overwhelmed is going to cost you money. It will cause you to run straight into the arms of a waiting dealer. An audio dealer is just like a card dealer. His job is to take advantage of the difference between what he knows and what you know. The benefit available to you on Audiogon is the option of bypassing the dealer and being self taught with guidance from us. The problem that you will encounter with us is determining who has good advice and who is merely recommending what they like. I recommended an OPPO 980H DVD player for a digital source. I've owned high dollar and well reviewed digital equipment in the past and bought this thing because it was suggested by a guy who sold me some excellent tubed monoblocks. I didn't really believe what he was telling me about how musical it is but I took the plunge anyway figuring I could use a video player and these were known to be good for that. Result of this purchase is the sale of my DAC. The OPPO is phenomenal.
As I stated above, it will cost you only $170 and it will resell in 5 minutes for $140 if you find it disappointing.
If it proves to be what I'm saying it is, then you have a lot more money free for other upgrades.
I recommended the Melos SHA-1 because your headphones are important to you and I suggested the Ayre or Rowland amp because both are very musical and depreciation proof. You'll get your tube sound from the SHA and you'll get fuss-free performance out of either power amp.
Furthermore, you will be spending only slightly more than half your money. That means you can consider upgrading the speakers.
If you want newer stuff, consider an Eastern Electric CD player. It has tubes, a headphone jack and a volume control.
If CD is going to be your only source, you won't need a preamp at all. Just go straight from your player to your amp(s).
macrojack
1,303 posts
 
Reubent - That sounds like the perfect solution. I was unaware of this device but I think I'll buy one just to see what it does. Thanks.
ngt1977
7 posts
 
I own a pair of KG 5.5. I have used many different components along the way to get the best sound from them. Proceed, Classe, NAD, and Arcam to name a few. Surprisingly the most enjoyable sound by far is with a Linn Classik CD/Integrated amp. I think the amp is rated 30W or so at 8 ohms.
reubent
7,005 posts
 
Macrojack,

You are most welcome. I just ordered my Nuforce Icon today before the $199 intro price expires. I also ordered a pair of the 2M speaker cables.

For anyone interested in this unit, check out the review on 6Moons:

http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/nuforce7/icon.html

Enjoy,

TIC
chap_cat OP
28 posts
 
Macrojack said: Feeling overwhelmed is going to cost you money. It will cause you to run straight into the arms of a waiting dealer. An audio dealer is just like a card dealer. His job is to take advantage of the difference between what he knows and what you know. The benefit available to you on Audiogon is the option of bypassing the dealer and being self taught with guidance from us. The problem that you will encounter with us is determining who has good advice and who is merely recommending what they like.

This is the reason I am here on this forum. Most people here have nothing to gain other than some satisfaction that they feel by helping out a fellow hobbyist. I have some cynicism about merchants in general, and I work in retail as well. I very much appreciate each and every one of you that has responded for your advice. I intend to research all components that have been listed if possible, and I will listen to all that I can when I go to the big city to audition equipment day after tomorrow. My gut feeling is that most any component with a price tag of over $1000 should be an improvement in sound over what I have now. Also, going used is certainly not out of the question.
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