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I was happy with my system for 30 years; now I need a new amp...and more?

Greetings, can you help? My amps died. I have a wide range of listening: rock and roll mostly (70's mainly), some jazz, minimal classical.

 

Sources are LPs and CDs. I even still have a Nak tape deck for live music tapes...

I had VTL 80W mono blocks since 1992, combined with VTL Deluxe Preamplifier.

Speakers were EPOS ES11 (still have them, been in boxes for years), then some used Thiel CS3.5 (sold), now some Klipsch R820F that I got at Best Buy (I know).

Source is AR turntable that I've had since early 90's, don't remember what cartridge but it's relatively new.

CD player was Cal Audio Labs that stopped reading discs a few years ago (is this worth getting repaired? Tend to doubt it), now Phillips 900 series CD player, seems solid.

 

The VTL tube preamp had some bad tubes which are now replaced and it appears to be functioning well.

The tube amps had major issues with capacitors and I decided to sell them and move on instead of getting them repaired.

 

So! Now I need to get a new amp. Ideally I would use the existing preamp, possibly combining it with a solid state amp. I know the speakers are not that great, and the CD player probably needs upgrading.


The room is small--I sit about 12' from the speakers, the ceiling is average height (10'?), the room has a concrete floor covered with a rug (not carpet) and there are a lot of windows.

Budget is a bit flexible. I was thinking first I need the amp, then maybe upgrade the CD player (is it bad?), and finally the speakers.

One option is the Schiit Vidar 2 amp which, if I just get one, would work with the existing tube preamp (need balanced inputs to use two as mono blocks, which I don't have from this preamp). I would like for the amp to NOT run super hot if possible.

 

Budget (all are ± $500)

I could spend up to maybe $1500 on the amp

Up to maybe $1000 on the CD player (ideally less, or maybe not at all?)

Up to maybe $2000 on the speakers but that wouldn't be for another year or so. Focal?

 

Also: Minimal local dealers for stereo equipment! Tough to audition gear, plus it's not the same as hearing it in one's own room.

 

Looking for recommendations for an amp I can use with my tube pre-amp but also would consider something integrated (and sell the Deluxe to fund it) or other options?

 

THANK YOU.

drbeechwood
orchardaudio's avatar
orchardaudio
126 posts
 

@headphonedreams, thanks for the shout out.

glennjohn's avatar
glennjohn
6 posts
 

For your bugdget try Emotiva SS Amp, Schiit Aegir, Van Alstine, Bryston or Parasound. Presently, I have Schiit Freya+ paired with Parasound A21Amp and powering my Magnepan LRS+. I’m also using RME ADI-2 DAC. 

drbeechwood OP
14 posts
 

Yes, thanks again for all the feedback. The room is 30'x15' but I have the speakers along one long side facing the other long side, hence the 12' from speakers dimensions. I don't think I need mono blocks. Some great ideas in this thread. I think I'm going to put the VTL deluxe preamp on the classifieds here, and go with integrated amp/preamp with plenty of power and see about upgrading speakers later. I do like the idea of a newer CD player with a better DAC that can also stream from my phone, so that Marantz (which isn't sold anymore) or something like it would be a good choice.

dcevans
180 posts
 

I thought a sitting distance of 12 feet suggested that your room is not “small” as proclaimed, but 30’ x 15’?   Seriously?  That is anything but small — and is at least a medium-sized room doc.  A number of contributors to this thread asked for what is important to you in terms of sound (e.g., tonality, timbre, dynamics, soundstage, imaging) without a response.  The point is this — the more accurate and detailed the information you provide us, the easier and the better we can guide you. Just saying. 

puptent's avatar
puptent
188 posts
 

If it was me.... I would repair the amp, recap and service the preamp. The Phillips CD players of that era are well regarded, if it's working I would get it serviced by a good tech, maybe upgrade at some point with a used Rega CD player (again, well regarded)... Unless you are invested in digital, and I'm guessing not so much, other than CD's, there is no reason to splurge on a fancy DAC. There are so many nice turntables out there, I'm about to order a new Orbit Theory with a Ortofon Bronze for around $1400. Your AR (especially the two motor) is a valuable piece on the used market, but then why not have a second for mono, or as a spare? I have two TASCAM cassette decks, but then I have tons, literally, of cassettes recorded direct from the sound board by a dear departed friend. No time, (or desire) to digitize... I would put the majority of the budget where the rubber meets the road---SPEAKERS! Good luck and happy auditioning, which is the only way to buy speakers. I have three systems, living room, office, and workshop, all are older and made up mostly of used... Bright and shiny is appealing, but that may not be a good enough reason to abandon a system that has grown more mature, along with your ears. Do you really want to marry the Secretary?

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