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  3. 146536-127959

newbie seeks advice

My dad was a big time audiophile when I was in my twenties many years ago. He started all my friends on that route in the 70's @ 80's. I drifted away when I started a business and it started eating all my resources (both time and money). Now, 40yrs later, I have inherited his system and find myself close to retirement, far behind the curve and wanting to update his system for myself. I would like to keep his core speakers and find some components to bring out the best in them. He had a pair of Bozak B-4000's backed on the high end with a pair of ESS Heil Elites. The system sounded very good to me when I visited him, but he was always having trouble with his amp and pre amp (an ESS 500 and ESS pre amp). I have been looking at a lot of hi-end used amps (Mcintosh, Levinson, Bryston, etc) because I think the Bozaks are power hungry. I really don't want to spend 20,30, or 40,0000 dollars on new equipment for a new hobby until I see if it sticks in retirement. Does anyone care to give me the benefit of your expertise on the subject? I would be very greatful.

kenmason

Showing 2 responses by n80

n80
2,133 posts
 
I can give limited advice but there may not be any benefit to it.

I am a novice as well. I also inherited a system. And I like it.

At its core is a Proceed HPA2 (Levinson) amp (250 wpc) which is basically like two monoblocks in one (100 pound) case and an Audio Research LS-16 tube pre-amp. These drive a set of notoriously inefficient speakers....very very well. The original owner was very savvy as these two seem to pair well and also pair well with the speakers (Aerial Acoustics).

You don’t see either of these for sale used very often but you do see similar models of each. I’m guessing you could get both in good condition for well under $8000 and probably under $4000.

That is the full extent of the advice I can offer.

Edit: There is an HPA2 on eBay for $1770 (although the picture shows a BPA3) and an AR LS-27 for $3400. Bingo!
n80
2,133 posts
 
Saw an article recently about how some vintage mid-fi receivers (Pioneer SX-1980 for instance) are far superior to current mid-fi receivers. The prices for them reflect that as well.
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