pre and amp ideas 10-12K Budget


Currently I've been on a mission to upgrade my system. Currently I have a modest system consisting of:
Pre- Golden Tube Audio SEP-1
Amp- Adcom 5802
CDP-Esoteric DV-50
Turntable-VPI Classic
Phono pre-Jolida JD9 (doing mods)
Cables AVT series by MIT
Speakers-Carver Amazing Silvers

Not to long ago I asked about Pass and Bat. Biggest problem I have with this is there are no places for me to demo gear, etc any where local to where I'm located. The only BAT dealer nearby (over 2 hours away) is still a dealer but doesn't carry anything. next cloest is about 5 hours. I know hearing something at a dealer isn't the same at home, I understand that. But I would like to hear SOMETHING by them to at least get a feel for what the overall sound is like on them etc. I also haven't had a chance to hear anything by them and really want to make an educated purchase than just oh that looks good on paper type buy.

Right now I know I'm making a big jump in gear and I understand that. I wanted to move from more entry level gear (for pre and amp) to something higher up the chain. I would most likely buy used however want some suggestions of what I should look for in this price range.

If someone feels that I would also be better suited by changing on the speakers let me know. I'm trying to grow and learn. I started out in HT about a year ago and only been into 2 channel for about 6 months. I find that I love music more than HT and really haven't done much on that front for awhile.

Overall the sound I like is very dynamic and deep controled bass, very punchy and tight no flop. I also find I enjoy detail, making sure I can hear everything thats there and not having something covered up in the track. I mostly listen to rock, small group jazz, and folk.
bighead63

Showing 1 response by dob

I also have Esoteric SA-50 and I join Krell-man in his recommendation of Spectron amp. The best I ever had. Period. Better then Pass, BAT etc (I never liked Krell that much). For $5k (they have Holiday promotion now) you can have great amplifier - extraordinarely musical and involving. Plus your speakers (similarely to mine B&W 802 Diamond) need lots of power and Simon from Spectron has planar speakers similar to yours and Spectron is one of the most powerful amps on the market today.

Shindo is good preamp but I have Joule-Electra. I bought because it was (partially) voiced on Simon's system with my Spectron and synergy is simply extraordinary!

Plus, Harry Pearson awarded this preamp "2010 HP Editor Choice" Award noting that it is most romantic preamplifier (obviously he did not mean to say that its euphonic but "grabbing" you). This preamp is the last in my life !!!

All The Best in Your Quest !