2. amps-preamps
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Preamp advice- getting up to speed

Hello,
Looking to match a preamp/receiver to my vintage components.
Mainly listening to 60’s on up rock, progressive rock, pop, occasional classical pieces, classic jazz, bluegrass.

Luxman M-117 amp
ADS 1290 speakers
Oppo CD/DVD player
B&O Beogram turntable

The turntable will likely not be part of the setup. It will remain in another room with a Pioneer SX850 receiver, ADS 520’s, pinball machines and a lava lamp. So mostly streaming and CD’s once in a while. The M-117 is replacing a Denon PMA 900v.
I’ve been going down the rabbit hole on this one. Originally thinking a vintage piece. Yamaha C or CX series, Adcom, NAD, but lately thinking of a newer one.
It would have the benefit of 21st century features- streamer, DAC, Tuner, remote control, bluetooth, etc.
Perhaps a Marantz NR 2100 or something similar? Would a tube preamp with a separate DAC be a possibility?

I am not up to speed on newer components and how they do or don’t work with older pieces.
Don’t want to spend a fortune, but realize I have to invest a bit.

Any advice is much appreciated.Thanks
theyesman
12 responses Add your response
drbond
420 posts
 
One important element about pre-amplifiers that I recently learned about in an Audiogon forum discussion was that you need to be careful to look at the input sensitivity of the amplifier that you are driving with the pre-amplifier.  So, if your amplifier has an input sensitivity of 0.5V, then you should make sure your pre-amplifier supplies an output voltage of at least 0.5V.  If your amplifier's input sensitivity is 3V, then you'll need a pre-amplifier with an output voltage of at least 3V.  I think it may even be preferable to have a much higher output signal in the pre-amplifier that the input sensitivity of your amplifier, but I don't know what the ideal is.  

That's just one initial screening tool.  Then, as far as brands go, I suppose you just need to try some out. . . 
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,911 posts
 
You can demo the Schitt stuff, restock fee on return minimal. In the $ range you are in they are great IMO.
theyesman OP
5 posts
 
tomic601
I will look at those. I had been looking at the Black Ice line. I believe they were Jolida?
My biggest problem is finding ones I can demo. The education and search continues !
theyesman OP
5 posts
 
ghdprentice- thanks for that advice!
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,911 posts
 
The Freya paired w best Schitt dac you can swing on your budget.

The ADS are lovely speakers, capable of much !
ghdprentice
6,966 posts
 
I highly recommend reading: The Complete Guide to High-End Audio by Robert Harley. It will give you the basic understanding, terminology and perspective to effectively navigate the world of high end audio.
theyesman OP
5 posts
 
Yeah Russ, that’s what I’m gathering here. What should I be looking at today?
There are so many manufactures. My budget for this piece 1-2k. Something I can build on or grow with.  Baby steps. 
ditusa's avatar
ditusa
1,883 posts
 
@theyesman,
Look at the Freya+ preamp.
https://www.schiit.com/products/freya-1
russ69's avatar
russ69
3,501 posts
 
"...I’m using a Denon 900v integrated..."

Not sure what your budget is but you need to move up a notch from the mass market stuff. It will be a big step up. 


theyesman OP
5 posts
 
I’m using a Denon 900v integrated now but want to replace it with my Luxman M-117 amp. So wlll need  a preamp.  Tubes intrigue me. I’ve read up a bit on them, but have zero experience with them.
I’ve been out of the audio loop for so long, I’m  trying to catch up. Looking for the creature comforts of new gear, but I am not in the thousands of dollar range. At least not yet. For SS, Cambridge  Azur 851N  looks like it may work?? Not using phono in this room. 
russ69's avatar
russ69
3,501 posts
 
What preamp are you using now?

millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
Of all the things you mentioned a tube preamp with a separate DAC will be by far the best sound quality. Newer components will work fine, your amp does not care where the line voltage comes from. You however may care how it sounds. In that case the tube preamp is the way to go.
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