My system is likely to remain stable up to the point of the speaker binding posts for several years. Over the next couple years I will be looking into other speakers. Any consideration for a amplifier change would occur thereafter. |
At the beginning of your quest, based on 3 threads many here have contributed on, you have increase your system budget from $5-6K to $10-11K. The room size the system will be placed in has increased from 150sq.ft. to 450sq. ft. This is not an unusual outcome for someone entering this hobby, the extra funds and room size provide greater flexibility for, and enjoyment from the end result. Al the better for you.
I would reconsider the speaker budget to around $3000. This would allow for a stand mount speaker that could provide deeper bass response at greater sensitivity.
Your budget of $5-$6K for amplification opens up many possibilities. At that level the use of separates become more feasible. However I am not saying that the end result would be better over the right integrated. You started out your quest not sure you wanted to enter the 'tube' world to the extent of using tubes for the output stage. There are many who also think this way. I myself have saved that as the last consideration. There is no right or wrong between SS and tube based amplification.
This leaves you with $2K-$3K for source components. Since you already have a transport you would will be looking for a DAC. You also mentioned wanting a streamer.
I suggest you visit the several dealers in your area, be on the lookout for any used equipment that fits into your goal I have saved several dollars going this route.
I have my grand sons home with me (3-4 years) and they just got up. Have to sign off. Will get back
Take your time and enjoy your quest.
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+3 on the speaker change. I surly would like to hear them myself. |
I believe that amplification components that are tube based, simple in design, and having point to point wiring best fit that description. |
I also wanted to place tubes in my system while staying with SS amplification. I started with a hybrid integrated and went to separate tube pre/SS amp. Now have a DAC with tube output stage and a tube pre feeding a SS amp. My sources are all digital. Vinyl adds complexity regarding system gain.
The Quicksilver line stage pre mentioned by yogiboy retails at $1300. Dennis Had makes one that sells at similar price. The Schiit Freya+ seems to offer much at it's price . It can be run as a passive or supplies a lower level of gain when used in tube mode. I currently own a Jolida Fusion pre. It has served me well over the last 7 years. It has more gain than the Quicksiler or the Had. I am not versed on the new Black Ice version. Due to the change to Black Ice the Fusion can be found discounted I believe. Originally sold for $1350.
As djones51 suggested, if you consider a hybrid integrated the Vincent would be hard to beat at your price point. Another option would be the Pathos Classic One MKIII. The Pathos provides less power than the Vincent. I have owned a Vincent SV226 MK and wish I had never sold it. I currently own a Pathos Classic One MKII. It is a showcase piece with a very smooth sound. My recollection is that the vincent maybe had a little more punch. Hard to fault either.
When pairing separates, so much depends on the gain provided by sources/pre/amp and power requirement of speakers. An integrated simplifies this chain. Separates do offer flexibility.
Keep us posted regarding thoughts/decisions. I wish you the best in your search.
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Dealers often have used gear and demo gear for sale. Always good to see, touch, and hear used equipment prior to purchase. Great way to get more out of one's pocketbook. |
Hilde45, I am looking forward to what you think of the Quicksilver pre. Have the the dealer let you audition with both SS and tube amps.
Using a Jolida Fusion tube pre into a BEL 1001 MK5 SS amp presents a very holographic soundstage in my ~15x12' room.
Would the right tube amp make an improvement? I can't say.
I will be receiving a Aric Audio 6sn7 based pre next week to replace the Jolida. I have lived with the Jolida for 7 years and believe it to be a very fine produce at its' proce point. The Aric pre is at greater than 2X the price. Wanted to try the 6sn7 type, all tube including rectification, point to point, variable gain, high input/low output impedance, from a respected one person operation. I will keep you posted. |
I would talk to Mike Sanders of QS. I have seen the non-remote version described that way on other threads. Much of it would likely be the value of the need for remote. In a small room maybe not so much. Either version represents value. Reasonable price, great company. I have only heard a earlier version lacking remote. I would likely had the QS pre in my system if not for a Friend that was a dealer for Jolida setting me up with mine at cost. Both represent value.
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@decooney Thanks for your perspective regarding my system. My BEL amp was manufactured in 2007 so it has a few years let in it prior to needing a refresh. Not sure what I would replace it with, possibly a Pass XA25. Looking forward to playing with the Aric preamp. I am using a Audio Mirror Tubadour DAC III which provides a great soundstage. I will look into the 6sn7 tubes you suggested.
I agree with you that the non-remote Quicksilver pre is great value.
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@decooney I have the Jolida Fusion preamp and have looked up, and followed up with a talk with Mike Allen of Jolida about the possible upgrades. I decided that for the cost, and my desire to go a more simpler, point to point 6sn7 design, looking for that type pre and selling my Jolida was the best approach.
On another note, I once had a Audible Allusions 3B preamp. However after deciding a) I wasn't going toward using vinyl as a primary source and I could get by on a lessor phonostage, and b) It had 4 tubes with 2 dedicated to the phonostage I wasn't using, I sold it.
I believe Hide45 is considering digital sources only. |
Hide45, As a way to recap on all the great advise provided across your 3 threads, I propose that, regardless of budget, a sound (pun intended) approach would be:
1) Understand the desired sonic outcome. Experience needed here.
2) Understand the room and have some idea of how system is to be placed within. Part of this is consideration for room treatment. Room is part of the system.
3) Choose speakers that fit the room and desired sonic outcome.
4) Consider the sources to be used in the now, and possibly to be used in the future.
5) Choose amplifier to compliment the room speakers toward the sonic outcome.
6) If not an integrated amplifier, choose a preamp that compliments the amplifier towards the sonic outcome and supplies the needed inputs/outputs.
7) Choose the source components.
All aspects, 1-6, and budget, should be thought through carefully, prior to the 1st purchase. Much of the desired outcome is dependent on 7.
I understand that this approach is very idealistic, that most of us have constraints that must be complimented in the process, thus rearranging the hierarchy, and often increasing budget.
I advise avoiding the consideration of doubling budget to accommodate speakers without consideration of the system as a whole.
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@decooney Yes, I love my Audio Mirror Tubadour DAC. Getting the Aric Pre today, on the Fedex truck heading this way. Likely one day will have to replace the BEL. Getting a replacement that provides what it does will be tough. Currently looking into the Pass XA25.Also Reno HiFi. No hurry yet. Have always considered the BEL to be the strongest link in my system. The Tubadour DAC provides appreciation for the source. Soundstage and bloom. On a stricter budget i would consider one of the MDHT DACs.
It was my decision to go digital that drove me towards tubes for source and pre.
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