Greetings Hilde, I bet the Rockies are beautiful right now. I’ve followed you since your previous thread and your trial of the VanAlstine. So here’s my random thoughts. First having single ended output is definitely a consideration. If you purchase a used Bryston 3 B and go to the latest version your budget will allow. They are single - balanced switchable. I’m very curious about the Benchmark. However it is balanced only. But I recommend that you contact RVpiano and get his thoughts. He has a restored CJ pre and went to the Benchmark and used the Cardas adapters. He spins higher quality vinyl and last we talked a Schiit Gumby DAC. He was contemplating the Benchmark pre, I believe it’s a Dac combo. I’ve had conversation with him and even loaned him some nos Telefunken, Seimens and RCA tubes to try in his CJ. He’s a real gentleman and I’ve appreciated his input as we run similar tubes, cables and single ended tube pre’s. Unfortunately I’m in the same position as you and the $5K range amps are not in my immediate future. I love Schiit gear but check and see if there is a restocking fee. The Benchmark can be had risk free and you rarely see them for sale used and they are priced near new. That must mean something. Happy Hunting and enjoy that snow you’ll be getting next week. Best of health, Mike B.
Solid state amp to go with tube preamp; used ok; budget: $3k max
I may have posed a similar question like this a while back, but I'm curious to get any updated thinking from folks, older or newer.
Situation: I have a Quicksilver Line Stage preamp and 60w monoblocks. I'm happy with them. I'd like to have a solid state amp to swap in for the monoblocks from time to time (weather, variety).
Typical desiderata in the amp are, as you'd expect, great grip on bass and pacing, smooth highs, good presence in mids, as wide and deep a soundstage as possible.
I tried Atoll 120wpc integrated (bypassing the preamp), Van Alstine SET 400, and my old Adcom 535L. None did the above to my satisfaction --problem mainly with mid, treble and with soundstage depth.
I've heard that stepping up the quality could bring something to the table, and to look out for Hegel, Ayre, Pass. Open to any topology. My speakers are 87 db, 8 ohm, and are driven just fine by 60w tube or solid state.
Specific recommendations for brands and models are welcome. I'm willing to buy, try, and re-sell if there's a good chance I'll want to keep it.
I'm going to be watching for things on used sites. Again, for this I'm setting an upper limit of $3k but am hopeful I could do fine with much less.
Situation: I have a Quicksilver Line Stage preamp and 60w monoblocks. I'm happy with them. I'd like to have a solid state amp to swap in for the monoblocks from time to time (weather, variety).
Typical desiderata in the amp are, as you'd expect, great grip on bass and pacing, smooth highs, good presence in mids, as wide and deep a soundstage as possible.
I tried Atoll 120wpc integrated (bypassing the preamp), Van Alstine SET 400, and my old Adcom 535L. None did the above to my satisfaction --problem mainly with mid, treble and with soundstage depth.
I've heard that stepping up the quality could bring something to the table, and to look out for Hegel, Ayre, Pass. Open to any topology. My speakers are 87 db, 8 ohm, and are driven just fine by 60w tube or solid state.
Specific recommendations for brands and models are welcome. I'm willing to buy, try, and re-sell if there's a good chance I'll want to keep it.
I'm going to be watching for things on used sites. Again, for this I'm setting an upper limit of $3k but am hopeful I could do fine with much less.