Suggestions for a good stereo preamp and amp

Thanks all valuable Audiogon friends, for the much sensible and very technical leads on my need.

07-27-13: Tonyangel
Maybe I'm missing something, but I really don't understand why many will try to steer you toward an integrated unless you're talking about spending thousands of dollars.

So let me see if I'm understanding what you are saying. If the OP was willing to spend more money, then he should be guided towards an integrated amp, but since his budget is smaller, he should be guided towards separates???
I'm sorry, but that makes no sense to me whatsoever. I too would think at $1500 an integrated amp would provide the most bang for the buck by far.

I think you would find it next to impossible to do better than the Emotiva XSP-1 Differential, Balanced preamp ($769 on sale right now) mated to Emo's XPA-200 amp (150 watts/ch., $429 on sale)

You get 30 days to try them out in your system and a 5 year warranty if you decide to keep them...

http://shop.emotiva.com/collections/processors/products/xsp1

http://shop.emotiva.com/collections/amplifiers/products/xpa200

-RW-

Maybe I'm missing something, but I really don't understand why many will try to steer you toward an integrated unless you're talking about spending thousands of dollars.

Since you're running a REL you don't need a sub out. ZD is also right about amps. You can't just go by the ratings. I'll just about guarantee you that any good 75wpc amp with a good power supply will drive your speakers better than that receiver did.

If I was starting out and had 1500 to spend, I'd be looking at something like a McCormack DNA 1 or .5, both of which I've seen here for under 1k and spend the rest on a preamp. I just picked up a Marsh P2000 for 400 here on agon.

"3-to get a noticable difference in power, you will more or less have to double the wattage. A multi channel receiver will put out more power into 2 channels vs 5 or 7."

There's more to it than that. Its hard to judge the power an amp by looking at a spec sheet.

1-get something with a sub output.
2-do you need video switching? Is this used for tv or audio only?
3-to get a noticable difference in power, you will more or less have to double the wattage. A multi channel receiver will put out more power into 2 channels vs 5 or 7.
There's lots of neat receivers out there that have all of the features you will ever need and lots of power too. Look at Anthem, Sherbourn, Arcam, NAD, and much more.

If you like the Krell, I wouldn't be to fast to rule it out. I think its possible get a good used one and still be within budget.

Thanks sir. I like Krell myself but thought it might not be in my reach. I appreciate the response.

I agree. At this price point, I think an integrated would be a better way to go. The Krell would be a good choice. Another integrated you may want to consider is a Musical Fidelity A3.5. I used to have one, and while I'm not a big fan of B&W, I heard the A3.5 several times with B&W and it was a very good match. Compared to the 400i, I like the midrange of the Krell a little better but the MF if faster and more powerful. If you like PRAT, it does that very well. Between the two, its just a matter of personal taste.

I was also going to mention the Creek 5350. For sound quality, that's my favourite one in this price range. It looks though, like you may need something more powerful. For power, the Creek should be about the same as what you have now.

Don't move to separates yet and try Krell KAV400i. I used to have this combo KAV300i/704 and liked that lotslots. These KAV integrated amps I believe the best built Krells you can think of.
300i was very good, but 400i may be even better, but in general you can pick any one of two. I believe that there will be a bunch of same Krell/B&W fans outhere who will chip in with similar comments.