2. amps-preamps
  3. 132208-105043

Switch preamp?

I've been an audiophile for over 5 decades and consequently collected a hodgepodge of equipment that I've mixed and matched with a degree of luck. My current listening room system, and most likely my last, consists of AR's (ss) LS10, Krell's KSA 250S, Martin Logan's 13a -- my latest addition and the reason for my question -- and AS Liveline's chord and speaker wire. I listen to most genres equally in CD, vinyl and Tidal.
It is my understanding that electrostat speakers perform best when utilizing tubes. I am not prepared to switch out my Krell but would consider the Audio Research since it's solid state.... and the clicker has gone missing. Ages ago I owned a Conrad Johnson with another system and have fond memories of its mellow sound.
So, does it make sense to replace the AR with tubes spending in the vicinity of $5k in the used market, or do I have a gem and should leave well enough alone? I am happy with the sound but these are my first electrostats and do not know what they're capable of. The closest audio store is 5 hours away so I count on smarter minds than mine to guide me. Thank you.
notesaddict

Showing 7 responses by notesaddict

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notesaddict OP
63 posts
 
Yes, Erik, outside of the speakers the system is old and maybe it's time to bite the bullet and replace both the amp and preamp.
Vegas, the manual makes no mention of altering the amp to accommodate tubes, although I would call Krell before installing.
The Krell is probably in the 25 year range and I suspect AR LS 10 equally old. The Krell performs flawlessly -- no hum -- and has plenty of power, rated 500 watts per channel into 4 ohm, so the question then becomes will the sound be appreciably richer/ better if I switch out both the amp and preamp when compared to just replacing the preamp. (An audiophile recommended I sell the Krell and go with Prima Luna's Dialogue Premium HP mono blocks.) 

I appreciate my knowledge is notch above a layperson, nevertheless my ears are good and I spend at least 2 hours a day listening. Consequently, because of my age and the amount of time I devote to my passion it is crucial for me to get it right this time around. Your comments are greatly appreciated.
notesaddict's avatar
notesaddict OP
63 posts
 
Artemus, yes, a case of the perpetual audiophilosis with diminishing returns. I perused Sach's comprehensive website; compelling. I am going to give him a call. Thank you.
notesaddict's avatar
notesaddict OP
63 posts
 
Artemus, I communicated with Don as suggested and just made a deposit on a preamp that should be ready in 12 weeks. 
notesaddict's avatar
notesaddict OP
63 posts
 
I didn't ask to audition, being that he's custom (I ordered all the upgrades) making it for me I figure it should be my risk. I'll keep you posted. Thanks.
notesaddict's avatar
notesaddict OP
63 posts
 
Jason, thank you. At the end of the day I couldn't part with my Krell KSA 250s. I spoke with Krell tech support and they said due to its age recapping is a must; +/- $1,000 plus shipping. At the end of the day it should sound far superior after 25 years of degradation. Then, based on Artemus suggestion, I started a dialogue with Don Sachs. He knows his stuff and I felt I was in good hands. Because of my age this will probably be my last chance -- I've said this with each upgrade -- to get it right and consequently ordered the best he has to offer for my system. So, some time within 3 months I should have a Don Sachs tube preamp (it's well worth checking his Web site) feeding a rebuilt Krell powering ML 13a. A lot of angst, a lot of reading.... we'll hear.
notesaddict's avatar
notesaddict OP
63 posts
 
Well, I finally have my Don Sachs preamp along with an entirely new system. What started as simply replacing KEF, Polk bridged speakers with Martin Logan 13a ended in a completely new system comprised of the Sachs preamp, PS Audio’s DAC and CD player and Krell 575 monoblocks (while I was getting my Krell KSA 250s recapped, I received a trade-in promotion e-mail that resulted in the monoblocks).

It should not go without saying that what was a stressful endevour was made palatable by the fine people at Krell, PS Audio and Don Sachs. If I was ever to jump back on the merry-go-round, which I won’t, I’d undoubtedly go back to the mentioned companies due to their service being above reproach. Fine people.

Humbly, my system is fantastic. In good measure I have the Audiogoners who recommended Sachs to thank. It was well worth the 4 month wait. The preamp far exceeded my expectations.

After 50 years my rabbit hole is filled, well, almost, there’s still some interconnects and power cords to consider...
notesaddict's avatar
notesaddict OP
63 posts
 
Thank you. When it dawned on me that this is my last system, the days of upgrades are a thing of the past, compromising was not in the cards. Fortunately, I don’t have annoying hums to contend with so a dedicated circuit board is unnecessary, although tomorrow I am ordering Krell’s Vector power cables.  
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