2. amps-preamps
  3. 1154017812

Tube preamp as foundation for 2 channel upgrade

I have a multichannel ss system that sounds sterile. The main components are:

Anthem AVM2 processor
Aragon 8008 X 5 amp
Esoteric DV 50 universal player
Talen Raven C front speakers
Bohlender Graebener ribbon center channel / rear speakers

I have been struggling with the decision whether to go with a better quality SS processor, or split the preamp function between a 2 channel preamp and a processor, running the interconnects from the DV50 to both so that in 2 channel mode I use only the preamp and in HT mode I use both.

I have been told that tubes may liven up my system, and I am leaning towards a good tube preamp for 2 channel with a separate perhaps lesser quality solid state processor for HT. Later I will address upgrading the amp - not sure if that will go tube as well.

My budget is limited...<$4,000 for both the preamp and a replacement processor. My Anthem is malfunctioning and the manufacturer was unable to fix it (talk about frustrating!!!), so I am replacing it.

Finally, I have an older Denon turntable with a Grado cartridge I'd like to reintroduce into my system, and get back into vinyl, so the preamp should have a phono input.

Thanks in advance for your advice.
lorenc1

Showing 2 responses by nsgarch

nsgarch's avatar
nsgarch
2,524 posts
 
The problem is (are) the five bare bones SS amps in the Aragon. I think the simplest solution would be to get a tube stereo (or pair of monoblock) amp(s). Drive it (them) with the "Front" (or "Main") outputs from your processor (and just drive your center, rears, etc w/ the Aragon) That way you'll get rich sound out of your Talons in both 2-channel and HT modes.

Don't get me wrong re: SS amps. There are some great SS stereo and monoblock amps, it's just that the amps in the Aragon fall far short of that category, as do the vast majority of multi-channel amps.

Im sure you've read it elsewhere, but the amp and/or speakers have the biggest effect on the sound of your system. The Talons are nice speakers. You should find a decent amp to go with them.
nsgarch's avatar
nsgarch
2,524 posts
 
John is right, I forgot that with HT, the system will be "in use" in one form or another all the time. So go for (at least) a really good SS amp to drive the Talons, and if that still doesn't do it, maybe you could just get a simple tube linestage and put it between the processor's main outs and the new SS amp?
More to discover