2. misc-audio
  3. 1161275801

upgrade dilemna

I have been using a Harmon Kardon AVR7200 as a pre for a Mcintosh MC352, I use a Behringer DEQ2496 for room correction and DA conversion, Tyler accoustic PD80s as fronts. I also have a HK DVD25 which I use as a transport for cds. I am only interested in a two channel setup.

I realize my weakest links are the DVD and using the HK as a pre. The system sounds fairly good but I feel I could use a little more detail. What would you recommend... a dedicated CDP for music or a different pre? Also which makes and models would you look into?

Thanks for your time.
nuguy
9 responses Add your response
mlauner
250 posts
 
source first then a new preamp.
elevick
2,636 posts
 
What's your budget on a pre? Do you want vintage or new? Do you need a built in tuner? Do you want tubes or solid state? Do you want remote? Phono stage built in? I think you need a pre before a cd. My choices (remember I don't know what you need) are classe or B&K. Both have amazing clarity and quality. You can get a really nice pre for $250 to $500 with built in phono if you need. The other thing you may consider is a Mac pre or pre/tuner???
nuguy OP
195 posts
 
Sorry for being so brief in my thread. A tuner would be nice. I have heard great things about tubes but I don't know much about them (reliability, maintenance etc...) From what I understand, I believe I would be happier with tubes, even though it would be a bit of a learning curve for me. I am willing to spend 1K-2K. Phono is not necessary. McIntosh would be a good choice but I'm not sure I'd get anything decent given my budget. If I had to wait a month or two I could probably raise my budget to 3K for the right piece of equipment.

Thanks
sogood51
2,157 posts
 
If you like your speakers, I'll guess you do. Get rid of the MC352 to free up some more cash...thats "WAY" to much amp for those speakers...100 watts a side is overkill.

If you like MAC...stay with MAC tubed gear.

Or,

Pick up a tubed integrated or tube amp and tube preamp of your choice with a lot less power.

You should have enough cash left over for a nice cd player...or transport and DAC of your choice.

You will still have enough power to blow the roof off, and a lot better sounding system to boot.

Dave
nuguy OP
195 posts
 
There never seems to be a simple answer. I guess that's what makes it so fun :-)

Dave, you are right about the McIntosh, but I just hate the thought of seeing it go, call me stubborn!

Larry
Post removed 
steuspeed's avatar
steuspeed
501 posts
 
Buy a McIntosh pre or sell your amp and get an integrated.
sogood51
2,157 posts
 
Larry

HeHe, I understand!...thats why I have a bunch of extra amps and speaker systems with nothing to do, poor things :D

Dave
nuguy OP
195 posts
 
Tvad, I checked out the VAC. The seller prefers to sell to USA only.
Thanks for the tip though!
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