2. amps-preamps
  3. 1207505646

What is a good amp to pair with Hovland HP-100

Greetings all,

I'm starting to do research for a system upgrade and am pretty sure I want to check out the Hovland HP-100 preamp based on its excellent reviews. I would enjoy any suggestions or experience members may have with amplifiers (tube or solid in the same approximate price range) that they feel are a good match. I'm currently using a Unison Research Unico, so this will be a huge step up in performance for me. My turntables are Oracle Alexandria and Kenwood L-07D, speakers are Vandersteen 2ce (and will likely be upgraded as well).

I look forward to your opinions!

Regards,

rickk
rickk

Showing 3 responses by rickk

rickk OP
15 posts
 
Thanks for your responses! You make an excellent point. I was motivated to start with the Hovland also in part because I've been offered one at well below the going used rate. However, I was unaware of this situation with the volume control. It seems you've left me with two good reasons to reconsider. In any case, I will be replacing the Vandersteens as well and I'm fond of a pair of floor standing Proac I heard recently. I guess I'll see what threads we have regarding good amps to mate with Proac.

Regards,

Rickk
rickk OP
15 posts
 
I appreciate the responses,Cxintx and Restock.

Yes, the Hovland I'm looking at does have the phono stage. I am not familiar with the Verity Audio speakers, I'll have to investigate if there is somewhere in Philadelphia-New York to have a listen.

I am familiar with the amps mentioned with the exception of the VTLs and the Coincidents. I am always on the lookout for a Mac deal...

What does anyone think about trying to match a solid state amp to the Hovland? I'd read a thread on it here or on a similar forum some years ago but I no longer recall what the consensus was or what amps folks had used. Maybe there's no reason to look beyond a Radia...

Best,

Rickk
rickk OP
15 posts
 
Well, to update, I passed on the Hovland for the reasons above. I really do think it's the best preamp I've heard but I also agree that it is wiser (at such prices) not to start from the preamp. I will start my search anew and hopefully have the opportunity to incorporate this beautiful machine into a system at some point. Thanks for the input!

Best,

Rickk
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