2. amps-preamps
  3. 1054791395

Working backwards...

After six months of research, auditions, saving, and negotiating with the wife, I have acquired speakers that I’ll be keeping for several years - a pair of Spendor 1/2Es.

Over the next couple years I want to work backwards from these speakers and replace upstream components as funds become available. This is what I’m running right now:

Rotel RCD-1070 CDP
Rotel RA-1070 integrated amp
Proton 420 tuner (don’t laugh, it works just fine)
Spendor 1/2Es w/stands
Tara Labs Phase II speaker cable
Tara Labs RSC Air3 IC
Tara Labs Prism 55i IC
Ernie’s PCK12 power cord

My next acquisition will be to step up to separates. I can spend around $2K on a power amp and I’ve drawn up a list that I am actually looking to pare down to three candidates. I’m especially interested in hearing from anyone here who has run Spendor 1/2Es with any of these SS amps. The candidates are:

Conrad Johnson MF-2250A
Bryston 4BSST
Classe CA200
Krell KSA150
Plinius SA100 MkIII
McCormack DNA225
Mark Levinson 331

While I love the Spendor sound, I do miss some of the bass that I lost trading away my JBLs (maybe there’s a REL in my future), so I probably wouldn’t mind an amp that’s a little aggressive with reasonable slam. I'm assuming that I don't necessarily need a warm sounding amp to go with my Spendors. In addition, I’ll also need a basic (read: inexpensive) preamp to start with and I would appreciate any suggestions (Adcom, Rotel, NAD, or ???).

My living room/listening room is about 18x20’ and carpeted. While I still listen to a lot of classic rock, most of the new CDs I am buying are R&B and jazz.

Sorry for the long post – I would appreciate any educated opinions – Thanks!
ekistler_sj

Showing 2 responses by ehart

ehart
215 posts
 
Here's a thought for you -- continue to use your integrated (via pre-out) as your pre-amp for the time being. That will allow you to wait and save and put the money toward a nicer preamp. The preamps you listed just won't get you that much more than your current integrated, nor realise the potential of the fine amps you are considering.

BTW, I have and like the Classe CA-200. If you go that route, get the newer version with the heatsinks on the side, rather than the older model with the heatsinks on back (this is per Classe, I haven't heard the older model myself).

- Eric
ehart
215 posts
 
Hi Ekistler,

I think the reason that using pre-out is discouraged here is that the preamp sections people want to use this way aren't that great compared to good dedicated preamps. So I agree that it's a good idea to move to a dedicated pre-amp.

But Rome wasn't built in a day. I think what you are doing with the amp is smart -- stretch to get the best you can. You will hear a difference. Do the same with the preamp in a year or two when you can afford it.

The difference between a used $300 (new $600) and a used $600-$800 (new $1500) preamp is dramatic.

The best test, of course, is to try the pre-outs with a new amp and see how it sounds.

BTW, I have Celestion 300s (older British speakers) and really like the sound with good SS gear (Classe). I tend to like "detail" and bass articulation and the affordable tube gear I've heard doesn't give that. This is of course a matter of huge debate here as you know!

- Eric
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