2. amps-preamps
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Help in putting together my system with used equipment on Audiogon and eBay.

I’m looking for the best bang for the buck. What equipment can I find that would make the best system for my budget ($8000)? I'm starting out with:

Pass Labs X1 Preamp, my rock to start with. I got it for $2500 This is where you can help me the most. Let me know your best match for this pre-amp, or the ones you have found to be the best you have heard!

Bryston 4B SST amp for about $1700. It’s been my experience that more power wakes up a speaker and pins it’s ears back. At 300wpc and the reviews on this amp I picked it, but just to start. I really need some experienced people to give me recommendations for the amp, or if the Bryston is a winner. I can sell this for a better amp.

Do I need a DAC?

Phono. I’ve realized that might be a big reason why people go to separates isn’t it? I’d like to hear some comments on this. If you have separates and no phono, what do you use? Stream music? CD’s?

CD player? I do have a lot of CD’s. With separates, it’s either phono, cd, or streaming correct?

I’m not really a phono guy, but I know which albums I would buy so it is an option. I wouldn’t know a good phono if you hit me with it. Please recommend a few.

I’m leaning toward B&W speakers just because of their reputation. I may spend up to 5k on a good pair of speakers, but I want them to be used and costing much more when bought new. I know how to spot a good deal and not buy speakers on their death bed (from reputable sellers), but I need your recommendations too. You all have heard more speakers than I ever have and will.

**I’m going to check this post often and answer any questions and write down your recommendations.
I WANT TO THANK YOU ALL IN ADVANCE FOR THIS, IT IS A BIG DEAL FOR ME!
128x128imabucfan
jahatl513
119 posts
 
I can not imagine listening to Klipsch with out having a tube amp. I’ve had Pass preamps and tube amps or Nelson Pass’ First Watt SIT 3 (tube sounds without the tubes) for low watts, Conrad Johnson for tubes or Triode Labs or Cary Audio as well for tubes. Your ears will thank you. I’ve been down this road as well. Private Message me if you like. 
audioman58's avatar
audioman58
3,905 posts
 
From my 40 years in Audio I have found having Vacuum tubes in the mix is a Big plus. Bryson is decent ,good value but not the most musical amps out there.
there are great integrated amps that 
may give more the the money such as a Pass Labs class A 60wpc integrated amp. Not knowing your speakers which 
I put first onthe list. Sonicly if you want seperates a good solid state like a pass 250,and a good quality used Vacuum tube preamp creates great system synergy . Sometimes it is better just to buy a few good pieces and save fir a good sourse , even power cords wiring
is several $1000 fora decent system .
i am just going by my vast experiences 
and having sold audio for years system synergy is important.
dmbwire
44 posts
 
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jji666
454 posts
 
My $.02: keep the amp and preamp you have for now; spend as much of your budget as you can on good speakers. Spend as much time as you can trying out different speakers before you buy, as the the speaker is the biggest influence on sound, and sound preference is the most personal of choices.

Then build backwards from there with gear that works well with the speakers - i.e. an amp that controls bass well, etc., depending on the speakers, sources, etc.

BTW. Magnepans have amazing bass. It is not SPLs, which you can get from a subwoofer, but rather detailed, real bass sound.

The main point is, speakers are the biggest matter of preference and the most influential in the overall sound. So pick those first, all other gear being "interim," then slowly research and replace components to fit the speakers. Second most influential is source - lossless FLAC or CD being your best digital option. Then amp, then preamp.

Tweaks are a matter of managing your personality/compulsions as much as actually mattering in the sound. Some matter, many don't. YMMV.


dorkwad
539 posts
 
imabucfan,

I have a mega system for your money if you go used:

Nuprime MCH-K38 amp $1250 (U)
Audible Illusions 3 preamp $925 (U)     if NOT going analog
VMPS RM30, RM40 speakers $1800-2700 (U)
Modwright Sony 9000, 9100, 5400 CD/SACD player $1000-1500 (U)
Acoustic BBQ cables get the double version ICs $279 each (N)
Acoustic BBQ Duelund speaker cables $379 (N)
VPI Classic turntable/arm $1600-1900 (U)
Clearaudio Virtuoso Wood cartridge $500-600 (U)
Acoustic BBQ power cables $200 each (N)

The last 3 items only if going analog, you would need to get the AI 3A or 3B full function preamp then. $1200-2350 depending on which model (U) instead of the AI 3.

Everything in your system would be absolutely top drawer and sound great together. The AI preamps are tubed and last a LONG time and sound great--very clear and transparent. The phono section in an AI is the equal of most any separate up to $3000 of more.

The Nuprime amp can be bridge to 400 watts per channel at 8 ohms and has a very dynamic, detailed sound, with terrific bass.

VMPS speaker are no longer made, but I’ve owned at least 5 of them--I was a demonstrator for VMPS for 4 years because I asked Brian Cheney if I could be one. The speakers are that impressive. Very detailed, dynamic, transparent, with potent bass.

The Modwright CD players changed my thoughts on CD. They are VERY good sounding in all ways.

I’ve had the combo of analog things I recommended. Work great together and is very good sound for the money.

The BBQ cables are very good sounding with much texture and transparency.

Good luck,
Bob

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