Considering equipment upgrade. Any advice?


Hello,

I am a self-confessed tinkerer. I have bought, upgraded and repaired a fair amount of vintage equipment with varying results. While I have enjoyed the restoration hobby, I am realizing that if I took all the money I invested in purchasing vintage gear and getting parts (not to mention the sweat equity) I could have bought some very nice modern gear, much nicer than the vintage gear I have. So, based on this theory, I am considering selling my vintage fully restored Hafler DH-100 pre and Speakercraft BB275 amp and replacing them with a new integrated amp. The DH-100/BB275 combo is very clean and powerful but lacks base output and musicality (in comparison to my Harman Kardon TA 5000x tube receiver, when it’s playing well... and the moon is full). The refined list has the Denon PMA-600NE and Cambridge Audio ARX85; in addition to the modern features, I expect the sound quality from either of these receivers will exceed that of the DH-100/BB 275 combo and will be different but comparable to the HK. I play this set up through either a set of Wharfedale Diamond 9.1s or a set of small 3-way speakers I built; I listen in a small room (home office) to mostly vinyl and CDs but I do also still listen to FM. I’m excited about upgrading to Bluetooth. Any advice on these IAs will be greatly appreciated. Bill

wgh64

Hi Russ, the 400 to 500 dollar range.  The features I need for sure are bluetooth and phono pre-amp.  

 

Hi Russ, the 400 to 500 dollar range.

Sorry not trying to be a snob but I don't shop in that category, so I'm no help.