Getting Back In - But Doing it Sanely
Hi everyone!
I was once an active buyer here, but after a couple of decades of kids, it's time to get back in. This time, however, I'm doing it with a sense of sanity. I could use your help! I'm in the USA.
I kept my Merlin VSM speakers, which are 8ohm 89db sensitivity speakers that were great with tubes. I would like to use them in my new system. I also purchased a Wiim Pro for a source - I'll be using Apple Music or another streaming service. No video / theater system connectivity is planned or wanted!
My listening room is 20’ x 18’ with high 10’ ceilings. I live in a townhome and can't blast the music, but I want to enjoy it at casual listening levels. Music in like is acoustic, folk, singer songwriter, and some top 40.
I need a preamp/amp, preferably integrated. No monoblocks, for sure. Fine with tubes. Fine with digital.
I want to spend less than $4k used. Preferably under $2k!
Can anyone make suggestions?
Thanks!
If you are willing to live with ONLY streaming and no subwoofer, then I think it is hard to beat a modded Peachtree GAN1. Mods cost $500 done by tweakaudio.com, Total cost is under $2k. You need a streamer with SPDIF out. If you want to go this way, I can offer a few suggestions for streaming to the GAN1. I have this modded unit and can compare side by side with my other much more expensive gear. It is an amazing unit. You will not need interconnects, preamp, amp, or DAC if you got the GAN1.
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Prima Luna, Rogue, Raven Nighthawk are all well regarded. The latest Willsenton gets good marks too, and has addressed some former issues with earlier versions. If you're willing to pursue separates, the VTA amps represent great performance for the money. What you like is always subjective, but rolling tubes is a fun way to dial in exactly what you like. Enjoy your Merlins! Bobby Palkovic was a friend of mine, and taught me a lot about speaker building....had several pairs of earlier Merlins.
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The Yamaha A-S801 ticks all your boxes. |
If my PS Audio GC250 ever dies I would probably get the Technics SU-G700 Mk II https://www.stereophile.com/content/technics-su-g700m2-integrated-amplifier |
