Moving to separates

All: thanks for your comments, esp. Dhoperos. You folks gave me a great many components and combinations about which to read this past weekend.

What do you think of Channel Islands Audio? None of you mentioned it, but it seems to have a following...

Also, a "problem" I am having is realizing that much of what I'm looking at - I guess, able to afford - does not handle digital connections. I have always used digital connections with my remaining gear (computer network streams, sound bridges, DVD changer, XM tuner). I suppose I could sell that gear as I sold the other pieces, or use their analog outputs, but am concerned that I won't be able to afford means to watch a DVD (does anyone make a "reference" 100+ disc changer?) as I did recently. Plus, admittedly as someone in the physics field - though granted, without "true analog experience", this seems like a step backward to me...

Some of you recommended Adcom gear: looks great, but the cheapest item that handles digital sources seems to be quite costly - and certainly so for Rotel, Parasound, Moon, etc. Perhaps I need to wait for more sale items on AudiogoN for more options.

I found and auditioned a pair of Gallo Ref IIIs. The place did not have the sub amp (said that it wasn't yet available), but the speakers sounded nice. Out of my range, but they were amazing...The seller said he could work out a deal for me on the Arcam AVR300, as well, if I were interested. Also seemed like a step in the wrong direction, as it was an integrated amp, and not separates, for quite a bit of money...I don't need a tuner, though, to the person above who asked.

Thanks again for your help!

Given your needs/budget, perhaps you might look into something like a Music Hall Mambo. It's an int. amp. plus DAC (coax and toslink inputs). 1300 new. Worth investigating. Good luck and have fun.

Me, again!

Does anyone have any opinions on Channel Islands Audio vs. any of the others mentioned herein?

Thanks!

In the price range you give you should audition a Linn Kolector preamp and LK 140 power amp. I personally haven't found anything better for the money (especially if you use the Linn Silver interconnects). The two pieces can easily be had for $1300 on the used market ($450 and $850, respectively). If you have a Linn shop in your area, check the combination out with your current source and speakers and see how they fit.

If you use a turntable, you will ultimately want a better phonostage than that in the Kolector, but it is perfectly serviceable as a place to start. As for the line stage, I've had to go upwards of 3 K to find one that starts to embarrass it in an A/B comparison. It also has quite a good headphone out, if that is important to you.

P.S. Where do you live? If you have good shops in the area, listen to everything they have. That is actually the best advice I can give.

Dhoperos gave excellent and generous advice.

Now that I've read the thread a little more closely I need to add that the Linn Kolector has an RS232 port, which would give you flexibility for digital connections. (Note to self: next time read thread, THEN post).

A few added words on buying used:

I would differ from Warnerwh only in saying that if you really want to be safest in buying used, make sure the people you buy from have good feedback for *selling*, not just for buying. Also check out escrow.com. This is a near fool-proof way to buy safely, though it costs a bit more.