2. amps-preamps
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Pre-amp, integrated, new power amp...I'm confused

OK, after posting many threads and reading tons of old threads and reviews...I"m stumped. I have a NAD C370 integrated powering SOnus Faber COncerto's (Home Version), a Cambridge audio Azur 640C CD player going through a musical fidelity tube buffer(my one and only audio source), Cardas Cross IC's and speaker cables. A REL Stadium III handles the bottom end. I love my system, excepy for a little graininess in the top end. I would like to smooth out the sound and make it more liquid and natural. How do I best accomplish this? DO I invest in a whole new integrated? DO i Drive the power amp section of my NAD with a tube pre-amp? DO I invest in a better Source (New DAC or whole new player). I like the sound smoothe and natural...maybe a little warm (Which is why I chose SOnus speakers. I would like to spend no more than $1000. I saw a BAT VK-3i tube preamp available. Am I on the right track with that? Help!
phoenix469
gregm
3,021 posts
 
To add to your confusion, I would suggest a simple solution.

*Park the MF buffer.
*Purchase a nice used integrated for ~800 or less -- many here at Agon (vintage Acuphase, Nuforce, Krell, A-Analogue, Opera, Simaudio, Pathos -- even a diy gainclone...).
*Connect the cdp directly to the integrated using single core wire (solid conductors - not stranded) -- take yr pick on that there's many around, and they're generally inexpensive. You can even get gold-plated silver wire

Take Tvad's advice: you don't NEED separate preamplification, but you may need a little bit of power.

OR, coming to think of it, hook the cdp directly to yr amp now. Check out the differences if any. COnnect a tuner (borrow one). Check the sound.
And come back to us.
Post removed 
arni
313 posts
 
Phoenix469,
I really second Tvad, adding a pre, albeit tube, will not eliminate the grain in your system. I think taking a closer look at the source would yield better results in the end. I see you have MF tube buffer; wonder why you got it in the first place-were you unhappy with the sound straight out of the Cambridge?
fatcataudio
106 posts
 
The grain is from the CD player, that player is good, but you are hearing its limitations. Get an outboard DAC for cheap like a monarchy audio DAC and see how it goes. They are cheap, you can experiment and then sell for what you paid for it. Great opportunity to start testing digital stuff out.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
My suggestion also echoes the suggestion to eliminate the tube buffer. That step goes without saying, but it's good that it was specified.

The idea if a DAC is another possibility, although I tend to think it might not be as satisfactory as completely upgrading the source or amplification. Adding a DAC presupposes the transport section of the Cambridge CD player is worth keeping. It may or it may not. I don't know the answer to this.

The preamps mentioned...at least the BAT...sell for more than $1000 used. For that kind of money you can buy either an excellent used integrated tube amp (or solid state amp), or a used Rega Apollo CD player. Either will be a substantial improvement.
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