2. amps-preamps
  3. 1165813460

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
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.
phoenix469 OP
44 posts
 
Thanks! I see all of your points, and they are all valid. I think I'll hold off on the Preamp. I'll do some experimenting, and take a hard look at my source. SInce it is my only source I should treat it well. A new integrated is not out of the question either. I thank you all for keping me from making a costly error (costly for me anyway) Thanks again!
larryrx7's avatar
larryrx7
137 posts
 
Just want to add another possibility..I would't add a preamp to this mix...I would look into a good tube integrated, ie primaluna prologue 2 or TAD 60 which i have at the present time...This is an extremely well made single input integrated or can be used as power amp with a separate preamp....I was lucky enough to locate a rarely available TAD 150 preamp...and the combination is truly wonderful...You can read lots of review on the forums about both of these pieces
More to discover