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First Post, Looking to buy Amp& Pre, $7,000

The first thing I'd like to say is "Thank You" to all the people on this forum for their knowledge! I've learned so much from my daily trip to this wonderful site.
The reason that I,like many others I suppose, have not posted before is that I think there are so many people here that have so much more to offer in knowledge and experience than I do. Well..... on to my questions.
My system consists of PSB Synchrony One speakers, A VPI Classic tt with a Dynavector 20XH cart. A Simaudio LP3 phono. Cambridge Azur 840 CD player.
My current amp is a Denon AVR 4806,that also doubles for Home theatre.
My current system sounds very good, But.... I'm wondering how much better could it get? Will new amplification be a huge improvement over what I've got?
I would prefer to buy used because I think I could get more performance for my money.
I listen to Rock,Classic Rock,Blues, and Jazz.
I would prefer a sound that is neutral,but a shade on the warm side. I suffer from tinutus in my right ear.and any high notes that are too dry, or too bright, irritate my ear!
I also need a pre with HT bypass,as I have everything in the same room
Thanks,
Mark

mdp

Showing 6 responses by tvad

tvad
9,467 posts
 
FWIW, in his review of the Synchrony One, John Atkinson preferred the amp/preamp combination of Parasound JC-1 and Levinson 380S with the speakers. These components can presently be found for sale in the listings for close to your $7K budget.

Doug Schneider liked Sim Audio components in his review of the Synchrony One.

I find reading what owners and reviewers use with speakers to be helpful in narrowing the choices (although their selections are not the only possibilities).
tvad
9,467 posts
 
01-07-10: Mdp
Tvad,thanks for the links. As I suspected, Doug Schneider says in his review that the Synchrony One's need a lot of power to really sound their best.
As I recall what he particularly emphasizes is the amp's ability to produce power into low impedances. For this reason, I'd suggest an amp that doubles power as impedance is halved. Not sure of the JC1 amps or the Sim Audio amps do this, but it'd be easy for you to check.

It'd also be good to carefully read John Atkinson's test measurement section of the Stereophile review. He often provides clear guidance as to what would be the best match.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
In the Pass line-up, and with your budget, I'd definitely look at a model with the "X.5" denotation. They double output as impedance is halved.

There's a pretty good price on a X150.5 at the moment. I'm not sure if you need more power (although more is usually better). It would depend on the size of your room and the decibel level at which you listen.

Also, see what Mark at Reno HiFi might have in his used, demo, trade-in section.

tvad
9,467 posts
 
I think the suggestion of a tube/SS hybrid amp (like the Butler 2250 or perhaps a Moscode 401HR) is worth considering.

While Pass Labs makes excellent amps and preamps that are hard not to recommend, the Pass house sound is neutral rather than warm, IMO.

Keep your eye on your goal.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
Regarding the Moscode 402Au, I owned a Moscode 401HR, which was a tremendous amp in my system used with Von Schweikert VR4 Gen III HSE loudspeakers (89dB, 6 ohm). The 402Au is supposedly more refined (aren't the latest models always so), but I can say the 401HR was no slouch (it replaced a $10,000 VAC Phi 110/110), and in my view you'd be smart to consider a used one.

Moscode offers a 33 1/3 day home trial for their amps. It's absolutely the best way to determine if it'd be a good match with your speakers.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
Mdp, I read Atkinson's review, too. The 401HR worked extremely well with my speakers that dipped to 3 ohms in the bass, but I understand your hesitation.

If the 402Au measures better and it's within your budget, then it'd be worth auditioning through Moscode's Home Trial policy.

I've never owned a McIntosh amp, so I can't offer any insight there.
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