IMHO...The Melos SHA or SHA gold editions (used) are in your price range and would be excellant choices. Happy Listening,
Preamp Suggestions??
Hi. I've recently begun moving from the "big box" crapiophile-level equipment to mid-fi audiophile equipment. I am a 2-channel listener only, so no A/V needs. I currently use an Adcom GFA-555 200 wpc power amp, an Arcam Alpha 8SE CD player, an Adcom GTP-500II preamp/tuner, and KEF Reference 103/4 tower loudspeakers. I use fairly nice Audioquest solid speaker cables and interconnects (Glowpower Zyxt interconnects from preamp to amp). It has been suggested that my next step up the hobbyist ladder should be to upgrade the preamp & move to a separate tuner. Again, this is just hobbyist fiddling, as the system sounds great as is. Is there a particular standout in the budget (under $500 used) preamp market?? Many thanks.
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I agree with Elevick. A preamp isn't going to do much without changing your amp. Nothing can tame that Adcom GFA-555. It has a lot of power, but it's like a bull in a china shop. A tube amp, on the other hand, will offer a midrange warmth that sounds more like the musicians are in your room. It will also smooth things out and make your system more listenable and less fatiguing. Adding a tube preamp to a low end solid state amp won't achieve the same results. I've tried. Many people say it does, but it's wishful thinking -- especially with an Adcom. Your KEF 103s are 92 dB efficient, so you don't need a lot of power. 50 watts is plenty. If I were in your shoes, I'd sell the Adcom gear and put the money toward a tube integrated. IMO, an integrated gives you a better bang for the buck in this price range. You also eliminate a set of interconnects and a power cable. Stay away from the tube hybrids. Here are some suggestions: Jolida JD-302B Jolida JD-502B Primaluna Prologue One Cayin A-50T Antique Sound Lab |
Onix SP3 Melody. Beautiful integrated amplifier. I saw at least 3 in your price range. There was also a brand new model from certify dealer for $500!!!! Here is the link to Srajan Ebaen's review on *6moons* http://6moons.com/audioreviews/onix/onix.html Or if you want something just a bit different sonically and visually , check out Promitheus Audio TVC SE for less then your budget but it's the passive preamp only. Here is some information: http://www.enjoythemusic.com/Magazine/equipment/0407/promitheus_audio_tvc_se.htm And maybe this one too. It has headphone amp and USB for connecting your computer. It might have enough muscle to handle your speakers but read the review first. Glow Amp One (in your budget. Integrated) http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/glow/one.html |
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