2. amps-preamps
  3. 1255488392

Newbie - Which USED Amp & Preamp for under $2500

My preamp has seen better days and is sounding awful. My amp is pretty weak too. I have $2500 to spend and I need help. I've been looking at the following, any advice would help:

PREAMPS:
Audio Research SP17L Tube Preamp
Quad QC24
Arcam c30

AMPS:
Arcam PI monoblocks
Conrad Johnson MF 2250
Bel Canto Evo 200.2
Quad 99
Perraux 200P
Refurbished McCormack DNA 125

Below is my current setup. I plan on upgrading my speakers in the near future, so I'll want something that will work now and later:

Hafler 9130 amp (x2)
Adcom GTP 500 Preamp
B&W 602 series 3 Speakers

Thanks!
mmrump
peterayer
1,373 posts
 
Used Pass Aleph gear. Aleph P preamp for under $1000 and Aleph 3 for under $1000, Aleph 5 for $1400, or Aleph 2 for around $2K. I had all of these and for the price, they are excellent. You could also look at used FirstWatt, though you would have less power.
phaelon
1,038 posts
 
Like Kurt_tank, I too am wondering how attached you are to your speakers. With $2500 to spend on amplification, you could easily outclass the 602s. I think Kurt is giving you advise worthy of consideration.
steveaudio
328 posts
 
I have a Conrad Johnson MF 2250 in my "2nd system", along with a C-J PF-R SS Preamp. Paid about $2K for the pair a few years ago, love them.

I had a McCormack DNA .5 for a few days once. The seller had shipped it so poorly that the entire metal case was bent, & twisted. It not only worked (!), but sounded very nice.

An MF2500, or DNA 1, would be other SS ideas......
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
Kurt_tank advice is priceless. If you are going to invest in your system, settle on the speakers first or you will start going around in circles; the speakers will then inform your amplifier options. I think your current speakers are not suitable for tube amps in your price range, they really are best suited for SS.
goldeneraguy
439 posts
 
You can thank Kurt_Tank now or you can thank him later.
What ever you do HEED his advise.
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