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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
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.

mdp's avatar
mdp OP
34 posts
 
Tvad, Thanks again. I have a large room and sometimes listen at pretty high decibel levels, so I want to make sure I have enough power. I'll check out Reno HiFi
boss302
97 posts
 
Mdp,

I lurk more than respond but what you said about a little bit on the warm side and maybe tubes or SS I had to respond. You can see my original system under my systems list. I will remember to never list my system as "Done for now." :-) The Soliloquy 6.3's are the only thing still remaining. Wonderful speaker for the price back then. ($1400 in 2002) I wanted a warmer sound and added a CJ 12L to get the warmer sound of tubes. I played around with SS amps but wasn't really happy. The Butler TDB 2250 is in my system now and it's staying. If you want to have the SS grunt in the amp and a unique tube placement in the line that IMHO gives a warmer sound give it a read. TDB 2250 will give you a beginning read. Do a Google for reviews from there.

Hope this gives another idea and of course my opinion.

Bossman
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.
cmalak
681 posts
 
While on the topic of hybrid tube/SS amps, Magnum Dynalab (known for their tuners ofcourse) seem to have a hit on their hands with their new MD 209/309 amps. This may be worthwhile checking out: http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?aamps&1262883213&openmine&zzCmalak&4&5#Cmalak. Just a thought.
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