mik971

Responses from mik971

Preamp recommendations for under $600.00
I would recommend a used Conrad Johnson also per Mofimadness. You know it will match your amp, and they sound spectacular! 
Emotiva USP 1 verse Rotel RC 990 995 or B&k PT 3
The Rotel 995 is an excellent pre-amp and a step or two above the others. 
Sadly missed manufacturers
Enlightened Audio Designs. (EAD) 
Best EL34 reissue?
They are cheap and maybe not as popular, but I have had good luck with Svetlana's. Very clean sounding tube, durable, no complaints. 
DA converter hook up?
You would run a digital cable from the NAD to the DA converter and the analog outs from the DAC to your Acurus pre-amp. Not sure you will get a much better result, your cdp is good and the pre-amp is average... 
Setup advice
I think you are going to hear a large improvement with the Cambridge 651P. It is an excellent unit for the money! Your amp should have plenty of power to drive the B&W's.. 
$1500 for a whole system, budding audiophile
Personally if I started over for that dollar amount I would purchase:Musical Paradise MP-301 mkIII - $400Tekton Mini-Lores $650Emotiva XDA-2 DAC - $250That leaves about $200 to spend on your choice of budget cables... 
Repair-Restoration Tech for Vintage Sansui Amps??
Not sure where you are located but there is a former certified Sansui tech in Verona, WI. I don't think he deals with shipping though... 
Amp for klipsch KG4
If you want good "synergy" I would look at the older Nakamichi receivers. They mate extremely well with Klipsch. Just make sure it is a "stasis" design unit. 
Replace Amp or Preamp?
Tough choice. I am familiar with the ARC unit and it is excellent. I have only heard the Conrad Johnson PV3, PV10 which are both excellent. I would stick with a tubed/tube hybrid pre if it were my choice. The Motif line of pre-amps have good feedb... 
Replace Amp or Preamp?
I also owned the AR LS1 tube hybrid pre-amp. It is an excellent sounding unit!! It did not work in my listening area because it had a stepped volume control so I couldn't dial in the exact volume i wanted. (amp didn't match perfectly) I think you ... 
Replace Amp or Preamp?
If your amps seem to drive your speakers well, pick up a used pre-amp on A-Gon. That way you can sell if for some reason it is not a good match and not loose much. I think it will be pretty easy and you will be thrilled with the results. Again, th... 
Replace Amp or Preamp?
Your Pre-amp is definatley the weak link. I owned the MAC CR10 and it is average at best. I like your suggestion of the tubed pre or maybe try and find a NAD C162 which is an excellent pre-amp for the money. (maybe $350 used?) 
Where do the tubes go?
I would start with a tubed pre-amp or a self-biasing integrated amp. You will be able to roll tubes to experiment with little technical skill. Also Wolf Garcia's suggestion of Jolida which is easy to bias. 
Is there a NEW CD TRANSPORT for under a $1000?
I believe Musical Fidelity has a Transport for under $1000. Pacific Valve Co. might have something also...