chowkwan@aerospace.aero.org (08/28/90)
>Which do you think would be more audible-a pre-amp upgrade (to say, a >VTL Deluxe or Super Deluxe, or Counterpoint SA-1000 or SA-3000) >or an amp upgrade (to something like a Counterpoint SA-100, the PS-Audio, >the Linn LK-280, or maybe a Mark Levinson no.29 or the baby Krell)? When I bought my VTL DeLuxe 90/90 combination, I found the power amp made more impact on the sound of system than the pre-amp. i.e. using the 90/90 with an Adcom pre-amp, I got most of the benefit of switching to tubes. Replacing the Adcom with the DeLuxe improved the sound but it was more subtle. I cannot comment on the Counterpoint because of lack of experience. A couple of other power amps you might look into are the VTL 120 and Naim. I've heard the 120 in triode mode driving Hales to produce very sharp imaging if you're into that kind of thing (see my review). In triode mode the 120's produce 60 (?) watts per channel. It can be switched back into pentode mode for the full 120 watts per channel. Lethal voltages exist at the top of the tube so not recommended for those with pets and small children unless you get the protective cages. If you must use solid state amps, the Naim monoblocks are worth a listen. Again in my Hales/Spendor review, I heard these driving the Spendor S100's to achieve very lifelike piano and violin. >I'd rather make a few big steps and have a somewhat mis-matched (in terms >of quality) system than make a bunch of small (and ultimately more >expensive) steps. Per my comments above, I think you're on the right track here. A good power amp will significantly improve your system even when used with a pre-amp of lesser quality. Of course, it won't be long before you decide that you just have to realize the full potentialities of your new power amp. Don't forget the little tweaks such as better wires, power conditioners, and contact enhancers. I switched from Cardas Quadlink to Audioquest Lapis and the difference was not subtle. (Cardas is a good wire. The Quadlink is their second best wire whereas the Lapis is Audioquest's best). -- ray