wogamax

I've just done A LOT of searching this forum and need to wrap up a preamp for my Forte / Onkyo Integra M504 pairing. I had a Scott 299-B and sold it because it just didn't have the strength to maintain a flat frequency response (bass) at the levels I listen to. The M504, at 160w a side, is much better at higher volume. The models from NAD and Adcom are the 1600 & 1700, for NAD and the GFA 700 (no tuner), the GTP 500 and GTP 502 for Adcom. I'd am trying to keep it to tuner/preamp, but am open to other options that ebay for under $200. Are the Adcom pre-amps as responsible for generating a bright forward sound, as their amps? They are reasonably priced used. [edit] apart from these two names, it may be just a receiver with pre-outs. In which case, is it safe to say the Denon models are probably best? THANKS!

I think we are, indeed, fooling ourselves. Quote: "piano, by the way, is one thing I really hear a lot of differences between CD players in terms of how they reproduce the sound; some sound just O.K. some don't, the Saturn sounds really spot on in this regard" I couldn't agree more, especially when it comes to a decent onboard DAC. Its heresay from the PortableCDP crowd, but I believe the reason many favor MD is because the hardware formula regularly included a better DAC. I have a DG recording of some piano sonatas that "ice-pick" my ears over CD, but when precisely the same recordings are transferred into the MD they become more lush and less apt to fatigue. I just read the bulk of this 8 pager in search of the best of the cheap CDP's which include a good DAC. Before buying the Toshiba, I would want to know what music was being played? Acoustic? I suppose Audioreview will fill in the gaps.

...I could get there even quicker [] How many times have we seen this sort of thing turn out like the Audiokarma thread seems to show it did? I once had a seller get flakey on a 17,000 item he didn't realize was worth closer to 25,000. Frustrating. While i have some sympathy for someone who undersells themselves, I ultmately don't hold it against a buyer whenever the asking price is paid. The trick is to literally be there cash and carry. No more homework.

budget $200-500, whole thing [] Sorry, should have qualified that. If tubes, probably Eico HF, Scott 222/299, Fisher integrated, but I've considered a cheap tuner/pre-amp on top of possibly an old pair of mono blocks. For this kind of thing, I have not seen remotes. One of the problems with line-level is, unless you can insert it between a pre-out / amp-in, I'm guessing you'd need a pot for each source (tuner/CD).

In trying to find the right amplification for a pair of heritage speakers, I've come to the obvious conclusion that some of the best alternatives (tubes, old SS) don't have remotes. For those that really wanted a remote and didn't want to exclude a broad swath of solutions, is something like inserting a volume pot in the RCA source path viable? I know it means a wired remote, but that works for me. Is there something more common? thx. [EDIT] something like this: http://www.abtelectronics.com/product/19451.html there must be cheaper ones, as well.

I love it. Its the middle of winter, this an audiophile speaker site and here's a bike thread near the top. Cervelo R3, built it up with Dur Ace 9 Speed, Stronglight cranks and other various bits of gram-age. and yeah, its plenty stiff, especially when its 6 degrees and dark in the am, when I train. Actually, Klipsch for the training room is exactly why I'm here. Hah! I already asked, but anyone else "training" to Klipsch who can recomend a nice SS amp for cheap (that also has remote control). Am I taking us OT?? When I try to push 300+ watts at the pedals, I need some watts for the Forte's, too[]

I've looked into HK more and, since I'm in a basement, picking up a vintage HK 630, 730, or 930 sounds like a nice SS way to go. The problem is remote control. If I could find a decent (cheap) pre-out receiver, from all I am reading here, I may even consider a pair of tube amps, like Eico, or Scott. There's so much tube stuff on Ebay and Audiogon, I'm bewildered and, furthermore, spending too little on a pre-amp may be defeating. I've noted the 3480, but wonder how it would stack up against its older dual powered sibs? One thing I don't want to do is increase the mid-range bite of the older Forte's at lower/moderate volumes. I'll modify my "big air" request to enough power to play loud in a 16 X 22 area. Can sub $200-400 tube amps do that? Looking for punch at pehaps the expense of a little head room. Other SS ideas? Thx

Hello all, First post. I've done the Ebay thing and lived up to an acoustic memory from 20 years ago. I never pulled the trigger on Forte's then, but now I have taken the plunge. I was haunted by the enduring impression of how well they imaged and sounded at above average volumes. QUESTION: Though I have audiophile tendencies, these speakers will NOT be serving that duty. I mostly want power. Ample power for moving big air. They are going in a workout basement room. Currently, I have a vintage Onkyo 2500 (40wpc rms). I was thinking a vintage NAD unit, or similar, with ~100wpc rms, like the 705, or 2200. I don't think the Onkyo will be up to the task and the new amps, like the super-T, don't strike me as potent. I'm eying Ebay for vintage values, but will consider new stuff if the circuitry gets the Klipsch Forum seal of approval for high decibels and price. Any thoughts? Price $100-200, or just over. Thanks!! PS-I've done a search and mostly found info on tube amps and solutions for ultra clean sound. That's why the new post / purpose.