Valve Pre/Power Amps

[nick_s666]

Hi,

Newbie here, so greetings to all.

I'm just about to get rid of my beloved Conrad Johnson Premier 4 power amp, and am seeking recommendations for valve pre/power amp combinations around the £4K mark (for both items!)

My speakers are Spendor S8's, and I need a MM phono input on the pre-amp.

Any thoughts gratefully received...

Cheers

Nick

 

[Hayche]

Croft series 7R and micro 25R for £2800 or you could get mono blocks or the micro RS

 

[stevebrock]

Floyd is ya man - !

 

[CnoEvil]

I would look at this range: http://www.analogueseduction.net/search/for/-/in/0/brand/59/

 

[stevebrock]

I would look at this range: http://www.analogueseduction.net/search/for/-/in/0/brand/59/

omg beautiful

 

[James7]

Don't rule out integrated amps - there are some fine examples to be had at the kind of price you are looking at. As well as the Icon Audio amps CNO mentioned, try and track down Prima Luna, Unison Research, and Canor - I have heard the latter especially sound particularly impressive.

 

[nopiano]

Welcome to the madness, Nick.

Someone with a CJ surely has a pretty good idea what they like, and I'm curious why are you looking to change? What needs fixing or changing?

 

[davedotco]

Don't rule out integrated amps - there are some fine examples to be had at the kind of price you are looking at. As well as the Icon Audio amps CNO mentioned, try and track down Prima Luna, Unison Research, and Canor - I have heard the latter especially sound particularly impressive.

Quite right,

An Ikon Audio Stereo 60 plus one of their phono pre-amps would make a very 'modern' take on the valve pre-power setup.

 

[nick_s666]

Thanks Hayche- any experience of these yourself?

 

[nick_s666]

Thanks. Floyd??

 

[nick_s666]

Thank You.
The CJ is wonderful, but she's now An Old Girl. Last service was eye-wateringly expensive, and its becoming a question of diminishing returns.
Also VERY fussy on valve selection...

I'm keen to stick with valves but am seeking less 'high maintenance' amps.

Points above taken about integrated amps, though I've always liked to keep pre/post seperate for upgrades and other fiddling.

Current pre-amp is tranny, but would like to go valve with this also. Ideally valve phono stage also if possible.

Cheers,n

EDIT: I see that using 'reply' on this forum doesn't 'quote' the post I'm replying to, and there's no way of deleting a post. Duly noted..

 

[CnoEvil]

Thanks. Floyd??

Floyd Droid lives here as well, and is well worth getting advice from, if he sees this thread.

 

[floyd droid]

Where are you based nick ?. Is vinyl your secondary source ?.

 

[Macspur]

I know it's intigrated, but this would be worth looking at, with built in phono

http://www.hifiwigwam.com/showthread.php?105300-F-S-Graaf-GM70-new-style

Mac

www.macsmusic.blogbubble.net

 

[nopiano]

Thank You.
The CJ is wonderful, but she's now An Old Girl. Last service was eye-wateringly expensive, and its becoming a question of diminishing returns.
Also VERY fussy on valve selection...

I'm keen to stick with valves but am seeking less 'high maintenance' amps.

Points above taken about integrated amps, though I've always liked to keep pre/post seperate for upgrades and other fiddling.

Current pre-amp is tranny, but would like to go valve with this also. Ideally valve phono stage also if possible.

Cheers,n

. As already suggested, I would personally look at Prima Luna, because I trust the UK importers to support the product, and it is good value and seems less flaky than some. Icon audio looks great, but I was very disappointed by a lengthy audition a few years ago at the show near Silverstone, so cannot recommend them. My overarching view is you have a very specific need which only a steady and possibly lengthy period of auditioning will satisfy.

 

[nick_s666]

Apologies for delay in replying- I've been blocked by the 'spam filter' for some reason.. @Stevebrock and CnoEvil. Thanks- you seem to have summoned Floyd! @Floyd- I'm in Birmingham (UK). Vinyl is my primary source though I do spin the odd CD. @MacSpur. Thanks- will have a look at the GM70