From: reeve@steam.Xylogics.COM (Scott Reeve)
Newsgroups: rec.audio
Subject: Pre-amp/Tuner & Amp. recommendations: Summary
Date: 25 Jan 93 15:21:03 GMT
Reply-To: reeve@steam.Xylogics.COM (Scott Reeve)
Organization: Xylogics, Inc. Burlington, MA, USA 01810

I asked about this a while ago, and the messages seem to have
stopped.  Many thanks to all those who replied.
Original post:
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I'm seriously considering upgrading from my receiver to seperates.
I'm looking to spend a total of 1K on the pre-amp/tuner and amp.
If anyone could recommend a make, I would appreciate it.

btw, my speakers are Vandersteen 2Ce.

Thanks - Scott

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Responses:


I have the more expensive of the two Adcom preamp/tuners - forget the model
number, but it's the one with remote control.  You may want to head over
to Tweeter in the Burlington Mall to listen to both of them.
A couple other manufacturers make them in that general price range, but I
don't remember who off the top of my head.

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I strongly recommend either Acurus DIA-100 or Acurus L10/A100 combo. The
latter is a little bit over your budget, but if you buy both pieces at once
the discount might bring it down to just the right amount.

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I just did the very same thing after I bought the 2CEs! I went with
the Bryston 3B amp and the Bryston .5B preamp ($1700 plus for the
two of them). I took home and tested Parasound, B&K, Adcom, Acurus,
Aragon, and Hafler. By far the best amp was Bryston (I liked the
Aragon 2004 too, but it was $1400).

Adcom, Hafler and Parasound all make tuner/preamp combos. I'm not a
big fan of Adcom and Hafler's preamps don't have the best reputation.
A lot of people like Parasound. You could match the Parasound HCA1200
($845) or the HCA800II ($425) with the Parasound CPT1100 preamp/tuner
($595) and be quite happy. I love my Bryston, but for a few dollars
more I would have been more interested in the Forte 4 (everyones' got
their limits).

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unless you're truly concerned about the sound of your radio, you should
consider using your current receiver as a tuner and emergency integrated
amp.  you probably wouldn't be able to sell it for much and by keeping
it you would be able to get the most for your (pre)amplification dollar.
also, if you're not listening to a lot of LPs, your receiver can also
serve as your phono pre-amp and then all your money will go into line-
level pre-amplification and amplification, i.e. where it will have the
greatest impact.

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I would try the ACURUS DIA-100. It is about 995 but without the
tuner, yet it sounds much better than the NAD stuff.

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I use the Adcom 500 preamp-tuner and 555 amp to drive my Vandersteen 2Ce.  It
sounds ok.  I think the new 555II is better than the my old one.  If you use
the Adcom 545, you will probably make it under 1K.  My friend uses a NAD
receiver to drive his 2Ce and he is satisfied with it.

I listened to a pair of 2Ces driven by the B&K amp and preamp at one store.
They sounded just as good if not better.  The best sound I have heard from the
Vandersteen is when they were driven (at a store) by a (50W) Krell amp.  IMHO,
ampVandersteen is when they were driven (at a store) by a (50W) Krell
amp.  IMHO,
the Adcom is your best bet if you include the tuner in your budget.

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        You might also want to try the Parasound gear. I got the TDQ-260 Tuner,
P/FET-900II Preamp, and HCA-500 50wpc amplifier for just inder $900. (The
dealer cut me quite a deal.) Many people (myself included) like the Parasound
gear better than the Adcoms.

        The Adcom and B&K stuff is very high quality, and I would give them
a listen, as well.

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Newsgroups: rec.audio