Pre Amp and CD Player recommendations

[clew84]

Thanks everyone - I have been away for the holidays so sorry for the slow response.

Looks like I have some auditioning to do. The NAD and Rega combination sounds interesting.

I used to like Arcam until they treated me poorly on a DVD player I used to own (the DV78 I think was the model). I may give them another try as I have heard great things about the FMJ line.

I was also looking at auditioning the Bel Canto Pre3 and Cambridge Audio gear. Their new CD player has been getting rave reviews.

Was at a store this weekend and auditioned a bunch of McIntosh tube gear with Thiel speakers. Absolutely amazing sound. There were 2 275 tube amps, a tube preamp, and MCD201 CD player, and also a SS integrated unit, the MA6900. We tried both combinations and then compared them to an Ayre preamp (V-5xe?) and their CX-7e. Both the McIntosh, one listening with tube and the other with the integrated, blew the Ayre pieces away. Wasn't even close. So I decided to get McIntosh at some point in my life (just not yet).

[Lotus]

Originally Posted by clew84

Thanks everyone - I have been away for the holidays so sorry for the slow response.

Looks like I have some auditioning to do. The NAD and Rega combination sounds interesting.

I used to like Arcam until they treated me poorly on a DVD player I used to own (the DV78 I think was the model). I may give them another try as I have heard great things about the FMJ line.

I was also looking at auditioning the Bel Canto Pre3 and Cambridge Audio gear. Their new CD player has been getting rave reviews.

Was at a store this weekend and auditioned a bunch of McIntosh tube gear with Thiel speakers. Absolutely amazing sound. There were 2 275 tube amps, a tube preamp, and MCD201 CD player, and also a SS integrated unit, the MA6900. We tried both combinations and then compared them to an Ayre preamp (V-5xe?) and their CX-7e. Both the McIntosh, one listening with tube and the other with the integrated, blew the Ayre pieces away. Wasn't even close. So I decided to get McIntosh at some point in my life (just not yet).

After reading this I fully 100% back the REGA/NAD combo. This will allow you to save money for McIntosh gear of the future. If you're planning that kind of future you might as well not spend FMJ type of money.

The Bel Canto is sweet but more expensive I believe than the NAD. The REGA imho is better than the Cambridge Audio CD players. The REGA is to me the best sub $1200 player in recent memory. Some major changes were done by REGA and it shows in playback.

[clew84]

Good point and the idea of not overspending now is a good one. I am going to have to go take a listen to that combo then. I have always thought NAD is good for the money and spending more on the CD player is probably a better investment.

Of course a dealer of mine is pushing me towards keeping it all in the family and adding Bryston's new CD player and one of their preamps. However, that is a little much for my budget.

[jbk]

Originally Posted by clew84

Good point and the idea of not overspending now is a good one. I am going to have to go take a listen to that combo then. I have always thought NAD is good for the money and spending more on the CD player is probably a better investment.

Of course a dealer of mine is pushing me towards keeping it all in the family and adding Bryston's new CD player and one of their preamps. However, that is a little much for my budget.

Here are a couple of new products from Sim Audion that fit in your price range:

The MOON CD-1 CD Player and MOON i-1 Integrated Amplifier represent Simaudio's full-out assault on the price-to-performance ratio. Both models offer sonics and build quality that are unheralded at their respective price points. Possessing all of the hallmarks that MOON audio components are known for, the CD-1 and i-1 represent a new benchmark in high-end audio.

http://www.simaudio.com/newproducts.htm

It's worth checking out.

jbk

[Lotus]

Originally Posted by jbk

Here are a couple of new products from Sim Audion that fit in your price range:

The MOON CD-1 CD Player and MOON i-1 Integrated Amplifier represent Simaudio's full-out assault on the price-to-performance ratio. Both models offer sonics and build quality that are unheralded at their respective price points. Possessing all of the hallmarks that MOON audio components are known for, the CD-1 and i-1 represent a new benchmark in high-end audio.

http://www.simaudio.com/newproducts.htm

It's worth checking out.

jbk

I like the CD-1 but it's $300 more than the REGA with very similar qualities.

The integrated amp is more than he needs (he just needs a Pre-Amp because he has an amp).

I'm a fan of Simaudio but with his McIntosh bug I'd suggest spending less.

Still if it works well with the NAD Pre-Amp he may want to give it a listen.

[deacongreg]

Listen, you gotta leave room for the Mcintosh dream system.