[thebrieze01]

I live in an apartment so I can only have one system, and I’m looking to bypass my AVR for music listening. My current 5.1.2 setup is Denon 4200 -> Linn AV5125 (class D) -> Salk BeAT (for the fronts) + Rythmik L12 sub. My source is Tidal hifi or Flacs streaming through a Sonos Connect using Optical to the Denon. I may upgrade to a Bluesound Node 2i, but likely not add a turntable, so Phono is not important.

For 2(.1) channel, I am wondering if I should get a preamp with HT bypass input (pre outs from the Denon). If I have 2-3k to spend, what would be the best option here - Get a good Integrated amp and skip the Linn? get a Dac (hard to find HT bypass), or a good preamp to feed the Linn?

I have always loved the warm sound of tubes, but having no experience with them and with limited space - I’m not sure what the best options are.

Bass management is nice to have but not critical, the Salk’s play well to 34 Hz, and my music tastes are jazz, classic rock, vocals etc. so I don’t think I’ll miss much below that.


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[Leeliemix]

A good preamp with HT bypass and using the Linn amp would probably be what you want. There are many options but not many with subwoofer management and sub bypass.
I use a similar setup, marantz av8805, PS Audio Stellar GCD, parasound a31. The PS audio GCD(dac/pre) doesnt have sub bypass or management so i use without subs when listening to music in 2ch through that one.


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[Leeliemix]

...or if you want more power then the Linn an integrated with a beefy amp section and HT bypass and bass management.

It all depends on what you are looking for in addition to better 2ch sound quality.


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[thebrieze01]

...or if you want more power then the Linn an integrated with a beefy amp section and HT bypass and bass management.

It all depends on what you are looking for in addition to better 2ch sound quality.


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I don’t need more power - the Salk’s are reasonably efficient, and I don’t listen terribly loud. Also for bass management, my sub has an L/R line level input and crossover (in addition to LFE) so all I really need is preouts.

I’m really looking for a warm/mellow 2 channel experience without giving up anything for HT. I’ve heard these speakers with a McGary tube amp at an audio show and they sounded sublime. I’m trying to recreate some of that experience.

That said, I’m new to tubes, and probably don’t have the space/heat tolerance for it. So maybe something SS or hybrid?


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[AsahiToro]

How about an integrated w/HT bypass like a Peachtree nova150 or Music Fidelity M2si? I just did this with the nova150.

 

[Class A]

I would check out the new Primaluna EVO 200. Auto bias for easy tube rolling, HT pass through. Excellent build and very reliable. Nice warm sound but gives you plenty of detail. Can compete w/many higher end brands. It's in your 2-3K price range.

 

[emcdade]

Sell all your home theater stuff and build a clean 2 channel system. You won’t miss it.

 

[Out-Of-Phase]

I live in an apartment so I can only have one system, and I’m looking to bypass my AVR for music listening. My current 5.1.2 setup is Denon 4200 -> Linn AV5125 (class D) -> Salk BeAT (for the fronts) + Rythmik L12 sub. My source is Tidal hifi or Flacs streaming through a Sonos Connect using Optical to the Denon. I may upgrade to a Bluesound Node 2i, but likely not add a turntable, so Phono is not important.

For 2(.1) channel, I am wondering if I should get a preamp with HT bypass input (pre outs from the Denon). If I have 2-3k to spend, what would be the best option here - Get a good Integrated amp and skip the Linn? get a Dac (hard to find HT bypass), or a good preamp to feed the Linn?

I have always loved the warm sound of tubes, but having no experience with them and with limited space - I’m not sure what the best options are.

Bass management is nice to have but not critical, the Salk’s play well to 34 Hz, and my music tastes are jazz, classic rock, vocals etc. so I don’t think I’ll miss much below that.


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Keep everything you currently have and just enjoy it. Musically, you're already there. Don't spend more money building a 2-channel system, you'll just regret it later on.

 

[Leeliemix]

Keep everything you currently have and just enjoy it. Musically, you're already there. Don't spend more money building a 2-channel system, you'll just regret it later on.

I think a lot of people enjoy their HT with something extra for 2ch like a 2ch HT bypass dac/pre, i know i do, and while its not very common its a good and cost and/or space effective alternative to 2 completly separate systems.


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[thebrieze01]

Sell all your home theater stuff and build a clean 2 channel system. You won’t miss it.

Keep everything you currently have and just enjoy it. Musically, you're already there. Don't spend more money building a 2-channel system, you'll just regret it later on.

Ha ha.. that’s what I love about this hobby!


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[Alex F.]

If you wish to try a tube preamp to be used with your Linn, consider the Rogue RP-1 ($1795). It automatically goes into HT bypass mode when it is turned off, which is very convenient. It uses a pair of 12AU7 tubes that are easy to change (they should last years) if you want to try different tubes. I recommend new old stock tubes (NOS), such as inexpensive, warmish, and typically wonderful sounding RCAs. The Rogue is manufactured in the U.S.

Needle Doctor has the RP-1 and, should you not like the preamp, a generous refund policy, which I have utilized without any problem. Also, note that Rogue's customer service, like Needle Doctor's, is first class and ready to help.

Here are links:

http://www.rogueaudio.com/Products_RP1.htm

http://www.rogueaudio.com/manuals/RP-1 Manual.pdf

https://www.needledoctor.com/Rogue-Audio-RP-1-Line-Phono-Preamp?quantity=1&custcol121=2

My favorite NOS tube shop--a vast selection and low prices (Brent is very helpful via telephone or email):

http://www.audiotubes.com/12au7.htm

 

[callas01]

So I used a Naim Uniti Star this way with a Marantz AVR, but since we i now have 2 separate systems. However the Naim Star did everything great and plenty of power. It does have preputs to connect a sub, which I have done also, but currently feel I don’t need the sub. If you don’t want a streamer/integrated/dac/cd player all-in-one kinda unit the new SuperNait 3 is priced really well and has the ability to power anything.

A nice tube amp with HTBP would be an Octave V40SE. This unit has balls! Only reason I’ve never bought a tube amp... don’t need little kids touching hot glass.

 

[frankie2075]

Prima Luna

 

[thebrieze01]

Thanks for some great suggestions here. I have been looking into PrimaLuna, and Rogue Audio RP1 as well as the others mentioned. There are even some PrimaLuna’s on A’gon which are very tempting.

Given that majority of my usage (80%) will be TV and movies, will a tube preamp + my Linn class D make more sense than an all tube integrated? What about the sound quality?


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[thehun]

Why are you not happy with the receiver? What is it you try to achieve? What you actually hear is 90+% of your speakers and room, there is very little one can expect from replacing perfectly functioning electronics, especially DACs and Pre-Amps despite what the audiophool press and their disciples will let you believe. If you not happy with the sound of your system, it is mostly the fault of the speakers and or your room and you should concentrate on that. Audio reproduction is born out of and rely on science, not on magic, random chance or myths.

 

[Leeliemix]

Why are you not happy with the receiver? What is it you try to achieve? What you actually hear is 90+% of your speakers and room, there is very little one can expect from replacing perfectly functioning electronics, especially DACs and Pre-Amps despite what the audiophool press and their disciples will let you believe. If you not happy with the sound of your system, it is mostly the fault of the speakers and or your room and you should concentrate on that. Audio reproduction is born out of and rely on science, not on magic, random chance or myths.

Even if electronics would be just 1% that would be a big difference. I wonder if my mother who is not far from 70yo is an audiophool or a disciple, she doesnt care and doesnt know if i use the processor(on direct) or my 2ch dac/pre but she can hear which even before she comes into the livingroom.
Consider how much a fraction of a % of spice can change a dish, or how much different milk with 0.1% and 1% fat tastes. No audio isnt the same as taste but there are many similarities.


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[NewAger]

Ha ha.. that’s what I love about this hobby!

By love you really mean hate, don't you?

Carve your own path. Try demoing stuff. Schiit Audio has a good return policy on their gear and provides a nice entry point in getting (mostly) nicely built components with tube options. Just go in with realistic expectations.

 

[Class A]

Thanks for some great suggestions here. I have been looking into PrimaLuna, and Rogue Audio RP1 as well as the others mentioned. There are even some PrimaLuna’s on A’gon which are very tempting.

Given that majority of my usage (80%) will be TV and movies, will a tube preamp + my Linn class D make more sense than an all tube integrated? What about the sound quality?


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As someone who lives in a apartment, I've had a combo system for many years. Mixing Solid State amps w/tube preamps is an excellent combo. Years ago I had a Pimaluna Dialogue preamp and the music was much better than the music through my Krell Showcase. Currently I'm using a Luxman Tube Preamp w/a Bryston amp. The Linn amp you have should make a nice partner w/any tube preamp you choose.

 

[thehun]

Even if electronics would be just 1% that would be a big difference. I wonder if my mother who is not far from 70yo is an audiophool or a disciple, she doesnt care and doesnt know if i use the processor(on direct) or my 2ch dac/pre but she can hear which even before she comes into the livingroom.
Consider how much a fraction of a % of spice can change a dish, or how much different milk with 0.1% and 1% fat tastes. No audio isnt the same as taste but there are many similarities.


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LOL we could easily analyze the ingredients of any dish down to the milligram scientifically and see the differences , can you do the same with electronics DAcs Pre amps? Sure , but other then some distortion components which is often a sign of poor engineering, not a whole lot rises above audible threshold at least by design. The real differences lies with the listener and their endless imaginations and biases. Regarding mom: I'm sure I never heard that before. Should have used that before to make my case in the classroom or writing a thesis.

 

[Leeliemix]

LOL we could easily analyze the ingredients of any dish down to the milligram scientifically and see the differences , can you do the same with electronics DAcs Pre amps? Sure , but other then some distortion components which is often a sign of poor engineering, not a whole lot rises above audible threshold at least by design. The real differences lies with the listener and their endless imaginations and biases. Regarding mom: I'm sure I never heard that before. Should have used that before to make my case in the classroom or writing a thesis.

The point was that its often easy to hear differences, not what those differences are the result of. What each individual listener enjoys/prefers differ immensly so why assume someone wont be happier with a separate stereo pre(/dac).


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