| Going by your check in note, you don't use LPs; so can you live
without a preamp? If you choose a power amp with enough input
sensitivity for your sources to drive it direct, you could then
use a passive preamp like the one from PS Audio, or simple input
selector and volume control - QED make a unit that does both. You
then won't have to pay for a phono input (possibly the most expensive
part of a preamp) which you don't need. That way you can spend more
on the power amp, or the same as you intended and buy CDs with what
you save - that's what it's all about, yes?
I don't know your speakers, or your choice of W. German electronics,
maybe one of our continental readers can help here. (Come back,
Jeff Maslen, all is forgiven!). Also I don't know what �2000-�3000
will buy in Hong Kong, but as far as UK amps go you should listen
to the Naim NAP135 monoblocks - they go for about �2000 a pair here,
or Albarry mono amps; also I think Armstrong make some for export.
For the sort of money your talking about, you should really be
auditioning some of the US amps, like Krell; whether they prove
cost-effective or not, only you can decide. Choosing to manage without
a preamp will limit your choices, though.
Dave
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I do not like the US amp that much. Not because they aren't good, but
just because of the taste.
I do have some comment on pre-amp. Yes, I can live without a pre-amp.
But if you get a good enough pre-amp, the sound reproduction is much
better than use only a volume-control or a input-selector. For my
experience, using the variable output of a CD player, you can get the
worst sound quality.
Another reason I would like to have a pre-amp is I also watch LV. You
have to have a pre-amp to drive and control your surround-sound system.
The audio equipment price in HK is the cheapest in the world. It is
because HK is a import tax free country. The price of a pair of KEF 107
is about HK$20,000.00. The exchange rate of the sterling pound vs HK$
right now is about one pound to HK$13--HK$14.
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