[BRatliff]

  Hello all. I have been following this forum for quite some time. Just registered as a new member. I would consider myself as an aspiring audiophile, with a lot to learn. This forum has been very helpful so far. It introduced me to Salk Signature Sound and my current speaker set up. I recently got back into vinyl and added a Rega Planar 6 with the Ania MC cart. and Rega Fono MC MK4 Preamp. I am thinking I need to upgrade from my current A/V receiver to a dedicated power amp and preamp. The lower signal from the TT seems to be taxing my Pioneer Elite SC-05, I just don't seem to have the headroom I have with digital sources. Thing of going with something from Van Alstine, I know Mr. Salk thinks highly of them. Looking for advise and opinions. Best regards, Bob.

[Phil A]

Welcome!

[FullRangeMan]

Welcome to AC 

[JLM]

Welcome Bob!

We need more information before making recommendations.  How big is your room?  How loud do you listen? How much do you yearn for deep bass?  What sonic attributes do you value most?  Can you travel to audition gear?  Do you know how to properly audition gear?  What's your budget?  Are you a tube or high tech fan?  Do you have significant other concerns?  Can you add treatments to your room? 

Salk is popular on Audio Circle and their products have improved over the years.  Their veneers are stellar, would make 99% of home furnishings look cheap.  Jim and Mary are good people.  Their approach is unique.  Jim picks top notch drivers from various vendors, then uses Dennis Murphy to develop crossovers, and Paul Kittinger to come up with the cabinet design, and Jim builds them, an effort by committee.  He sells direct and mostly by individual order to keep prices down.

Frank Van Alstine is an audio old fart in the best sense.  He used to team up with Salk at audio shows, until Salk moved more upscale. 

[BRatliff]

JLM, many thanks for the reply. As I said, I have a lot to learn. I will try to answer your questions as best as I can.

My room is roughly 12 feet wide by 16 feet long. I like to listen louder than I probably should, a friend with a db meter recorded right around 100db. I do enjoy thunderous bass. I have a HSU ULS-15 sub to augment my H2T-TL's. I suppose what I enjoy most is when I close my eyes and can picture the artist in my room. I did travel to demo the Salk speakers at Mr. Salk's home. To be honest I do not know how to audition gear other than how it sounds to me. I would like to stay under 5K for the power amp and preamp. I would prefer solid state, not enough knowledge for tube equipment at this point. I live alone, so room treatments are an option, although I do not have any thus far.

I agree that Salk's have some outstanding exotic veneers. I prefer the minimalist approach, all of my components are black. I was considering the DVA SET 500 amp and Vision SLR preamp from Van Alstine.

Best regards, Bob.