[Pacio]

Dear All,
I'm from italy and I want to set up a brand new system with - yes, it is - a limited budget.
After having read almost all the exsisting articles, reviews, comparisons, etc... I decided to build my system on two solid bricks: Odyssey Stratos stereo std amp and VMPS RM 30M speakers (nothing new for you here..). It took quite a while to discover them because in italy this gear is almost unknown..
Anyway here are the questions: I cannot spend more than 750 USD for a CD player (I would like to go with the Jolida J100S) and about the same 700-800 USD  will be for a good tube pre amp. The thing is that I cannot afford a Tempest pre or even a Candela one, therefore I'm asking a good advice on a good pre amp that will match fine with the Stratos.
Since I know that Stratos + RM 30M will be very fast, open, detailed, JOYFUL, I'm worrying not to have a rather "too forwarding sound" even though I know that the sound itself will not be fatiguing at all..
I've heard about a good affordable "balcanian" valve pre amp: the Korato KVP 10 or the 20. Did you have any experience with it? Anyway please send me any advice you feel right for my amp + speakers.
Another questions about the cables: I came across some good copper + silver cables to match with: do you think they will be ok, or will I need some less analytical "copper only" cables?
I know, too many questions but please, help me!
Kind regards to all
Marco

[shep]

I'm sure I will stand corrected if either of these suggestions represent a mismatch
I don't think you can get a better pre. than the Promethius from Nick. Fully kitted it is well under your budget. Or if you can live with one source-at-a-time and a lot of back and forth playing with levels, this could be a marvelously transparent and inexpensive way to go http://www.tweakaudio.com/Ultimate%20Attenuators.html

[shep]

If you haven't already bought your cables, save your money for a better CDP and get the "anti Cables". I haven't heard them but have a similar type and I've yet to hear any one complain or try and sell them for something "better".

[JLM]

Welcome Pacio,

Nice choices of amp/speakers.   

Have you considered computer based audio?  You can start with a wireless Squeeze Box 3 (SB3) for $300 USD (or wired for $250 USD).  Free software, Exact Audio Copy (EAC) and Free Lossless Audio Codec (FLAC) allow you to rip CDs into your hard drive and use about 400K of space to make perfect copies.  The SB3 acts as a remote music server, digital volume control, and also streams internet audio files (radio).  No pre-amp needed (but you can always add one).  Sound quality of the stock unit is good with value and convenience that can't be beat.  The SB3 can also be modded, or used just as a transport (with a separate DAC later on).

If you're not computer savy enough to try the SB3, I'd suggest getting one of the Oppo universal players ($150 - 230 USD).  Ric Shultz (see manufacturer's circle above) does mods for them starting at $150 USD.  I see the age of CD players coming to an end with the market invested in universal players and the advent of high speed internet access for downloads.

Besides the Anti-Cables other good quality/high value brands of audio cabling that follow popular DIY designs are Blue Jean, Signal, and Element.

[Carlman]

Tubed preamps with SS amps make a very nice combination.  I'd recommend the Eastern Electric Minimax tubed preamp and cd player.  Both are world-class and will provide many years of service.  They're a little over your budget new but maybe you could buy one used, one new... not sure.. but check Audiogon.com.

If you want to try building an audio PC, be ready for a steep learning curve.  The Slim Devices Squeezebox is a nice device but requires modification/upgrades to match the level of the EE MM cd player or other top-notch players.

-C

[smccull]

I want to second the recommendations on the Squeezebox alternative and the Anti-cables. I have a Red Wine Audio modified SB running through a Scott Nixon TubeDac and it blows away the $1K cdp I had before. VERY smooth and not forward at all. The best digital I've had in my system, so it should be a good match for your system too.

I also have the Anti-cables and they're a revelation. Very detailed and balanced, but very smooth too. Not etched at all. Great top to bottom coherencey and extension. An obvious recomendation considering the price.

I have a Promitheus pre w/ HT bypass on order (it's been 6 weeks now) plus a pair of VMPS RM30C's so I can't comment on them. I'm hoping good things though, based on what I've read here at the Circle.

Good luck!

[Pacio]

I'm sure I will stand corrected if either of these suggestions represent a mismatch
I don't think you can get a better pre. than the Promethius from Nick. Fully kitted it is well under your budget. Or if you can live with one source-at-a-time and a lot of back and forth playing with levels, this could be a marvelously transparent and inexpensive way to go http://www.tweakaudio.com/Ultimate%20Attenuators.html

Thank you very much Shep, would you be so kind to provide me with some more info on where I can find the Promethius? I'm quite new here and I do not know who Nick is..not yet!
Best,
Marco

[Pacio]

I want to second the recommendations on the Squeezebox alternative and the Anti-cables. I have a Red Wine Audio modified SB running through a Scott Nixon TubeDac and it blows away the $1K cdp I had before. VERY smooth and not forward at all. The best digital I've had in my system, so it should be a good match for your system too.

I also have the Anti-cables and they're a revelation. Very detailed and balanced, but very smooth too. Not etched at all. Great top to bottom coherencey and extension. An obvious recomendation considering the price.

I have a Promitheus pre w/ HT bypass on order (it's been 6 weeks now) plus a pair of VMPS RM30C's so I can't comment on them. I'm hoping good things though, based on what I've read here at the Circle.

Good luck!

Hi, Thank you for your advice. Would you be so kind to tell me what power amp you have in your system?
Marco

[Rocket]

Hi Pacio,

As you live in Italy have you considered purchasing a bluenote intregrated amplifier?  I've bought a number of things from the states and recently i had problem with an amplifier and shipping to and from australia was a deal killer.

I have a bluenote turntable and it seems like a quality product.

Regards

Rod

[shep]

Marco there are pages and pages about Nick's work on the site. Here is the link:
http://www.promitheusaudio.com/. It's true, there are good products in Italy that we don't know much about. I can't comment about the recent technology (sqeeze box, Olive etc.) although the idea is very attractive. I'm old fashioned and it took me a while to let go of my turntable and go for a cd player!
I'm not ready just yet to take another leap.

[Pacio]

Many thanks Shep, very kind of you!
You're right Rocket, but when I look at the Stratos specs and reviews I cannot think of any other amp in my future system but it.. I need power, detail, refinement, CURRENT to drive the RM30M and to let them sing!
In the meanwhile I read something about Anti cables (gorgeous!) and Promitheus passive pre and I think that if I cannot buy any MiniMax gear (I already knew something about, but don't sure I can affor them..), I will go for the above mentioned. Do you think I'm going wrong? Please tell me..
Best,
Marco

[shep]

Unfortunately Marco that's the hardest question to answer! Wrong? or right? I am out on a limb here because I have never heard a Prometheus but if the number of happy customers on this forum is any indication, then it is a marvelous addition to any set-up. It's not expensive and I have no doubt you could sell it here pronto if it doesn't suit you. I know it's hard to credit that the "cheaper" gear can sometimes out perform the more expensive, but that's the way it goes. Witness how much money people are willing to spend on cables when they have a really nice alternative under their nose (if they bother to ask and look). I spend 40$ on my solid core wire and I'm pretty sure it is as good or better than one's costing 400$ or more. You have to know where to draw the line and it's not always easy. We all take risks when buying new stuff. Sometimes it pays off, sometimes it doesn't. The best you can do is collect all the opinions you can and then take the plunge!