Speaking quite candidly, I am embarrased by the power of my amp. Or rather, the lack of it. It is a 60W P/C Kenwood VR-505. It was something I picked up at Circuit City back in 2001 or so. I bought that one because it was at the time the only thing I could find that had the required input configuration for my system.

But I would LOVE to have a bigger and more powerful amp system. Especially considering that I am using that little Kenwood to drive a set of Infinity Kappa 7's. Now understand that yes, I am fully aware of the 2X of power for every 3 dB logrithim. So I don't necessarily need more power per se just for the sake of having more power. I need something that's more EFFIECIENT AND meets my layout needs.

What I need is something that is not easily subjected to clipping (60 watts with those speakers will do that) that ALSO has:

3 Tape loops (I need them for cassette, R2R, and CD-R) including at least one monitor loop

A phono line (someday I will have a turntable)

At least 2 Auxilliary inputs

Should I consider a preamp or an outboard amp?

What would you guys recommend that also won't break the bank?

Just my preference but I prefer seperates, easier for upgrading, a nice preamp power amp combination, you shouldn't have any trouble finding a preamp with the qualifications you are looking for. From there you can pick a power amp and later you can upgrade it.

You also might consider a DBX router or similar item for getting the most out of you tape deck. Also for your rack setup check out Nakamichi's 610 control preamp, it is a preamp designed with taping in mind and should work pretty cool in your rack.

I am working towards biamping my Legacy's, been through several amps on the way, but that is part of it. I am having Echowars rebuild an Adcom 585 to run the mid highs and just bought, yet to receive Hafler pro 500 to drive the low end, it will run them completely till the Adcom gets back, using a GAS Thoebe as the preamp, ecellent phono stage.

Just my thoughts.

Jim

Nakamichin 610







Jim

i'll second Jim's advice for going with separates, for me it was a very rewarding choice. moving from receivers to a dedicated pre and amps was a revelation.

I'm also with Jim on this.
Try to find a very good preamp and a cheap power amp ( to upgrade later on) and that's it. Rock hard.

im with jim 2