Pre-amp limiting factor?

Posted by: Ian.B on 15 December 2000

Current system:

Rega Planet
32-5/Hi-Cap/250
Royd Minstrels

The 32-5 is standard i.e. no 72 filters etc. The 250 was recently re-capped.

How far is it worth upgrading the source since I don't plan to upgrade the amp (except maybe the 72 filters option)any further?

I have been advised the pre-amp is the limiting factor and that it is not worth going beyond the CD3.5/5 level unless I upgrade to 102 or 82.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Posted on: 15 December 2000 by Joe Petrik

Ian,

Your 32.5, Hi-Cap, 250 combo is solid amplification, so it'll reveal the shortcomings of your Planet only too well.

I used to run an LP12, Lingo, Ekos, Klyde into exactly the same amplification. As you can tell, I'm a source-firster, so I think your amp is more than good enough to reveal the best source you can buy. If you go with Naim, that means a CDS-II.

The balance guys might be more inclined to say that you're OK up to a CD5 or CDX, but after that you should consider a better preamp like the 102 or 82.

But I think both camps would advise you to get a better CD player as the first step.

Joe

P.S. Even if you stick with your Planet for now, it's worth getting the updated boards for the 32.5 as a low-cost upgrade.

Posted on: 15 December 2000 by Paul B

Ian:

I agree with Joe. Improve your source first.

Paul

Posted on: 15 December 2000 by Vik

I heard the Planet for a bit against the NAT-03. I was surprised that a tuner could outperform a CD player. Not that the Planet was bad. I hope that in some back-handed way this helps.

Also, I feel that a CD2 would make an excellent choice.

Posted on: 15 December 2000 by Ian.B

the 03 as I'm looking at adding a tuner also. I guess the sonic differences between say the Rega Radio/03/02 are of the same magnitude as Planet/cd3.5/cd2.

Cheers
Ian