simonjchrist Posted September 21, 2020 Share Posted September 21, 2020 Hi there peeps, Newish here and I feel like I am asking "how long is a piece of string?" but I am looking to replace my ageing (but still very operational) Audiolab 8000m (x2 - UK made originals)) power amps. The pre is a MF Nu Vista which I really like and have just had serviced and re-valved and the speakers are Epos M22i. Main source is vinyl and digital streamed via a Leema DAC. Music is almost everything - maybe less classical. So I am really thinking second hand and trying to maintain the same pre-power balance. I quite like how it all sounds. Budget is variable but 2-4k for the right thing that will last (though i cannot help lusting after a pair of NAP135s which are more than that). I tend to keep stuff - my turntable is a heavily modified Planar 3 that I bought in 1990! Anyway - would appreciate any thoughts. Hope you are doing ok in these strange times. Simon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blakey72 Posted September 22, 2020 Share Posted September 22, 2020 Are you wanting to stick with monoblocks or would a stereo power amp be ok? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simonjchrist Posted September 22, 2020 Author Share Posted September 22, 2020 Hi Blakey - don't mind. I like the monos but I was also looking at a Naim NAP250-2 that was on ebay so if it sounds good etc.....thank you. s Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blakey72 Posted September 22, 2020 Share Posted September 22, 2020 9 minutes ago, simonjchrist said: Hi Blakey - don't mind. I like the monos but I was also looking at a Naim NAP250-2 that was on ebay so if it sounds good etc.....thank you. s I'll keep my eye out for you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cafe67 Posted September 22, 2020 Share Posted September 22, 2020 Could you get your existing mono refurbed/serviced/tweaked? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simonjchrist Posted September 22, 2020 Author Share Posted September 22, 2020 Hi Cafe67 (what are they???) Yes that is also something I have been considering and certainly if peeps think its worthwhile. I guess that why I have asked here. Thank you s Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mbz Posted September 22, 2020 Share Posted September 22, 2020 2 hours ago, cafe67 said: Could you get your existing mono refurbed/serviced/tweaked? +1 or are you looking for an upgrade. The unit is from 2005 so a recap should not be necessary, but basic inspection and health check would be worthwhile, eg, checking for stressed componets, bias, dc offset, bench test/distortion,power... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simonjchrist Posted September 22, 2020 Author Share Posted September 22, 2020 Its actually around 1995 - the pre Tag versions. SO they possibly do need a full overhaul. I would be interested in an upgrade I think if it were for a long term - hence the passing interest in some NAP135s. Pretty open to all suggestions at the moment and there seems to be a fiar bit of collected knowledge here. I do like older british hifi (seeing as I came form there originally) Thank you Mike s 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Volunteer sir sanders zingmore Posted September 22, 2020 Volunteer Share Posted September 22, 2020 Not sure if they'd be in your price range but what about something from musical fidelity to match your pre? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LHH Posted September 22, 2020 Share Posted September 22, 2020 I've found Plinius power matches well with an MF pre. I'm not familiar with your speakers though, so cannot comment on that match. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simonjchrist Posted September 22, 2020 Author Share Posted September 22, 2020 2 hours ago, sir sanders zingmore said: Not sure if they'd be in your price range but what about something from musical fidelity to match your pre? Thank you. Yes I had wondered about the x-a200 monos but they don't come up too often. The reviews I have found seem quite good. Plus aesthetically it would be satisfyingly kubrick. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simonjchrist Posted September 22, 2020 Author Share Posted September 22, 2020 2 hours ago, LHH said: I've found Plinius power matches well with an MF pre. I'm not familiar with your speakers though, so cannot comment on that match. Thanks LHH - I really don't know anything about them so that's very helpful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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