Original post here: https://www.reddit.com/r/audiophile/s/ONe58i5sdO
So it’s been a week, and after reflecting on the comments in my previous post, I have bought a used Peachtree Nova 150 to replace the vintage H/K separates that had started acting up.
It arrived today, and I’m very happy with the update. I’ll be getting the vintage stuff fixed up, and may consider selling some of it.
Immediate impression is that the H/K were introducing a noticeable amount of noise into the signal chain, particularly with the turntable as the source. I imagine a proper servicing would address this, but I’ve had a hard time even getting a response from the local techs I’ve contacted, and vinyl season is officially upon us here in the upper Midwest.
Thanks to all who commented for your perspectives!
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HK has a house sound of which I’m not a fan. I had an HK2400 amp and a Citation 25 pre. The amp wasn’t terribly impressive and the preamp just sucked. Both were purchased new.
The fact that the turntable sounds noticeably cleaner indicates that either the preamp was super old and in need of an overhaul or sucked in the first place. Or both. It won’t be returning to the system any time soon.
I would consider the vintage refurb if I was confident I could handle all the electronic complexity myself. Or at least have schematic and a bit of an idea of how I’d verify voltages and test it.
unless you’re really attached to it, ditch the 17 preamp. if you want a h/k pre find a citation 11 in good condition.
get the citation 16 restored. it’s a clean-sounding beast and absolutely worth it. you have the peachtree now so there’s no rush to get it fixed immediately.