2. amps-preamps
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Amp upgrade for Revel M20 speakers

For the past several months, I've been slowly upgrading my two channel system. Prior to that, I hadn't touched it in over 20 years. For all those years, it was: Denon DCD1520 CD player, Nak SR4A receiver, Spica TC-50 speakers. Today, with latest upgrade of speakers to Revel M20s, the system comprises: Arcam DV-137 (transport for CD, SACD playback), PS Audio Digital Link 3 DAC, Audible Illusions L1 pre, B&K Ref 2220 amp driving the M20s.

I'm pretty happy with everything at this point. At least I think I can finally stop the hunt for the right speakers - at least for a while. BUT....I can't help but think I can do better with my amplification than the B&K. The B&K is very nice but I think the M20s deserve just a little bit better.

There are two aspects of the current system's performance that I am looking to improve with a change in amplification: 1) wider, deeper soundstage and 2) more dynamic transients (I believe the B&K is a bit sluggish though not bad at all)

I have two options that I'm considering and am looking for input from people having experience with the M20s (or very similar). The two options are: 1) change out the B&K for another power amp (budget would be about $800 for used amp), 2) swap out the AI pre and B&K amp for a high quality integrated (budget would be about $1,200 for used integrated).

As far as amps to replace the B&K only, I really am looking for suggestions for something that would mate well with both the AI pre and the M20s and provide a significant improvement in performance.

Integrateds that I've looked into include: Creek Destiny, Nait Naim 5i-2, and Simaudio i-1. Any opinions on these or others in my price range that would give me the performance enhancements I'm looking for would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

Jon
jblack16
zd542
5,339 posts
 
I had the Naim. I know some people like it, but I thought it was an overrated pile of junk. The Creek would be my first choice. I had a 5350 and I heard the Destiny at length driving a pair of Magnepan 12's. It was able to drive those, so the Revel's shouldn't be a problem. The Sim should be OK as well, but I would go with the Creek.

As far as amps go, that may make sense if you can find the right one. You have a pretty good preamp, so I would definately consider it.
oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,859 posts
 
I drive my M106 Revels with a McCormack DNA 125... they can be found relatively cheap and it's been a great amp. I should note that I recently upgraded my pre, DAC, and speakers. The McCormack is the only component left from my upgrade five years ago. It's a great amp and I think I would have to spend considerably more to better it. I was going to replace it but I bought a NAD M51 DAC which was well worth it and a huge step up in terms of my source component.
ejlif's avatar
ejlif
1,375 posts
 
The destiny had great bass with the M20s just a little looser than the sim. I would have to play it loud I mean not ear splitting but loud anything louder and you'd have to shout to hear someone talking over the music. The destiny is a very magical amp that I think flies under the radar of hifi it sounds very good with most any speaker I've tried it with including dynaudio and Von schweikert. I've seem them sell as low as 1000 here on audiogon. That is a very big slice of hifi for that price and it gets you into the realm of what the expensive gear does. The sim is great too but costs a lot more and to my ear misses just a bit of the daily magic you get with the destiny. Side by side the sim is a little more spectacular but for long term enjoyment and value I think the destiny wins. I still have the destiny and have since sold the sim.
jblack16 OP
10 posts
 
Thanks again for the replies.

If I went with either the Creek Destiny integrated or the McCormack DNA 125 (with the AI L1 pre), is it fair to say that I would likely experience a noticeable step up in performance as compared to my current setup (AI L1 pre into B&K Ref 2220)?
zd542
5,339 posts
 
"If I went with either the Creek Destiny integrated or the McCormack DNA 125 (with the AI L1 pre), is it fair to say that I would likely experience a noticeable step up in performance as compared to my current setup (AI L1 pre into B&K Ref 2220)?"

Keep in mind that your opinion is the only one that really matters here, but I would guess that you would notice a big difference either way. The only thing I would caution you on is the DNA-125. I had one myself. I found the highs to be a bit on the bright/harsh side of things. It wasn't terrible, or anything, just something to consider since your speakers have a metal tweeter. To be fair, I'm very picky in that area. Also, my system is more revealing and that plays a part, as well. The midrange, though is excellent. Its an excellent example of what a well designed, bipolar amp should sound like.
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