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Best Amp for my Pipedreams and ML 32

Need your help and advice.

I own the Pipedreams and two preamps, the Mark Levinson 32, and the Linn CD12. I would like to buy the best ss amp for this combination (to be used for the mids and highs since I will use my existing Krell FPB 600 for the lows). My priorities: musicality, midrange magic, imaging, and overall dynamics -- of course, a synergistic match with my existing components would also be ideal. I prefer not to have a tube amp due to maintenance. I would also considering getting a new CD player since my Linn CD12 is old and is probably no longer state of the art (for a CD player, I would consider tube). If money is no object, what would you recommend getting for the amp? any recommendations on the CD player?

thanks in advance.
michauyuen
nsgarch's avatar
nsgarch
2,524 posts
 
For synergy, I'd consider a pair of ML 33H monoblocks (or 33's if you don't think they'd be overkill) and drive them with the ML 32.

The other great SS combo for the PDs (but expensive) would be the darTZeel amp(s) and preamp.
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rauliruegas
13,103 posts
 
Dear Michauyuen: Well, synergy is the " name of the game ". Due that you are bi-amp your system it is important that both amplifiers have similar characteristics not only in their input sensitivity but in their tonal balance, frequency response, slew rate, output impedance, etc., etc., from this point of view the Krell's 700CX or the Evolution will be a great match for the Pipedreams/Krell FPB600/ML32.
Better than that: ( with out the FPB600 ) two 700CX or two Evolution pairs.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
dgad
782 posts
 
Save a ton of money & get a Krell FPB 600 w. an Elrod Power cord.
nsgarch's avatar
nsgarch
2,524 posts
 
I disagree with Raul on this one. Yes synergy is very important, which is why I suggest you stick with Mark Levinson as your main amps and also as they're the preferred amps to match with the terrific 32 preamp.

As for the low end, within rather broad limits, you could use just about any SS amp that has enough power and damping: just about anything with 200W/ch @ 8 ohms, i.e. Bryston, ML, Krell, Parasound, etc, etc, it really doesn't matter.

If you believe Raul is correct about all the amps (in a biamped system) having similar characteristics then the logical conclusion would be to go with all ML amps. In other words, sell the FPB 600 and get a ML for the subs too, but I really think that's unnecessary. The most important synergy is between the preamp and main amps, not between the main amps and the subwoofer amps. As proof, look at all the biamper-s who use tubes on top and ss on the bottom -- synergy? I don't think so.

I didn't know Raul was such a big Krell fan, ha ha ;--)
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tpsonic
1,092 posts
 
Having bi-amped before-in hind sight,both amps should be matched.Soundstage and depth perspective will differ from amp to amp.I'm not sure I would want the Krell on top,but I suppose a quick listen would answer that question.
Pass might be a good direction:X600s/XA-60/100 on top.The pipes don't need tons of power for their towers.
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