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Should I Upgrade from an Edge G8 amp to the Edge NL-12 amp??

I have an Edge system now with an Edge G2 preamp and Edge G8 amp. I like it, it’s detailed & resolving, but just not in love with it. It doesn’t seem to have the punch in the speakers I thought the pair would produce. Maybe it’s cabling or source, or speakers. I was considering a power upgrade to the Edge NL-12 to improve on it. Any thoughts pro or con? Or could I do better going in a different direction. I'm open to all suggestions.

Thanks.


EDIT: This is for a secondary system in a 15x22’ room.

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jond's avatar
jond
5,738 posts
 
Looked up your amp and saw a review by Jason Victor Serinus which had the following conclusion:

In a forthcoming revisit to Wireworld and Harmonic Tech interconnects, I shall address in some detail the influence of cables on sound and overall presentation. What is important to say now is that the Edge G8 is an amp for which choice of cabling is a crucial and decisive factor.

When paired with the right cables, the Edge G8 emerges as a fast, powerful amp with excellent bass control, significant detail, and striking highs. Though not a statement product, it offers an enviable degree of musicality that makes it a definite contender for anyone considering power amplifiers in this price range.

Here is the link to the full review complete with measurements:

http://hometheaterhifi.com/volume_11_3/edge-g8-amplifier-8-2004.html

Without reading the whole thing I would ask what cables you are using as it seems this may be an issue with your particular amp.
jond's avatar
jond
5,738 posts
 
One other thought looking at all 3 speakers you mention the Ariel 5B you say sounds liveliest and its in fact the hardest of your three speakers to drive. Perhaps whats happening here is your amp, which is fairly high current, just needs a more difficult load to sink its teeth into? Perhaps someone more knowledgeable like almarg might see this thread and chime in with greater insight.
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3zub OP
24 posts
 

Agreed.  That's what I thought, that the Aerials were in fact the most difficult to drive, but seemingly sounded the best.  Sealed design perhaps has something to do with that. I don't know for sure.

The cabling in this system is Audience Au24 single ended interconnects (the Edge is not a balanced design) and Crystal Clear Audio Studio Reference speaker cables (still in the breaking-in period with about 50 hours).  Thoughts?

jond's avatar
jond
5,738 posts
 
3zub I got a chance to read the whole review and looks like he was talking about cable matching in terms the system sounding bright not in terms of bass or dynamics so I doubt its a cable issue. Probably more what we were both speaking your speakers being too easy a load for the amps. Also the Ariels while sounding more lively are very small sealed box speakers so bass will be somewhat limited and dynamics as well. Perhaps a larger floorstanding full range speaker would be a more appropriate match for this amp?
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3zub OP
24 posts
 

jond-  Good point, and thank you for the review info.  Each system has its components that it is most synergistic with.  Originally I thought the Forest Totems would be the better speaker choice.  But I'm on the same page thinking perhaps another medium-sized floor stander should be considered. Suggestions welcome.  And, from the original question, would an upgrade to the larger NL-12 amp be of benefit to me?

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