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Upgrade speaker cables OR amp for Dynaudio C4's?

I have approx. $1500 to play with. Not sure if I will get more bang for my buck by upgrading my amp (Plinius SA-102, class A 125 WPC) , or my speaker cables (Harmonic Technology Pro 9's)

The rest of my system consists of:
- Speakers: Dynaudio C4's
- Preamp: Aesthetix Calypso with NOS tubes
- Source: Audio Aero Capitol MK 1 CDP

Amps being considered:
- Pass X250.5
- Moscode 401
- Parasound JC-1's

Speaker cables being considered:
- Kimber KS-3033
- Stealth Hybrid MLT

I'm happy with my Plinius amp... I just wonder if I'm missing something by not feeding my Dyn's with more power. I listen at moderate levels... mostly classical, jazz, female vocals, acoustic rock.
128x128pdreher
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
Did you check with Plinius before the decision on bridged monoblocks?

Many manufacturers do not recommend running their monoblocks bridged with loads under 8 ohms.

Dynaudio rates their speakers at 4 ohms but some are closer to 3.

I'd be very careful.

Dealer disclaimer.
dave_b's avatar
dave_b
3,159 posts
 
Generally speaking, I have heard that bridging an amp tends to diminish the quality of the sound as well:O)
pdreher's avatar
pdreher OP
1,212 posts
 
Bill & Dave - Audiogoner Jadem6, owner of Jade Cables reviewed and still uses this combo with his Dunlavy IV/a's with good success. Jade & I also both use the Aesthetix Calypso.

The C4's are rated @ 4 ohms nominal / 3.3 ohms minimum / 88dB.

The Plinius SA-102 owners manual states that bridging them as monoblocks will "provide and extremely high performance option". The manual goes on to state that care should be taken when matching speakers... "the total average impedance for each chanel should in a range between 4 & 8 ohms" . So hopefully I'll be okay ???

If I'm wrong and it does not work out, at least I have two amps with good resale value.
missioncoonery
1,223 posts
 
Pdreher ,,sell your Plinius..Take that money along with the cash you have to spend on the second amp and get a gently used X250.5 and be done with it..far better amp with Dyns.You will actually spend less money w/ less effort
pdreher's avatar
pdreher OP
1,212 posts
 
Doug - I hopeful the 4 ohm load of the C4's won't be a problem for the bridged SA-102's (as suggested in the earlier posts from Audiofeil & Dave b). However, if bridged SA-102's don't cut the mustard with my C4's, your suggestion of the Pass 250.5 will be a serious consideration.

My second Plinius SA-102 should arrive by the end of next week, so I'll report back on my findings.
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