2. amps-preamps
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Warm, Smooth yet Transparent Amp

Hello All,
I am currently running an Arcam AVR300 for movies and music, 60/40 respectively. The music portion just isn't happening. Everything works but I'm not getting that "involved/pull you in" kind of feeling. I have gone through several pairs of speakers, Proac tablette 50, Triangle Titus 202, Von Schweikert VR1s and currently Vandersteen 1C. Since this is a wide array of speakers, I've come to the conclusion it must be the amplification.

So now I'm thinking of adding a 2 channel amp running out of the front channels "out". I don't like harsh, shrill highs, but rather a fuller, sweet sounding, yet transparent. Is this possible without spending several thousands of dollars? I am trying to keep it under 1200.00 so used but quality is what I'm hoping for. If Possible. I know that all of you knowledgeable people would have an answer.

I'm also running an Oppo 83 blu ray/cd. Dish K722 receiver for TV. Listen to FM, CDs and MP3 through the Oppo. I'm looking for all the things I have read about on these forums over the years. Good Imaging, transparency, involving. I've read good things about Conrad Johnson MF2250 (affordable used) and I just missed out on one on Ebay, earlier today. Now I'm just frustrated I guess.

Please assist if you can. Oh, I like folk rock, rock, certain new age kind of music. Examples, Dave Matthews, Eric Clapton, Sarah McLaughlin, and everything in between, *chuckle*. Any and All suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Bruce
denon53
denon53 OP
66 posts
 
John, Charles,
I think you're both correct with your conclusions. Either I go strictly 2 channel for music or Charles suggestion of using a tube preamp. Since music is more critical of components. I'm not sure I have the cash for a different preamp and amp. I do have several pairs of speakers, LOL so that is not a concern. John are you also suggesting tubes?

Charles, How would I hook a tube preamp to my AVR300 receiver and keep both music and movie audio? Now I have to check to see if the Arcam has inputs to the amp section only. :)

Wtf, I have checked out Odyssey here on agon, haven't found a Stratos as yet. But I'm keeping it in mind. Simao, I didn't know LSA made amps, I thought they only made speakers. thanks for the tip.
zd542
5,339 posts
 
I know your speakers very well. You need to make sure that you have them positioned properly. That includes setting the back tilt. Once you do that, try backing off the highs a little. (.5 to 1 db). That should help some, but you still may need to get a preamp. Tube or SS is OK. Just focus on getting the best one you can afford.
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
12-11-13: Denon53
John are you also suggesting tubes?

Well I have always found tubes to be more musically satisfying. You may want to look for a tube preamp that has a HT Bypass or Passthrough feature. This makes it easier to hook up a two channel preamp to a AVR so that you can use your stereo speakers as your fronts in a 5.1 setup.
denon53 OP
66 posts
 
Zd542, I have the 1Cs at the proper tilt for my listening position. I downloaded the instructions from Vandersteen's website a while back and I have also turned down the highs as well. They do sound better now than before.

I've always wondered about tubes but was also kind of apprehensive about going in the direction. Maybe now is the time. John, I know relatively nothing about tubes or brands. Can you suggest a decent tube preamp with the HT bypass?

Thank you both for your suggestions.

Bruce
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
12-11-13: Denon53
John, I know relatively nothing about tubes or brands. Can you suggest a decent tube preamp with the HT bypass?

Well you didn't give me a price range, so I'll just assume the $1200 that you were trying to stick to for the amp. I believe any BAT preamp has the flexibility to make any input into a Throughput. Cary has the SLP-03 and SLP-2002 which both have a Cinema Bypass. Conrad Johnson ET-3 and Audio Research SP16L also has a Theater loop. That's just from looking through the tube preamps for sale currently. Go ahead, don't be shy, take a look for yourself. The Cary, CJ and BAT will give you more of the warm, smooth sound, and the ARC will be more transparent and revealing. Happy hunting.
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