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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
 
Hi Mark,
Thank you for the recommendations. Yes, I currently have an Arcam AVR300, 7 channels, 100w per/chan. Two of the channels can be switched to the front mains for bi-amping purposes. With all the other suggestions, I am giving thought to tubes but as many have said, I should really go all the way and get a tube preamp and amp. I can't really afford both at this time. So I the question I'm asking myself is, Tube preamp or a SS amp for the current two front channels. I'm up in the air.

Bruce
jtcf's avatar
jtcf
1,620 posts
 
Go for the tubes!CJ products are excellent as are Quicksilver.You may,as Charels1 says,immigrate over to the dark side and fall in love with what tubes bring to your musical enjoyment.
denon53 OP
66 posts
 
Jtcf, yes, I'm sure CJ tubes are excellant and from what I've seen here on Agon, expensive. My 1,000 budget won't do unless a heck of a sale pops up. I check everyday. I'm also wondering, there is no "amp in" input on my Arcam. I would have to plug the preamp into the cd input which is "stereo direct". Is this going to affect the sound guality of the preamp? Anyone?

Bruce
denon53 OP
66 posts
 
Any thoughts on the Conrad Johnson Classic tube preamp? There is on here on Agon in my price range.
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
Well I didn't mention the CJ Classic in my last post when I mentioned the CJ ET-3, amongst others, because the Classic does not have a HT bypass. However, as I said earlier, you could always use a tape output to use as a HT bypass as well. The CJ should provide you with the warm, smooth sound that you are seeking, IMHO.
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