2. amps-preamps
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What Power Amplifier Should I Buy?

I am looking to increase my system power. I currently am using a Bryston 2.5B cubed, which is specified at 135 Watts/CH. I am using Revel f208 speakers crossed over at 120 Hz to a 15" HSU sub. The f208 speakers have 88.5 dB sensitivity (Amir measured 88-89dB SPL at 1W into 8 ohms). I sit about 7.5 feet away from the speakers and listen up to 92 dB SPL, but mostly stay between 80-90 dB SPL at my listenin g location.

I have not had power issues. I've never seen a clipping light. I just want more oomph. I've never had a power amp with more power than the 2.5B cubed.

My budget is about $5K. I have been looking at some used 4b cubed amps.

My preamp is a vintage ML No. 38s. Digital from Bryston BDP-3/BDA-3 combo. Analog using Koetsu RS and Shelter 901 cartridges into an SUT (20x) followed by a very vintage Paragon System E used as a phono preamp (I have fully repaired this preamp, particularly the power supply).

I like the sound of the 2.5B cubed. I had a Cary 120 tube amp for some time, but grew tired of the heat and the continuous maintenance, including the insane prices for tubes. I did not experince that great "tube sound" that others rave about. I sold the Cary and went back to the 2.5B cubed.

Will the 4B cubed disappoint?

What other amps should I consifder, new or used?

Thanks for your help!

 

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erik_squires
16,242 posts
 

It's a shame you don't have measurements.  Also, putting an EQ just in the path of your sub is a very good idea. 

You may be suffering peaks that need to be clipped that would let you raise the sub level. 

For an amp with Oomph I like Luxmans, which have amazing bass extension but this may not help you much with a sub and high pass filters.

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kevemaher OP
98 posts
 

@erik_squires 

Moving the EQ to the sub path is a good idea. I do however, make adjustments to frequencies higher than the 120 Hz I now use as XO.

What kind of measurements are you referring to?

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kevemaher OP
98 posts
 

@lynn_olson 

I agree that another sub would help.

I'm confused by your statement about power requirements. Did you mean to say that any amp over 100 W will push the drivers into compression (does this mean non-linear?).  Therefore any amp over 100 W is not recommended for speakers that have the sensitivity that the Revel f208 does.

erik_squires
16,242 posts
 

OP:
 

Measuring your speakers at your listening room could really help understand what oomph you are missing.

erik_squires
16,242 posts
 

Also, of course, having a room that is too reflective acts as a tone control, making the speakers sound brighter and short of enough bass.

In these cases some damping around the room can really help the bass bloom, in addition to improving imaging and clarity.

A good test for this is to get close to your speakers.  Do they suddenly sound much better, with a better bass to mid and treble balance?  Then it's your room.

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