2. amps-preamps
  3. 1050865212

Yoiks, I'm amplifier confused.

A tax refund and wife allows an upgrade - can fudge around $2500. Thinking about an amplifier upgrade. My current system:

Rogue 99 pre
Bryston 3BST
Arcam 9 CDP
B&W N803
Harmonic Truth Link and Pro 9 connections
Synergistic Tech power all around.

Primarily listen to classical and jazz. The options are confusing and I've kinda identified some candidates:

Tube:
Rogue 120 Monos
Rogue 88 stereo
VTL ST 85
VTL ST 150

SS:
Pass 150.5
CJ 2500A

This will be a sight unheard purchase since I can't, in all conscience, go to the local shops and research or perform home audition. And I've really only chosen the candidates from reputation - unfamiliar with the CJ, PASS and VTL lines.
The cheaper options (Rogue 88/VTL ST85) could also allow a CDP upgrade. Any thoughts?

Thanks
ltkije
audiomax
166 posts
 
Your source electronics are very nice but the mismatch lies in the 3B-ST and BW speakers (personal experience). The 3B-ST is one hell of an amp but not with B&W speakers. How about go with a more power Rogue amp if you like the 99 sound so far? Or upgrade your speakers?
ltkije's avatar
ltkije OP
37 posts
 
Thanks all for the feed-back. Knew I could count on Team A'gon. I'm leaning toward a tube solution. While the 3BST is a fine amplifier I expect to smooth out the edges with some experimentation. Maybe a cheaper option so I can experiment without a serious investment or resale issues. But that Cary suggestion is really intriguing...

Thanks again all of you.
cellorover
429 posts
 
Since you have edged toward tubes, the new CJ MV 60 SE should be on the top of your list. It is a new version of the Premier 11, for all practical purposes. I was using a MV 60 and then used the MF 2500A for two weeks. The 2500A is as smooth, clean, quite, dynamic and musical as you could want. It was too much power for me, so I went over the the MF 2250A. It is a shade less revealing than the 2500A. It is better than the MV 60. But the MV 60 SE may be the best of all three. I will have mine upgraded. It is a tad more than your $2500, but you can buy a used MV 60 and get it upgraded for about $300 and still have a few dollars left for cables, CDs, another upgrade or even an evening out with your wife who made all this possible.
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