2. amps-preamps
  3. 1068678162

looking for a warm ss amp....

for my paradigm studio 40s. i hate a bright treblely sound! i currently use signal cables and a denon 3802 reciever. i have had many people tell me to go with bryston or anthem, but both have been out of my price range so far. which of these have a warmer sound? how would rotel or b&K amps sound with my speakers? they seem to cost much less. since i can only buy used, i really do not have the opportunity to audition the different amps. i will continue to use the denon as my pre-amp.
128x128fishcall
aball
2,016 posts
 
I would have to suggest McIntosh amps if you like warm tube sound and own Paradigm speakers. I had a Krell KSA100 and it is not warm compared to my delightful little MC7100. Paired with Paradigm Reference 100.2, my McIntosh has proven the perfect synergistic match. I bet it would be the same case with Studio 40s. Good luck! Arthur
rcprince
3,070 posts
 
Good grief, you've gotten a lot of suggestions. One more to add from the used market would be the Meitner STR 55 stereo amp or MTR 101 monos, very rich, tube-like amps without any of that treble that you so dislike. They can likely be updated by John Wright to state-of-the-art performance if you need, but sound great as-is. And they look great, small units in either mahogany or rosewood cases.
joysjane's avatar
joysjane
165 posts
 
Sim Audio's Moon line. I tamed my farely bright Legacy Focus with the Moon amp. Great match for these speakers. Bryston is know for a brighter top end! I tried the 7BST's in my system and found them too bright for the Focus. If your system is bright now I'd strongly suggest staying away from the bryston line. Not sure what your budget is but the Sim Audio W-3 can be had for around $1000-$1400 used. There's a Sim Audio W 4070 on ebay for sale @ $525 right now. Not familiar with the Celeste line of components but the review was good... if you go by reviews and not your own ears. If you have the ability to audition amps in your system before you buy I strongly suggest you go that route. Reason being is that your ears may perceive bright from one amp that another may find, the same amp, to be fine.
reb1208
518 posts
 
Audio Research 150.2- digital switching amp.
nighthawk
259 posts
 
Fishcall, despite what others say, I think you're on the right track. I don't know about your 3802, but in my 5800 the power amp is the bright-sounding part. The preamp and DAC are pretty neutral. By adding a warm sounding power amp to your preamp outs you may achieve exactly what you want. Try some Audience AU24 ICs to connect them. This IC is superbly neutral throughout the bass and mids and rolls of the treble a little. Cardas cables also work well in this situation.

Whatever you do, don't buy Bryston. You'll be worse off than you are now.
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