2. amps-preamps
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System assessment--should I change amps?

Hello all. I have been making some changes to my system (primarily the analog side) over the past year or so, after about 10 years without changing anything. System: VPI Scoutmaster TT (SDS, upgraded clamp), Soundsmith Paua cartridge, Transparent Reference Phono MM2 cables, Herron VTPH-2 phono stage, Musical Fidelity TriVista 21 DAC, Musical Fidelity 3.2 CDP, Transparent digital cable and music link Ultra interconnects, Musical Fidelity KW500 integrated amp. (with Transparent modified internal cabling), Transparent Reference MM2 speaker cables, and Wilson Audio Sophias. Also Transparent power conditioner and power cables.
Question: would anyone suggest another integrated amplifier that may be better suited to this system? I have always loved the kw500, but it is 10 years old. I like the sound of my system as it is a lot. I am not the type to change components frequently. And, I am not bent on spending money on a new integrated just for the sake of change. I do want to stick with integrated amps. I would appreciate hearing your thoughts and suggestions. Thanks!
arsh
arsh OP
367 posts
 
Thanks very much, Dave; I will check out the Krell amp. Anyone else with opinions about the KW500 or other integrateds with Wilson speakers?
zd542
5,339 posts
 
Looking at your system, a better option might be to upgrade your digital front end. What you have now is not bad, but it still may be the weakest link in the system. For a new integrated, the new 5 series Ayre would be a good choice if you want to hear that's on your recordings.
arsh OP
367 posts
 
Thanks Zd542. I will investigate the Ayre. I know what you mean about the digital side, but, strangely enough I really enjoy the sound of CDs played through my digital front end. Very musical, lifelike, and never fatiguing. That being said, I do listen to records much more now.
jasonsim
113 posts
 
Depending on what you want to spend, maybe a D'agostino's Momentum Integrated amp:

http://dandagostino.com/products-momentum-integrated.php

Not only is the design wonderful, but it looks very elegant!
sbank's avatar
sbank
3,381 posts
 
Arsh,

3 thoughts for your consideration...

As a former Trivista DAC owner, I can say confidently that as ZD suggests your digital front end can be greatly improved upon at resonable cost. No area in audio has made such strides since the time of your gear. Computer audio, etc is another whole conversation, but a good dac will be a very noticeable improvement and doesn't have to cost you much at all.

Your overall question is tough to answer because you haven't told us what you feel your your rig is lacking or that you prefer in some other that you've heard. In other words, what do you hope an amp change will do sonically?

The pairing of amp and speaker is always critical and the speakers usually have the greatest overall impact on the final result. I have to go against the grain here and ask have you considered upgrading the speakers instead? Depending on what you seek, that might be the best way to get closer to your goal. Your amp will drive many speaker options, and there are plenty that will get you closer to your nirvana than the Sophias, regardless of personal preferences.

Also, your budget would help everyone zero in on more meaningful advice. Sure the Momentum sounded awesome when I heard it, but I don't think at $45k it would make sense to suggest in the context of your system. Cheers,
Spencer
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