How big of a difference do amps make?


There are probably plenty of threads on this subject so dont be frustrated...im looking for those who went from ss to tube amps.
Current system:
Thor TA-1000
Merlin TSM-MMM
H/K Citation 16
cheap cdp
Im looking to upgrade amps to Thor 30's with maybe Marantz 8004 cdp.
Just curious what to expect... Thanks Jayson
mcpherson
Atmasphere: Thanks for the heads-up.

Ironically, I'm currently considering updating my speakers to the new "PX" panel configuration, the "Hot Rod" update and as you mentioned, to the Toroid II "Consummate" backplate update instituted in the last couple of months. It would appear that each by themselves is a worthy upgrade, but taken in total, probably a major improvement to a speaker that after 10-years of ownership, is one that I still find so alluring and enjoyable!

I do appreciate your contributions in this and other forums.
And your amps would be ones that I would love to hear with the Soundlabs.

I been told by more than a few folks that the decision between Atma-Sphere's and the CAT's is an extremely difficult one! In a way, at the time, I'm sorta' glad that I didn't have the wherewithal to make it. Rather than comparing the Parasound Halo's with the CAT's and my Levinson, if my dealer had carried Atma-Sphere’s, I could have been a very confused, and conflicted lad! As it was, the decision was a no brainer -- even one that I could handle (grin)!

BTW, although you may not recall, we did speak in your room at the 2012 RMAF. I asked if you had seen Thom Mackris at the show. I thought Thom living in Colorado, might have made it. He's been to the house 1,000 miles from his home, twice, and he’s one of my favorite folks in this hobby! I'm sorry that I didn't get to see him.
I am considering to get Roksan Kandy KA-1 Stereo Integrated Amplifier for my bose 901. should i go for it.

Amps make a SIGNIFICANT difference. I bought a set of vandersteens recently (1Ciz’s and matching center channel) and had exceeded budget so did not invest in an amplifier upgrade. At home I have a 3 year old Yamaha RXV 385 which is the low end of Yamaha amplifier  offerings at Best Buy! The candy’s sound amazing.even with those.

For example … listening to King Crimson’s  “Court of the Crimson King”  I noticed fir the first time the whisper soft roll on a kettle drum in the intro - that I have never heard before!

But I wanted even better. In another room I have a 6 year old Yamaha RXV-475 which is supposedly a step up from the 385 with more power. Surprisingly the sound quality with the 485 was a significant step down from the 385! It was nit as full - mid range appeared dull and muted and highs were hissy.

So, in my experience, even different model Amps from the same manufacture can make a audible difference.

I have a Jolida 1501 (in need of some repair) that I will try next as soon as I get it fixed, and the fact that even 2 Yamaha mass market amps sound different, makes me feel that the Jolida will be a step up! Can’t wait to hear it! 

 

 

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