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How much do I have to spend?

Hello all.
i have just purchased a pair of Tannoy XT6F speakers. I'm using an older solid state Rotel power amp. How much will I need to spend for a new power amp that will make a difference? Depth, imaging, soundstage, low end, high end. You know. All the good stuff. I want to stick with solid state. I have an Audible Illusions pre to pair it with. Thanks in advance and happy new year!
Ben

honashagen
honashagen OP
137 posts
 
Thank you. You know what! I shouldn't have to buy a new amp to make the Tannoys sound right. The upper mids are just killing me. 

tomcy6's avatar
tomcy6
2,587 posts
 

honashagen,   I assume that  when you say the upper mids are killing you, you mean that your system is too bright or harsh.  That problem can be caused by any of the components in your system or any combination of them. 

Do you have a friend whose components you can swap into your system one at a time to see if you can find the offending component?  That would be a good thing to do before you start spending money.

I'm surprised that the Primaluna amp isn't working better for you.  It should have no problem driving those speakers.  I would call Kevin Deal at Upscale Audio and discuss it with him.  He's the expert on Primaluna amps and can probably help you out.


honashagen OP
137 posts
 
I have tried many things and have spoken with Kevin. I guess it's just an impedance mismatch problem. The Tannoys have an impedance bump up to near 40 ohms at about 4K. I was hoping break in would help but I have over 200 hours on them and they are only a bit better.

moto_man
362 posts
 
I respectfully disagree that the preamp is responsible for "Everything else, soundstage, imagine, refinement, detail . .. "  I just swapped between my Plinius SA 100 Mk III and my Theta Digital Dreadnaught because the Plinius is going to the spa for an upgrade, and there was a distinct difference in soundstage (both width and depth) tightness of the bass and, to a lesser extent, detail, between what I consider to be two excellent amps.  So, while the importance of a preamp cannot be minimized, it is but one component of several that together give a "sound" that you like.
carmenc
293 posts
 
How did you make out with the Tannoys?  When I had my Precision 6.2s they sounded great with the Creek 50A integrated and matching Creek CD player.  When I "upgraded" to a different amp, I got the upper midrange glare you're referring to.  The Creek duo was smooth with no glare.  Tannoy has used Creek at audio shows the last couple of years.  I nice synergistic match per my experience.  Best and good luck....

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