Integrated Amplifier for Monitor Audio Silver S2 Speakers

Hi Al,
Very good suggestions from you that are cost free and simple to do. His speakers seem capable of reasonable detail with a better quality amplifier.  Note Djengan's description of the sound when the Accuphase replaced the NAD. Definitely more detail/better sound quality   extracted.  So  it appears that these speakers have potential that's exploited with the use of a superior power amplifier. 

+1 Mb 1 audio, oh so true regarding price/performance. 
Charles 

I just noticed from reading one of your other posts that you have an Oppo 103. If you're willing to conduct a simple experiment, I think you'll find the results worth while. If you look on the back of your NAD, you'll see that the amp and preamp sections are jumped externally. This means that you can use it just as an amp or just as a preamp, and not have the signal pass through the component you're not using. Remove the jumpers and run a pair of interconnects from the analog output on your Oppo to the amp in of your NAD. Use the volume control on the Oppo. 

The reason for this, is that preamps make a much bigger difference then most people realize. If you go direct, you shouldn't have any problem hearing a difference. Most likely the change will be good. There's too many variables to say exactly how much of a difference it will make, but its absolutely worth a try. The results you get may give you some insight on how to proceed.

I'm assuming all of your equipment is broken in, and you've tried some different placement options for your speakers. Also, I'm familiar with both your amp and speakers. You should be getting some good sound. Ultimately, they may not be to your taste, bit I think you should do as much as possible to make sure there really is a problem.

When you have an issue, or get frustrated, its very easy to pull your best components off the rack and get rid of them, thinking you've fixed the problem. 

++Viridian. Spend more on amplification. Information lost cannot be regenerated by even the most expensive speakers. 

There is a used Redgum integrated from Canada for $999, 120 watt/ch. It is an incredible value and should better either Exposure or Naim, though I cannot be sure. I use the same amp with $5k analog source and generally it holds its own. Current new price is close to $3k. I will replace it only with something like Pass Int-60 or even better Gryphon. Or some high end tube amp.