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Amp for Acoustic Zen Crescendo 2 ?

Hello all,
I have these speakers for 2 months now and want to move on to a tube amp of 50 - 60 wpc or so, or a SS amp that fits the bill..  My current amp is an Ayre V-5xe.  I'm looking for an amp to sweeten up the top end and has a midrange that does vocals full and articulate, even if that means colored.  The Ayre is a great amp but I think there is a better match out there.  I'll have to save up for used, under $5K.  I'm especially interested with what actual owners would say, as well as their system specifics, but all comments welcome.  Acoustics and speaker placement are fixed and substandard.  That's just the way it goes at our house.
I'm using a steel arm VPI TT with Ortofon Cadenza Bronze, ARC PH-7 and REF 3.  Thanks.

wlutke
wig's avatar
wig
1,270 posts
 
wlutke,

I haven't noticed a real difference in room temperature with the LM running 4-5 hours daily and I live in the desert.

Another piece of equipment that contributed to my sound system is Core Power Technologies Equi-Core 1200 Balanced line conditioner; the best I've heard in my system after owning 5-6 other brands.

Wig
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Hi Wig,
Yes, Balanced AC power for an audio system is an excellent decision.  I have used the BPT 3.5 Signature plus in my system for over 8 years.  All components (including SET  mono blocks) are plugged into it. The improvement it provides is substantial compared with plugged directly into wall (dedicated circuit 20 amps). Wig, your system must just flat out sing!  You've made some wise choices concerning your system. 
Charles 
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Hi wlutke,
You definitely have numerous good options available to you. Very knowledgeable and experienced people have posted on your thread and I respect all of them. My gut feeling is that the LM 508ia will make you as genuinely happy as it has for wig. As much as you love your bottlehead system this would be a step forward and upward in that same direction in my humble opinion. 
Best wishes with whatever option/path you finally choose.
Charles
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,505 posts
 
Charles, for some reason you are narrowing my comments down to a particular brand?  Devialet? Your missing the point it seems even though I have tried to be clear. I suppose this happens often on threads like this. Hard to fully express some things  in such short bursts.  Our frame of reference and perspective is very differet regarding present day audio innovation and most likely on innovation in general. You look back and focus on examples that cause you say " been there, heard that and nothing special here" My perspective is different and no reason to go into it here. 


grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,505 posts
 
wlutke,  You do have many good choices in front of you.  I suggest actually listening to a couple in your system before buying. Some of the amps I mentioned can be tried in your home and kepted or returned. Nice option for sure.

The Lyngdorf is one choice that would bring many changes including selling your preamp, cabling etc... So it would require more changes and may not be the most attractive option to you? I shared several others based on my actual experience with them.  All great options also. 

Your speakers are fantastic and there is a great big world out there of options.  Enjoy the process and your music! 
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