Which amplifier (integrated) would you recommend for Monitor Audio PL speakers


Hi,

I recently bought a "new" Monitor Audio PL100 speaker set.

I would like to know if anyone can suggest good amps to pair it with?

I currently have a Rotel RA1570 integrated amp, which is powerful enough, but maybe isn’t the best match, as I bought it for my B&W speakers (CM1 S2).

My budget is up to $1400 store price and it needs to have XLR, balanced input.

What I am currently missing compared to my older B&W setup is the depth and 3d. There is an overemphasis on treble and on the bright side.

Setup:
Monitor Audio PL100
Clear Day Double Shotgun with jumpers
Rotel RA1570
Zu Mission XLR
Korg DSD DAC100
Curious USB cables
Macbook Pro
128x128richardhk
I use a Pathos Classic MKIII and enjoy it very much. They are available used in your price range.
Thanks.

Naim not really my taste.

I like more laidback and rich, 3d sound with very deep soundstage.

Sharp imaging.

Which brands or models would be best? (XLR/ balanced)
((((Initially I listened to the PL100s on axis -- with each speaker firing straight at me. Like that, there was too much higher-frequency energy and, depending on the source material, the PL100s edged toward brightness. After that, I tried them far off-axis; however, when I went too far off-axis, the speakers sounded dull. This drastic shift has mostly to do with the ribbon tweeter."

The only caveat comes in the mid range, which can sound somewhat lean in the vocal range, with an overall balance that rises toward the treble. The PL100 will probably sound forward to some, so definitely try before you buy. The PL100 is a top-drawer performer with luxury appeal, and it hides nothing.

...Doug Schneider)))))

Amps wont make a huge difference but will help some.

 with the words above like drastic wider spacing may help but read between the lines.

If adjusting the Rotel"s Bass/ treble doesn't help.

You may well want to listen first the next next time in your home with the speakers

 one of the amps that have zero feedback design may help you play music and has a balanced XLR input the Ayre AX7..

 Metal drivers / Hi Mass tend to be great in the bass but cant move fast enough and end up slow in the Mid band where most of the music is

 and where we are able to hear the best.

If after all fails and you throw in the towels try listening to The Vandersteen Treo CT it works well with most all amps, offers 4 unique drivers time aligned and pistonic/faster to the frequencies they are reproducing which IMO results in a more coherent satisfying listening experience.

 Best,

 JohnnyR


Not sure how you can fix the ribbon tweeter. Ribbons suffer from compression and distortion as you increase SPL. True to form for that style transducer, the ribbon appears to be severely distorting and compressing at modest levels.

http://www.soundstagenetwork.com/measurements/speakers/monitor_audio_pl100/

Worse there is a problem with the woofer. It is breaking up at 2KHz which will be clearly audible as distortion and huge distortion spikes evident on the measurements. Also the woofer is a cheap design that cannot play even modest SPL before significant compression. This speaker will only only sound good at low volumes and will sound dull and harsh when pushed. No amplifier is going to fix it.

Sorry to tell it like it is but how else can I be if any assistance (what point would there be to spend $1400 on an amp when the speaker is your problem) BTW I also don’t like B&W because of their poor design but your previous B&W speakers were much better than the PL-100.

If you can move on then you will be far happier. ATC SCM 19 would be a step up from the B&W if you are looking for a stand mount.