2. amps-preamps
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Looking for amp advice (punk, rock & reggae edition)

My current amp isn’t doing it for me. Marantz pm6005 which is class D @45 wpc. Speakers are Focal Chorus 807V. It’s very detailed but a little clinical, my biggest gripe is a lack of midbass. According to Stereophile the impedance curve dives to 4 ohm between 100 and 200 hz which is where I think I the problem lies. All indications are that more power is needed to corrrct this which seems plausible as the more volume I give it the more it fills in in that range. The problem is that apartment living doesn’t allow 100db listening sessions.

So, I’m looking for an amplifier (separates or integrated) that has the current needed to round out the sound. The speakers are staying for many more years so replacing them isn’t a viable option, plus I love the sound.

Im interested in going tube but I have no experience with tubes. I have so many questions regarding tubes it could probably be it’s own thread but it seems to me that people love these more than SS on the whole. I’m open to any suggestions though.

My budget is $2500 (used ok but prefer new)

I listen to punk, post punk, lots of reggae (specifically dub), some electronic, a little jazz and some jangle pop (think REM).

Im looking for a warm side of neutral sound with good detail that can keep its composure with fast music yet be gentle enough for jazz. I like bass, if there’s an 808 or that dubby bass guitar, I want to hear it. These speakers do a nice job when the signal is right.

My analog front end is a PDC with a 2M Blue through a Lounge LCR MKIII. All interconnects are AQ Evergreen.

Thanks
gochurchgo
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz
13,381 posts
 
You are welcome gochurchgo.
btw the Focal Chorus 807v are excellent speakers that punch WELL above their pricepoint imho.
I was still using mine with 12k of electronics behind it and still did not feel they were embarrassed but I came across a pair of Wilson Witt at a very good price which are what I am using now.
The Focals should last you for many years with some good clean power to drive them
Good luck!
chrshanl37
841 posts
 
I’ll pitch in here and 3rd the Hegel suggestion. My musical taste are similar to the OP’s and the Hegel can deliver in spades. I have also owned a Vincent sv 237. For the going prices on the used market the H160 is a real bargain.
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
13,156 posts
 
i have heard the Hegel but with Revel F206
friends system
looking to displace a very heavily modified / upgraded EICO tube front end....
not sure i would call Hegel tubelike...
but it is quite good 

maybe just half a spitball this time...
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz
13,381 posts
 
With the insanely low prices H160 are selling for right now I am almost tempted to buy another one just because!
I mean there is one on ebay right now at 1400........
dorkwad
548 posts
 
gochurchgo,

I have a pair of Nuforce Ref 9 V3 SE mono amps that now have the awesome TDSS Level 3 upgrades in it. Paid $1400 for the pair originally used and the Level 3 is out of your budget. But Bob Smith at TDSS does offer a Level 1 upgrade for $1000 for the pair that improves the sound of the already very fine Ref 9’s to a new level. Read the testimonials about the TDSS mods. 100% of the owners have raved about the improved sound. The Ref 9’s already have great drive in the bass with a touch of the sound of tubes in the mids. The highs have great detail without ever becoming harsh. The TDSS mods make them even greater. I’ve heard my Level 3 upgrades in 5 different systems with speakers such as VMPS RM40’s, Sonus Faber Futuras, a Bill Dion suped up pair of Tekton Double Impacts, and 2 different speakers that Bob Smith at TDSS made that are very dynamic and detailed. In all these different speakers and systems, the Ref 9’s with TDSS upgrades were spectacular in all ways towards recreating the sound of live music, BUT...with no listener fatigue. The bass in all were incredible--deep, with great definition and power. To stop listening is the one MAJOR problem. It’s hard to do--you know, one more cut, just one more. The Ref 9’s are 175 watts /ch. prior to the mods and they increase in power depending on which upgrade you get.
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