2. amps-preamps
  3. 134836-96791

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
gochurchgo OP
923 posts
 
That means those speakers don't challenge that amp very much. I'd start looking at placement and room issues. A nicer amp isn't going to hurt your sound, but I'm not seeing an amp related technical problem here.


I have no idea how else to set the room up. I give up.
Post removed 
gochurchgo OP
923 posts
 
Try moving each one in 8 inches.


I’ve moved them from about touching to 30" from the front wall in 2" steps. I’ve moved them closer together. Further apart. On a different wall.

The closer to the front wall the more boomy the bass gets but while there is more midbass its woody and muddy sounding.

I literally cannot think of a place shy of the bathroom where they haven’t been. I mean that seriously.
Post removed 
gochurchgo OP
923 posts
 
Ha! Guess that base is well covered! Maybe a different amp is what you need. Not necessarily more power though.


I was thinking that an amp that doubled its wattage at 4 ohms having more current vs more wattage.

I went to my local Focal dealer and the only word that dude new was "McIntosh". Zero help

Clearly buying a speaker everyone says is very good but no one seems to have was a mistake.
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