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
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joshelston
53 posts
 
I recently heard some Focals in DC.  Agree with your asses,ENT about the sound.  I listened to them with a Naim Uniti Star, 70 wpc.  It was lovely and detailed but I prefer a more relaxed sound.  

I have Wyred 4 Sound ST500 mk II.  It is class D which may rub you the wrong way but I have thoroughly enjoyed it.  250 wpc.  They also make a 500 wpc version.  I listen to all kinds of music with it.  Ska, electronic, jazz, acoustic guitar, rock, whatever my 8 & 10 year old daughters want.  I have some KEF LS 50s which can be hard to drive.  No issues.  Way below your price range too boot!  Made in USA.  

If if you want a step up from there they make SX 1000 R monoblocks. TAS editors choice two years in a row if you care about accolades.  Reviews are pretty compelling. 

Finally, if you want to go integrated they make that too.  

Finally, finally, have fun! 
handymann
383 posts
 
I would advise u to get a class"A" bias amp. They run a little hot, but the pay off is great. Think of a dragster on the start line. You rev the motor up to a high RPM, then pop the clutch.  Now think of a car on that same starting line at idle. Thats one difference in a class "A" amp. A class "A" amp amp is always "wide open", vs a class b or class d amp. You can get a used one on this site, at times. You can never have too much power. Most listening is done with lower wattage, but u need that extra high current/high wattage, to reproduce those snare drum cracks and cymbal crashes. Look for an older Krell KMA 160, or something along that line. Those are monoblocks, which u can place close to your speaker and have short speaker cable runs. The caps may need replacing, which can run into high dollars, but if u try them, don't think you'll ever be disappointed. High current and quick response is what you're looking for. 
gochurchgo OP
923 posts
 
New system sourced. Over budget but since I elected to go separates I’ll try to be patient (ha) and pick things up one at a time. Firm game plan: Staying with same brand for amp/pre for synergy.

Schiitt Sys is on its way to stand in for the preamp (figured this will be valuable should I decide to make a preamp upgrade down the line). Power amp ordered. Before end of year I will have a better system than I would ever conceived. Excited.

Researching a decent interconnect to tie the prea and amp together under $150. I want to set it and forget it. After break in, I'll start upgrading cables to "finish off" the system. Then enjoy it without pouring paychecks on it.

In a few weeks the Marantz is going to be listed. Good amp, didn’t work out for me I guess. Live and learn.

I’ll be happy when everything is in its right place. I’d rather buy records than gear.
co93
61 posts
 
For rock, I agree with both Plinius and hegel.   Both will work.  I have a hegel 160 for a system in my workout room and it’s sounds great.  Good base.  I’ve also had a Plinius 9200 that would meet the ill for your price range.   I’ve had a Cary sli-80 and a rogue and the rogue rocks better
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