2. amps-preamps
  3. 160516-34411

New speakers but old Rotel Amp

I got the Harbeths 30.2 XDs about a month ago and love them.
I have a PL Evo 300 preamp (an Evo 400 without balanced connectors), have a VPI Prime Signature TT with a Hana ML low output MC cartridge, a Musical Surroundings Phonomena (1st edition) phono stage that will be replaced next year, and my 19 year-old Rotel RB-981 amp.
I'm wondering if I should just get a PL Evo 400 amp, but the dealer I bought the speaker from said I could have done better, and is suggesting a BAT-56 (non SE) or a Rogue, or a Bryston 3B3 amp.
My budget was $5k, but listening to Riders on the Storm my wife heard so many new layers of the music she actually said the speakers were definitely worth the money and was interested in it sounding even better. I didn't tell her the stands were extra. The closest audio dealer is 45 min away and he suggested SimAudio. I was thinking tube amp not solid state.
128x128ctwith3
blackbag20
468 posts
 
Great suggestions here, OP .... You must add Odyssey audio to your list!  
soix
9,584 posts
 
my wife heard so many new layers of the music she actually said the speakers were definitely worth the money and was interested in it sounding even better.
Hot damn!  You married well.  Would be most helpful in making a specific recommendation if you could share what you’d like to improve upon further and what aspects of sound/system performance you value most. 
ctwith3's avatar
ctwith3 OP
71 posts
 
Need better bass- controlled with slam, larger soundstage, and I have heard anything else in a long time to compare it to for a better response to your question.
audioman58's avatar
audioman58
4,177 posts
 
If on a budget great design and build active preamp
the Marantz  KI ruby ,successor is the new Model-30
a power house integrated amp dual mono direct coupled Ncore 500 amplifiers compare with Any $5 k setup , this new integrated $2500 and just sounds like a very good class AB amp, I have owner many systems ,this easily compares with any McIntosh integrated 
as well as Simaudio ,Hegel ,Yamaha,each ones has its own sonic character .I never would say this if not knowing the Marantz pm Ki ruby which this is a 2 year design even with a excellent phono stage.check it out before commenting , it just came out ,look at early reviews. It says 100,200 wpc it true power 170,8 ohms 280 into 4.
soix
9,584 posts
 
For a tube amp I think you’d be thrilled with Don Sachs KT88 amp, and he offers a trial period so you can try at home, which is obviously huge.

For solid state, there’s a McCormack DNA-125 on eBay for about $1k.  Have it sent to SMcAudio for full mods and you’ll have one hell of an amp.  Hope this helps, and best of luck. 
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