2. amps-preamps
  3. 164947-122363

New Amp Choice

I am not sure what is left for a tangible improvement, but I am looking at trying at least one additional amp. I stared with high end receivers, but then bough a McIntosh MA7900 nearly 4 years ago along with Golden Ear Triton Ones. I find the the sound quite good though I had a low end Pioneer receiver once with some surround type Bose speakers, hisses noted, and they had a quality off whipping the sound while moving around me that I really liked. My current system which I described, is much cleaner and detailed, but there was an enveloping aspect that I still miss. Maybe a new amp will not supply any of this as it is a quality of the speaker, but I wondered if a tube amp has such a quality. I may purchase a pair of Bose 301's just to test, but I am still minded to try another higher end amp and to be clear while I likded that aspect of the Bose my current setup is in most regards more pleasing.

The contenders are:

Pass Labs Int-250
Musical Fidelity M8xi
Line Magnetic  LM-845IA   
Line Magnetic LM-845 Premium

The Luxman 509x was of interest, but they gimped the headphone output. 

nick63
reubent
6,976 posts
 
Nick,

When you had the receiver and the "surround type Bose speakers", did you have a pair of stereo speakers, or did you have multi-channel surround speakers, i.e. 5.1 surround? Was it a HT receiver?
jjss49's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
bose + sonos 

for the win!!!  
thecarpathian
4,350 posts
 
Thanks for the response. I will find a forum with hopefully greater input.
Waited a whole 3.5 hours.
jasonbourne52's avatar
jasonbourne52
2,863 posts
 
A two-channel.amp will never give you an "enveloping" effect! I have a Kenwood unit with its own two-channel amp and various front panel settings for "large hall", " night club", "cathedral" ... used with a pair of speakers placed on the sides or rear. A modern version of the old Audio Pulse. I don't use it at present because I prefer my stereo listening unadulterated! But you sure can have some fun with a reverb unit like this! I suggest you buy one like the Kenwood and a small pair of speakers. Then experiment with the room placement to find a setup that you find pleasing! PS. I bought the Kenwood at my local Goodwill - $15!
russ69's avatar
russ69
3,501 posts
 
Nick,

A good soundstage is produced by good loudspeakers and proper placement. I'm guessing your placement is the limiting factor at the moment. 
More to discover