When to Amp it Up?


Just wondering what events led others on the forum to upgrade amps?

What was lacking in your set up, or did something new come out to peak your interest? Any and all stories are welcomed, and recommendation always!

My situation is I love my system, but I feel my amplification might be my weakest link. However I’m struggling to find what exactly I’d be looking for in upgrading? I feel my Bi-amped set up really sounds good, but am looking at more up market amps (Parasound JC5 vs McIntosh MC830 mono blocks). Is more power always better, and should your amp ever cost more then your speakers?

Current Amplification

Dual Cambridge Audio Azur 851w set to Bi-amped dual mono (200w/8o, 350w/4o)

Speakers

JBL L-100 Classic 75th Anniversary (4o)

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For me it was finding a tube integrated that paired well with my QLN Prestige 5's I was visiting a friend in Austria that has the QLN P 5's and was driving them with the Audio Hungary Qualiton X200. Later we went and toured the AH plant and I bought an X200 when I got back state side.

Now I have also added a couple of Class D components to the mix also and I am really loving the Bel Canto e.one REF501S with my other BC components.

Class D is almost there my friends to challenge Class A, A/B.

Get in your new room first before making a big change. What stands are the L-100 on ? @sbank gave you great advice - get out and listen, hear a bunch of gear. Don’t settle for reading about wine ( audio, etc… )…when it’s not about ..reading…

Enjoy the journey and the music ;-)

Jim

Remoteless Robot operating remotely 

@tomic601 I have them on 17" custom stands and yeah the new room is most likely gonna be the deciding factor. 100% I'm going to listen to the JC5 MC830's and might even try a 3rd amp (something anything 4-7k) to just add to the comparisons.

great news on stands ;-) a great Hybrid amp to consider would be an Aesthetix Atlas Stereo. Tube front end with mulekicker SS outputs from the great genius of Jim White.

Best to you. 

Jim

It seems the amps you own are comparable to the speakers you own. I'm npt sure the biamping thing is necessary. I think with the amount of money you have invested you might be better off with a great integrated with less cables and fuss. Just an opinion.