need amp recommendations for more separation of instruments


I've noticed that if I play music that only has a few instruments playing at the same time it generally sounds great, but, if it's got a lot of instruments playing different parts at the same time it all mushes together and you can't hear the individual instruments clearly. My current rig is a NAD M10 and Focal Aria 948s. At a store, I heard 948s paired with a front end costing about $100,000 and that system did not have this problem, at least it not to my ears. That tells me that with really good electronics this problem can be greatly reduced and that the problem is more with my electronics than it is with my speakers. But $100k is out of my budget. My questions are:

  1. Are there some classes or types of amplification that are notably better at getting separation between instruments in complex music?

2.  Are there some brands that are notably better at getting separation between instruments in complex music?

3.   How much would I need to spend to get something that solves this specific problem notably better than my NAD M10?

4. How much would I need to spend to get something that's a really good solution, where I probably wouldn't notice the problem unless I went out of my way to listen for it? (I know, this differs between people, but I'm still interested in your opinion).

Thanks,

ahuvia

and/or if your floors are bare, or your windows have no drapes, consider drapes and an area rug.

Don’t forget to factor in the recording itself. Try to find a reference album or song that you know the recording itself is top notch then you’ll have something to reference as you make changes/adjustments to your system. Good luck! 

Lotta great information in this chat with regard to placement room treatment, etc. but I definitely agree with the gentleman that talked about doing separates and for true holographic sound. I just don’t think anything beats newer tube amplifiers. I’m not a fan of vintage gear in terms of practicality, but newer Conrad Johnson, Pre Amp like an ET5  you can get used for around four grand and a good VTLS200 (under $5k often) or a good newer classic 62 SE Conrad Johnson amp and can’t compare to SS gear at all much richer better soundstage with better separation and timbre etc…:Best To You ..:..enjoy!