need amp recommendations for more separation of instruments

Review and test of FDA TECHNICS SU-C700 EG-S amplifier

One of the best, if not the best amp I listened to since 30 years, what ever the price !

Four years ago, after acquiring Atma Sphere M-60 amplifiers for my Quad 2912 speakers I have posted the following comment on audioreview site.

"After various solid state and tubes amplifiers (including all Quads, several Jadis and McIntosh etc) M60 amplification is a huge improvement in my system ! My overall impression is: everything sounds MUCH more realistic, there are MUCH more details, there’s no coloration of any kind, voices are so natural, every single sound can be perceived. You can actually mentally concentrate your attention on each instrument or just listen the whole scene in an organic way. In a sense, you can ”see” music both in microscopic details and as a whole picture at the same time. So, the first impression on listening OTL amplifiers is surprising. The sound is different compared to "classic" tube amplifiers, but it is also different compared to solid-state amplifiers. You may need a few minutes to adapt your ears to this new level of perception. M-60 MK 3 reunite the richness of details carracterristic for solid state amplification, and musicality characteristic for tube sound."

I still stand behind those words as M-60 provides exceptionnal instrument separation. Particularly on electrostatic speakers. Recently Atma Sphere has came up with Class D amplfier that sounds surprisingly simmilar to M-60.

So if anyone is looking for better instrument separation, a greater transparancy, more details... I highly recommend to test these exceptionnal Made in USA products. I’m french, we have many fine amplifiers here, but I still have to find any amplifier in any budget that sounds better.

Also, do not neglect the importance of better source. Room treatement may help a lot, but essentialy better electronics are critical for better sound, in my humble opinion. 

I use feet from Herbie’s Audio on the bottom of either speakers or stands. They provide high quality isolation from the floor (I have a horribly resonating suspended floor) but are different than isoacoustics or other products because there are gliding surfaces on the bottom. I can easily glide my big tower speakers around to optimize  room placement. Really incentivizes little moves, and this has made a big difference in several aspects of sound. The comment above about first reflection points proved very important in my system as well. 

I'll be honest, the NAD is not made very well.  I'd sell it and start looking around Indianapolis for a solution.  What?  Yep!  Odyssey.

Check out Klaus' amplifier offerings ... for what you paid for the N10 you could get his top of line Kismet (available in mono or stereo)  You will not only thank me but be awash in the aura of audio resplendency ... well, at least check him out:  

https://odysseyaudio.com/kismet-reference-amplifiers/

@ahuvia 

Take the "flute getting lost" recording to the dealer where you heard your speakers and have them play it on their $100k system.  Listen carefully.  If it is only marginally better then it is the recording.  In that case have the dealer play something similar that he knows has awesome separation.  Borrow or purchase or copy that EXACT recording. Test on your system.

If the dealer system does not sound the same (ie. much better) with your recording or your system doesn't sound better with the "awesome" dealer recording  then follow all the instructions and advice above.  

Regards,

barts