Given what you listen to, I would be tempted to part from solid state completely. That said, I believe you will get more bang for your buck, for making a departure from your current sound, by changing the amp. I love the Audio Research sound but the Pass, in my opinion, adds more musicality. That said, the best set up for "jazz" that I have ever heard was an Audio Research VS-55, a SP-11, a VPI Scoutmaster and some JBL L-150a's. It is like you can hear the smoke in the air from an old jazz club, hear the fingers on the instruments and the music flows effortlessly through the air. Tubes create, again in my opinion, the best reproduction of the music. That said, Pass is darn good. Any chance you can sample some amps with your current set up, perhaps through some friends or a really nice hi-fi store? The final test is your ears and your ears alone.
Where to spend my money...
Over the years I've mostly purchased great used gear that works within my budget....and with much success.
I'd like some input on where to next invest my money for the most sonic improvement...a new turntable and stylus upgrade vs a new power amp.
I'm interested in pre-owned VPI tables and Pass Labs amps....particularly VPI Primes over the last say ten years....and something close to the current Pass Labs X-150.8.
I currently enjoy Wilson Sophia speakers (version one)...a VPI Scout Junior TT with a Dynavector cartridge....Audio Research solid state 100.1 power amp and LS-16 Pre-amp.
I listened mostly to vinyl (jazz and classical)...but also have the Cambridge CXN V2 streamer with Qobux as my source. I realize any Pass Labs amp will stretch my budget but I'd like to get some input. I could see spending $2200.-$2700 on a new TT...and for the amp maybe $4000.00 to $5000.00 eventually...Just can't do both at the same time...
Any thoughts are appreciated.
Greg
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- 12 posts total
- 12 posts total